On Kunle Afod, Kola Oyewo, and danger of lazy assumptions, by Aiyepola Abayomi

by · The Eagle Online

As kids growing up in Yoruba households, our weekends and holidays were shaped by the voices and faces that glowed from the television screen.

Veterans like Baba Wande, Baba Oyin Adejobi, Baba Kola Oyewo, and Baba Lere Paimo weren’t just actors; they were storytellers, moral compasses, and the pillars of our cultural imagination. They made our childhood eventful, and as we grew into adulthood, that reverence only deepened.

Most of us, at some point, nursed a quiet hope; to one day bless these thespians for the joy they gave us. For a long time, that remained just a wish.

Then social media came, and that wish found a channel. Today, Kunle Afod is doing a remarkable job of supporting and caring for these veterans. But his advocacy is built on two distinct parts, both tied to his visits.

For some veterans, he goes to see how they are doing, to reintroduce them to a new generation and remind old fans of their greatness.

For others, he shows their situation and uses the medium to ask for support. This is a clear and honourable distinction.

I had to write this because common sense is gradually fading from new media. Context and assimilation matter so much. That you are on social media does not mean you should be useless in thinking.

Last year, if I am not mistaken, Afod visited Baba Fatomilola, who informed him that legendary Baba Dr. Kola Oyewo had been sick for a while and that since their houses were close, they should go pay him a visit. When they got there, the party was well received, and Dr. Oyewo was surprised.

As a form of advocacy and to explain why he had been off the radar, Baba Oyewo spoke about his health challenges with prostate enlargement. He thanked and appreciated his children who had been supporting him, as well as the funds kept from his foray as an actor and as a university lecturer. He explicitly asked Kunle not to solicit funds for his treatment, stating that his children and his investments were more than enough .

At no point did the man beg.

But his fans, in pure appreciation for his craft, sent donations to honour him. They kept doing this until three weeks to his death. Now, fast forward to the period of his passing. His youngest son, Oluwatobiloba, posted a tribute on X. In the comments, a mindless and stupid response came from someone who stated that when Dr. Oyewo was soliciting for funds and moving around with a catheter, the son didn’t post him.

Like a true son of his father, well educated and with a knack for words, the son corrected the misguided writer. He stated that his father at no point solicited funds to treat himself. His investments and the children took care of it.

The question must be asked; Is the writer of that insensitive post dumb and incapable of watching an interview fully, or was he simply being mischievous?

This brings me to a larger misunderstanding. Is it that when fans send money through Kunle to actors and veterans, it automatically means they are suffering or in need?

It is so obvious that this assumption is wrong. This was why Baba Wande asked Afod, when he wanted to give the money fans sent, if he solicited the money. Kunle Afod told him it was his fans appreciating him. Baba Wande had to tell Afod that he is doing well and his children are taking care of him. He said he does not need alms, but if it is a gift, then thanks to the fans .

There is a significant difference between a gift and a handout. One is an exchange of dignity and honour; the other is an exchange of pity and need.

Globally, fans appreciate their heroes with gifts. In Japan, fans built small shrines for actors they loved. In America, fans send luxury cars and cheques. The difference is that in those climes, giving cash is often seen as transactional or rude, so they give houses and cars.

In Nigeria, given our economic reality and the specific needs of the elderly (medical bills, maintenance), cash is often the most feasible and practical form of appreciation. It is not an insult; it is an acknowledgment of our environment.

However, I must address the elephant in the room. Part of the confusion stems from a recent trend that has rightfully irritated the public: the rise of “TikTok begging.”

In recent times, fans have been left shocked as some Nollywood actors have taken to TikTok Live not to promote new films, but to tap phones and plead for digital gifts . Veteran faces once gracing our screens are now spotted holding phones, reading out account numbers, and praying for fans who send money.

This practice has rightly drawn criticism because it blurs the line between fan appreciation and self-induced destitution. It is this context that makes the ignorant comment about Baba Oyewo so infuriating. It lazily lumped a man of honor and pride into the category of a “beggar” on social media.

We must separate the cases. We must learn to watch an interview fully before commenting. At a time when a family is mourning its patriarch, one “weyrey” still carries his madness onto the timeline. It is a pity.

Thank God Baba Oyewo had worthy sons whose friends on social media have been appreciating for the great care they gave their dad.

Let us not allow the foolishness of a few to discourage Kunle Afod or make veterans’ children object to the beautiful concept of appreciation. Let the gifts continue. Not because anyone is suffering, but because excellence deserves to be celebrated.

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