Veteran Nollywood actor, dramatist and academic, Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80, bringing to an end a distinguished career that spanned more than six decades in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.
His death was announced on Friday by fellow actor Kunle Afod in a tribute shared on Instagram.
Afod described the late actor as an icon whose contributions to the entertainment industry would remain unforgettable.
“Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” he wrote.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and went on to establish himself as one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that earned him recognition across the African theatre landscape.
Throughout his illustrious career, Oyewo featured in several notable productions, including Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe and Super Story, among numerous Yoruba-language films that helped shape the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry.
Beyond his achievements on stage and screen, Oyewo made significant contributions to academia. He obtained a doctorate degree in Drama from University of Ibadan and lectured at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer's University and Elizade University.
Through decades of teaching, mentorship and scholarship, he nurtured generations of actors, playwrights and theatre scholars, leaving an enduring legacy in Nigeria’s creative and academic sectors.
His death has sparked tributes from colleagues, students and admirers who have described him as a cultural icon and one of the pillars of contemporary Nigerian theatre.
0 Comments