Chief Hubert Adedeji Ogunde (1916–1990) was a Nigerian playwright, actor, musician, filmmaker and theatre manager. He is widely regarded as the father of modern Nigerian theatre, particularly the Yoruba travelling-theatre tradition.

Born on 10 July 1916 in Ososa, present-day Ogun State, Ogunde worked as a teacher and later a police officer before devoting himself to theatre. His successful 1944 production The Garden of Eden and the Throne of God helped launch his professional theatrical career.

In 1945, he established what became Nigeria’s first contemporary professional theatrical company. His productions combined Yoruba music, dance, folklore and drama with commentary on colonialism, politics and social problems. Among his notable works was Yoruba Ronu (1964), whose political content led to his theatre company being banned in Nigeria’s Western Region for a period.

Ogunde later moved into filmmaking, producing influential Yoruba-language films including Aiye (1979), Jaiyesimi, Aropin N’Tenia, and Ayanmo. His work helped establish a bridge between Yoruba travelling theatre and the Nigerian film industry that developed afterward.

He died on 4 April 1990 in London, leaving an enormous influence on Nigerian theatre, music and cinema.