Photo: Dr Kola Oyewo
By: Daniel Kanu
Veteran Nigerian actor, dramatist, filmmaker, and academic, Dr. Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80, bringing to a close a distinguished career that spanned more than six decades in the country’s theatre and film industry.
The death of the respected thespian was announced on Friday by fellow actor and filmmaker, Kunle Afod, through a tribute shared on his official Instagram page.
Mourning the late actor, Afod described Oyewo as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian theatre and cinema whose contributions helped shape generations of performers and storytellers.
“Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow,” Afod wrote. “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. Rest well, sir. Your work lives on.”
Dr. Oyewo, who celebrated his 80th birthday in March 2026, began his acting career in 1964 with the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, one of the pioneering travelling theatre troupes that laid the foundation for modern Yoruba theatre and Nollywood.
He rose to national and international prominence through his memorable portrayal of Odewale in the classic play, The Gods Are Not to Blame, written by celebrated playwright Ola Rotimi.
His interpretation of the lead character remains one of the most acclaimed performances in African theatre history.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Oyewo featured in several acclaimed stage productions, television dramas and films, including Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe and the popular television series Super Story.
Beyond the stage and screen, Oyewo made significant contributions to academia.
He lectured and mentored students at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University, helping to nurture a new generation of theatre practitioners, actors and scholars.
Colleagues, former students and admirers have continued to pay tribute to the late actor, describing him as a dedicated professional, cultural ambassador and teacher whose passion for the performing arts remained unwavering throughout his lifetime.
His death marks another significant loss to Nigeria’s creative industry, where he was widely respected for his artistry, discipline and commitment to preserving indigenous theatre traditions.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the entertainment and academic communities, Dr. Kola Oyewo will be remembered as one of the towering figures of Nigerian theatre whose enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors, filmmakers and scholars.
