Veteran Nollywood actor, dramatist and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo has died at the age of 80, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than six decades in Nigerian theatre, film and academia.
News of his death was announced on Friday by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, and later confirmed by actor Kunle Afod in a tribute shared on social media.
Afod described the late actor as a giant of the industry.
“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.”
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group before becoming one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian film.
He was widely known for playing Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play, The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that earned him recognition across Africa.
He also appeared in acclaimed productions including Sango, Saworoide, Koseegbe and Efunsetan Aniwura.
Beyond acting, Oyewo built a distinguished academic career.
He studied at Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ibadan, later teaching theatre arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University.
Tributes poured in shortly after news of his death emerged.
Rep. Akin Alabi described him as “a true icon of Nigerian theatre and cinema” whose performances in Saworoide, The Gods Are Not to Blame, Sango and other classics left a lasting mark on Nigerian culture.
Just months before his death, President Bola Tinubu had described Oyewo as “a national treasure” and “a distinguished cultural icon whose enduring contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s theatre, film, and cultural productions have left an indelible mark on generations of artistes and scholars.”
Oyewo is remembered as one of the leading figures in the development of modern Yoruba theatre and Nigerian performing arts.
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