July 28 is a day of remembrance for many lovers of Nigerian television as they celebrate the life of the late veteran actor, producer and director Dejumo Lewis, whose unforgettable portrayal of Kabiyesi in The Village Headmaster made him one of the country’s most respected screen legends.
Born on July 28, 1943, Lewis spent decades entertaining audiences through television and film, becoming a familiar face during the golden era of Nigerian broadcasting. His commanding yet calm performance as the traditional ruler of Oja village earned him admiration across generations and cemented his place in the history of Nigerian television.
Although he passed away on December 23, 2023, at the age of 80, his legacy continues to live on through the timeless productions he helped create and the memorable characters he brought to life. On what would have been his birthday, many Nigerians are once again reflecting on the remarkable life and career of a man whose influence stretched far beyond the screen.
From Lagos to Nigerian Television
Dejumo Lewis was born on July 28, 1943, in Lagos State, then part of the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
He began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1960s and gradually established himself as more than just an actor. Over the years, he worked as a producer, director, dramatist and filmmaker, contributing to the growth of television production in Nigeria during a period when local programming was still finding its identity.
Away from acting, Lewis also built a successful career within the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where he served in various production roles before becoming the Manager of Programmes at NTA Ibadan. He remained in the position until his retirement in 1999, earning respect for both his creative and administrative contributions to broadcasting.
The Role That Made Him a Household Name
For many Nigerians, the name Dejumo Lewis immediately brings one character to mind—Kabiyesi, the respected traditional ruler of Oja village in The Village Headmaster.
Produced by the Nigerian Television Authority, The Village Headmaster aired from 1968 to 1988, making it Nigeria’s longest-running television soap opera. The series became one of the country’s most influential television productions, using stories from the fictional Oja community to address social issues, culture, leadership, family values and national development.
The programme featured celebrated actors including Justus Esiri and Femi Robinson, but Lewis’ portrayal of Kabiyesi stood out as one of its defining performances.
As the Oloja of Oja village, he brought dignity, wisdom and authority to the role. His calm delivery, thoughtful judgments and commanding presence made Kabiyesi one of the most recognisable characters in Nigerian television history.
Long after the programme ended in 1988, many Nigerians continued to identify Lewis simply as “Kabiyesi”, which was a testament to how deeply the character resonated with audiences.
Beyond Kabiyesi: A Career That Spanned Generations
While The Village Headmaster remained his signature work, Dejumo Lewis’ career extended well beyond the famous television drama.
He successfully bridged Nigeria’s early television era and modern Nollywood, appearing in several acclaimed productions that introduced him to newer audiences.
Among his notable films were Agogo Eèwò, produced and directed by Tunde Kelani, which also featured renowned playwright and novelist Akinwunmi Ishola.
He also appeared in A Place in the Stars, a film that explored corruption and the counterfeit drug trade, as well as Crossroads and Power of One, further demonstrating his ability to remain relevant across different eras of Nigerian filmmaking.
Whether on television or in film, Lewis became known for bringing depth, discipline and authenticity to every role he played.
The Return of The Village Headmaster
One of the most memorable moments in Lewis’ later career came in 2022, when The Village Headmaster returned to television after a 34-year hiatus.
The revival was made possible through a partnership between the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Wale Adenuga Productions, with support from Globacom. The new series premiered on April 24, 2022, airing on NTA Network, AIT Network and wapTV.
For longtime fans, the biggest highlight was seeing Dejumo Lewis return to reprise his legendary role as Kabiyesi.
His presence instantly reconnected the reboot with the original series, offering viewers a sense of continuity while introducing one of Nigerian television’s most iconic characters to a new generation.
The revival also reunited some familiar faces, including Ibidun Allison, while welcoming newer actors and entertainers into the cast, creating a bridge between the pioneers of Nigerian television and today’s Nollywood stars.
His Final Curtain
On December 23, 2023, the Nigerian entertainment industry was thrown into mourning following the news of Dejumo Lewis’ death.
He was 80 years old.
The news was confirmed by veteran actor Saidi Balogun, whose announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and admirers across the country.
Although his passing was widely reported, the cause of his death was never publicly disclosed, as neither his family nor representatives released details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
His passing marked the end of an era for many Nigerians who had grown up watching him on television and admired the grace with which he carried one of the country’s most memorable characters.
A Legacy That Lives Beyond the Screen
Few actors become so closely associated with a single role that their character’s name becomes part of their identity. For Dejumo Lewis, Kabiyesi was more than a television role, it became a cultural symbol.
His performance helped shape one of Nigeria’s most important television dramas, while his work behind the scenes contributed to the growth of broadcasting during its formative years.
From The Village Headmaster to Nollywood films, Lewis demonstrated that longevity in the entertainment industry is built not only on talent but also on consistency, professionalism and dedication to storytelling.
Even decades after the original series ended, his portrayal of Kabiyesi remained a reference point whenever conversations turned to the pioneers of Nigerian television.
Conclusion
As Nigerians mark what would have been Dejumo Lewis’ 83rd birthday on July 28, the occasion serves as more than a remembrance of an accomplished actor. It is also a celebration of a man whose work helped define an important chapter in the country’s television history.
Though he is no longer here to celebrate another birthday, the stories he told, the characters he portrayed and the legacy he built continue to inspire audiences old and new.
For many viewers, every memory of The Village Headmaster is also a reminder of the quiet authority, dignity and unforgettable presence that Dejumo Lewis brought to the screen—a legacy that remains firmly etched in Nigeria’s cultural history.
