Veteran Nigerian actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar Kola Oyewo has died at the age of 80.
According to TheCable Lifestyle, news of his death was announced on Friday by fellow actor Kunle Afod in an Instagram post, where he paid tribute to the late theatre icon.
Afod described Oyewo as a legend whose contributions to Nigeria’s theatre and film industries would continue to inspire future generations.
The actor’s death came just months after he publicly spoke about his battle with an enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. In an interview in April, Oyewo revealed that the condition had reduced his ability to take on demanding acting roles, although he expressed gratitude that his health had improved.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. He later became 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 performance that earned recognition across Africa’s theatre community.
During a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo featured in productions such as Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe and Super Story, alongside numerous Yoruba-language films.
Beyond the screen and stage, Oyewo was an accomplished academic. He earned a doctorate in Drama from University of Ibadan and lectured at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University.
Through his work as an educator and mentor, he helped shape generations of actors, playwrights and scholars, leaving a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s theatre, film and academic communities.
