Veteran Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar, Dr Kola Oyewo, has passed away at the age of 80 years.
The death of the veteran actor was disclosed on Instagram on Friday by actor Kunle Afod, who paid tribute to the late actor for his contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry.
He wrote: “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.
“Rest well, sir. Your work lives on.
“🕊️ It’s a wrap.”
Though the legendary thespian died of an undisclosed illness as of the time of this report, Print Media Online reports that the 80-year-old actor, in April 2026, opened up about his battle with prostate enlargement, explaining how the condition affected his acting career and kept him away from the screen.
The 80-year-old made this known during a visit by actor Kunle Afod to his residence, where he spoke about his health challenges and reduced presence in movies.
According to Oyewo, the illness limited the kinds of roles he could take on, forcing him to step back from more demanding performances.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. He later became one of the most recognised figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian film.
He was widely known for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s play, “The Gods Are Not to Blame,” a role that earned him recognition across the African theatre scene.
During a career that spanned more than six decades, Oyewo featured in several productions, including “Saworoide,” “Sango,” “Koseegbe,” “Super Story” and many Yoruba-language films that contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry.
Beyond acting, Oyewo was also an academic. He earned a doctorate degree in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University.
Through his teaching and mentorship, he helped train and guide generations of actors, playwrights and scholars, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s theatre, film and academic communities.
