Ropo Ewenla

EARLY LIFE

Ropo Ewenla was raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, primarily between the Iyaganku and Apata areas. He has described growing up in Ibadan as enjoyable and has expressed a deep attachment to the city, noting that he feels most at home and at peace there compared to other places (including periods spent in Lagos). He studied at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and was active in student leadership (including serving as Chairman of the Student Union Caretaker Committee). He later obtained a Master’s degree in Literature in English from the University of Ibadan. During his university years he began acting on stage.

CAREER

Ropo Ewenla is a versatile Nigerian actor, filmmaker, voice-over artist, writer, and media administrator with experience across stage, screen, and institutional media work in Nigeria and other African countries (including Ghana, Benin Republic, and South Africa). Stage and early work: He began acting on stage while at university and has continued theatre involvement, including production work with the Ibadan Playhouse (staging plays regularly in Ibadan and Lagos). He has collaborated with notable figures such as Tunde Kelani, Tunji Azeez, Ben Tomoloju, and Wole Soyinka. Screen career: He gained wider recognition for his role as Olusegun “Pa” Kuti / Jeje Amoo in the popular Showmax telenovela Wura (2023–present, extensive episodes). Other notable credits include: Citation (2020) as Dr. Grillo Cordelia (2021) as Officer (also Location Manager) Anikulapo (2022) as Asohun Oba (and the sequel Anikulapo – Rise of the Spectre) Inside Life (2022) as Judge Over the Bridge (2023/2025) as Ayorode Forbidden Love (2023) The Man Died (2024) Egbeji (2024 short) in the title role Ekun Iyawo (2024) Additional recent shorts and projects such as Eleda Ayanmo (2025) He has received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Media and institutional roles: He has served as Deputy Director (or Deputy Media Director) of the University of Ibadan Media Centre. He is a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and has held the position of Secretary General of PEN Nigeria (the writers’ organisation). He is also a media entrepreneur and administrator with cross-border experience in the entertainment sector.

PERSONAL LIFE

Ropo Ewenla keeps his personal and family life private. He is based in Ibadan and remains closely connected to the city’s cultural and intellectual life. He has been involved in political and cultural activism and has held leadership roles in literary and student organisations.

Ropo Ewenla is recognised as a multi-faceted creative and intellectual figure who bridges acting, writing, media administration, and cultural activism. He continues to work across stage and screen while contributing to literary and student/alumni networks. His career reflects a blend of artistic performance, institutional leadership, and advocacy for thoughtful African storytelling and public discourse.