Chief Peter Oladele Fatomilola is a well-known Yoruba actor and custodian of Yoruba culture. He was born on January 16th, 1946 in Ifisin-Ekiti, in the Ido-Osi Local Government area of Ekiti State, Nigeria. His father, Chief Abraham Ojo Fatomilola, was an Ifa Chief Priest, also known as the Oluwo, which likely influenced Peter’s herbalist roles in Nigerian films.
He hails from Isare-Oge in Kwara State and joined the Olokun Theatre group in 1967, led by Professor Ola Rotimi at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He is currently a faculty member at Obafemi Awolowo University, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1978.
Fatomilola has portrayed various roles in movies, including herbalist and Ifa priest, which he stated reflect his true identity. He has also acted as a lawyer, policeman, prison warder, and prisoner in films. Fatomilola is known for his lead role in the comedy film, Papa Ajasco, and has appeared in notable Nigerian films such as Sango in 1997. He has frequently played the role of a priest in Yoruba movies.
Olumodu Cultural Studio was founded by Peter Fatomilola. People come to the studio to study Ifa, theatre, and other cultural heritages. The studio focuses on Yoruba oral literature and traditional medicine in Yoruba land. At 15 years old, Peter was a practising herbalist and registered with other herbalists in Ife. He has a certificate from Agboniregun and is known for his knowledge of herbs and the Yoruba tradition.
EARLY LIFE
Peter Fatomilola was the only child of his mother. Fatomilola’s father, Chief Abraham Ojo Fatomilola, was the Olu Awo of his town. As a result of his background, Fatomilola’s Nollywood roles have been influenced by his experiences. Additionally, Fatomilola is an Ifa Priest and herbalist, and he has been able to interpret the ‘Odu Ifa’ since the age of 9. By the age of 18, he had already mastered Ifa and herbs.
EDUCATION
Fatomilola received his education at Ife City Commercial College in Ile-Ife. He expressed a strong interest in Ifa, almost to the point of neglecting formal education. However, his mother’s determination helped him complete his studies. Currently, Fatomilola holds the title of Olu Awo of Ifishin Ekiti. His passion for reading began when attending church with his mother.
During his secondary school days, he met Ola Rotimi and became a pioneer member of the Ife City Dramatic Society. He played the lead role in the drama, Oro Ikoko. After finishing secondary school, he joined Prof. Ola Rotimi in 1967. The Professor advised him to study Drama at the University.
The Dramatic Society underwent changes and is now known as the Obafemi Awolowo University Travelling Theatre. The actor’s mother initially disapproved of his decision to pursue acting, but upon realizing his involvement in a reputable theatre, she prayed for his success and supported his dream.
She witnessed his successful career as a theatre practitioner and passed away in December 2014.
CAREER
Peter Fatomilola credits his introduction to drama to the Ose Ife festival, where Ifa priests would often sing, dance, and play instruments at his father’s house.
Fatomilola became a member of the Olokun Theatre group in 1967, where he received guidance from the late Professor Ola Rotimi, a well-known dramatist and playwright at Obafemi Awolowo University. Additionally, he gained knowledge of Yoruba oral literature from Professor Wande Abimbola. The actor obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1978, and was also a member of the academic staff there.
Fatomilola played the character of Papa Ajasco in the comedy movie produced by Wale Adenuga. Additionally, he acted in the 1997 epic African film, Sango, which was produced by Obafemi Lasode and scripted by Wale Ogunyemi.
Fatomilola has provided mentorship to individuals such as Dr. Ahmed Yerima, who currently serves as the Artistic Director of the National Troupe, Yemi Shodimu, Olumide Bakare, and Becky, who now coordinates the production set of Wale Adenuga, among others. He was granted the title of Amuludun of the Source by Kabiyesi Okunade Sijuwade in Ile Ife. Fatomilola is a retired individual who left Obafemi Awolowo University in 2006 and has since been engaged in farming but also continues to act in movies when requested.
MOVIES
The actor’s filmography includes over 100 movies, such as Living in Bondage (1992), Sango (1997), Saworoide (1999), Osuofia in London (2003), Arugba (2008), Maami (2011), Omo Elemosho (2013), and Ilu (2017).
Peter once said in an interview that he would never live in Lagos because he doesn’t believe it’s a good place to raise children with morals. Despite its potential to make money, he wouldn’t find satisfaction there. Fatomilola, who has lived in Ife for over 40 years, stopped acting in Papa Ajasco because it was filmed in Lagos and too far away from Ife. He did, however, play the role of Papa Ajasco in Binta My Daughter.
FAMILY
Chief Peter Oladele Fatomilola is a man with three wives, one of whom is known for selling local herbs and concoctions at a market in Obafemi Awolowo University. He has 11 children, all of whom have followed in his footsteps and pursued acting. Chief Fatomilola holds several chieftaincy titles in Yorubaland, including Oluwo (Chief Ifa Priest) in his hometown of Ifisin-Ekiti and Amuludun in Ile-Ife. He credits Ola Rotimi, Professor Wole Soyinka (whom he trained for 10 years), and Professor Wande Abimbola (under whom he learned Yoruba oral literature) as his major influences.
HOBBIES
Fatomilola stated his enjoyment of drinking and his extensive knowledge of Nigerian beers, but emphasizes responsible consumption. The actor previously appeared on the Gulder Ultimate Search 2 in Jos.
RELIGION
Fatomilola practices multiple religions, including Christianity, Ifa, and Islam. He believes that all religions worship the same deity in varying ways, and he participates in Ifa rituals, attends church, and prays in Arabic.
LEGACY
Fatomilola stated his intention to leave behind a legacy of professionalism in his work and prayer practices.
References: Newswirengr, Punch Newspaper, Naija Times and Wikipedia
Source: DAWN Commission
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