The Nigerian entertainment industry is in mourning following the death of veteran actor, filmmaker, and academic Dr. Kola Oyewo, who passed away on Friday at the age of 80.
News of his death was confirmed by a colleague actor, Kunle Afod, via an emotional Instagram tribute, describing the late thespian as having “taken his final bow” and celebrating his lasting influence on Nigerian theater and film.
While an official cause of death has yet to be released, Oyewo had previously spoken about his struggles with prostate enlargement, a condition he revealed during a visit from Afod in April 2026 that had increasingly limited his ability to take on physically demanding roles in his later years.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Oyewo’s journey into the performing arts began in 1964 when he joined the famed Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. From there, he steadily built a reputation as one of the most formidable names in Yoruba theater, with his portrayal of Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame standing out as a defining moment that brought him recognition across the African continent.
Audiences will also remember him for his roles in landmark productions such as Saworoide, Sango, and Koseegbe, as well as his appearances in the long-running Super Story television series, which helped define an era of Nigerian storytelling.
Beyond the stage and camera, Oyewo was a dedicated academic. He held a doctorate in drama from the University of Ibadan and lectured at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University, where he mentored countless students who went on to become actors, playwrights, and scholars in their own right.
Tributes continue to pour in from across the industry as colleagues, students, and fans reflect on a career that helped shape modern Nigerian theater and cinema. Though his passing marks the close of a remarkable chapter, those who knew him say his body of work will remain a touchstone for generations of artists to come.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Dr. Kola Oyewo’s death at 80 closes the chapter on a towering figure whose six-decade career bridged Nigeria’s stage, screen, and classrooms alike from his breakout in The Gods Are Not to Blame to his iconic role in Saworoide.
Beyond entertainment, his work as a scholar and mentor shaped generations of theater professionals, leaving a legacy that will continue to influence Nigerian arts and education for years to come.
