Veteran Nollywood Actor, Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Professor Kola Oyewo. He was 80 years old. The legendary thespian passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by his colleague in the movie industry, Kunle Afod, as well as a separate announcement by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo. The family, in a statement signed by Adewale Oyewo, described the deceased as a man who lived “a life of purpose, faith, dedication, and service.”

Announcing the passing on social media, Kunle Afod described the late actor as a legend whose remarkable talent and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry would continue to inspire future generations. “Tonight, we lost a true legend. 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,” Afod wrote.

Born Gabriel Adekola Akangbe Oyewo on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his professional acting career in 1964 with the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His first role was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, Oyin Adejobi’s autobiography. He spent nine years with the group, honing his craft and learning the ropes of the travelling theatre tradition that dominated Yoruba entertainment at the time. He later transitioned to the University of Ife Theatre, where he collaborated with the late dramatist Chief Ola Rotimi. It was there that his career would take a defining turn.

Oyewo gained widespread recognition across the African theatre scene for his powerful portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s renowned play, The Gods Are Not to Blame. The performance remains one of the defining interpretations in African theatre history and established him as a respected figure across the continent’s dramatic landscape. This role elevated him beyond the boundaries of Yoruba theatre and placed him among the pantheon of Nigerian acting greats.

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Over a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo featured in numerous acclaimed productions. He was best known to television audiences for his role in the classic film Saworoide, where he delivered a memorable performance. His other notable works include Sango, the epic tale of the Yoruba deity of thunder; Koseegbe; Super Story, the popular television drama series; Efunsetan Aniwura; O Le Ku; Yemoja; Omo University; Ayomi; Ewon Laafin; and Oba Bi Olorun. At a time when the Nigerian film industry was evolving from traditional travelling theatre to modern Nollywood, Oyewo stood as one of the bridge figures who carried the richness of indigenous storytelling into a new era. He successfully navigated both the Yoruba-language film sector and mainstream Nigerian cinema.

In addition to his extensive career in Yoruba theatre and mainstream Nigerian cinema, Oyewo was a distinguished scholar. He attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) , where he obtained certificates in dramatic arts and Yoruba oral literature. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from OAU in 1995. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Master of Arts and a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Drama. This academic journey transformed him from a practitioner into a scholar who could both perform and teach the theory behind the art. He served as a senior lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University from 1996 until his retirement in September 2011. After retiring from OAU, he joined Redeemer’s University, where he served as head of the Department of Dramatic Arts. He subsequently worked at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as a lecturer in performing arts. Through decades of teaching, research, and mentorship, he helped shape generations of actors, playwrights, scholars, and cultural practitioners. His work as a lecturer and mentor may represent his most enduring impact – the students he trained and the cultural knowledge he helped preserve.

In April 2026, just two months before his death, Oyewo had publicly revealed his struggle with prostate enlargement. He disclosed that the condition had slowed him down and limited the roles he could take in films and stage productions. Speaking candidly about his health at the time, he said: “Before now, I could be here and there and play any role, but the sickness laid me back. I can’t play some roles anymore. Except for some minor roles. Well, thank God I am okay now. You can’t go through some kind of sickness and go back to how you’ve been before, but I thank God.” His openness about his health struggles was characteristic of a man who believed in transparency and used his platform to encourage older adults to take their health seriously.

Earlier this year, as Oyewo celebrated his 80th birthday in March 2026, President Bola Tinubu described him as a “national treasure” and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian storytelling. The President emphasized Oyewo’s long-standing influence on academia, theater, and film, stating that generations of performing arts practitioners and scholars have been impacted by the veteran actor’s work. The presidential recognition underscored the high regard in which Oyewo was held, not just within the entertainment industry, but at the highest levels of the Nigerian state.

Oyewo’s passing underscores the gradual departure of a generation that laid the foundations for modern Nollywood. Before streaming platforms, social media promotion, and blockbuster premieres, there were theatre practitioners like him who travelled, performed, taught, and documented Nigerian stories with unwavering dedication. Their work created the cultural ecosystem upon which today’s industry stands. What distinguished Kola Oyewo was not celebrity, but longevity and intellectual depth. Few performers successfully navigated traditional theatre, film, television, and academia while maintaining relevance across generations. He did so with quiet authority and a deep respect for craft. His career became a living archive of Nigerian performance history. The curtain has fallen on one of Nigeria’s most respected theatre icons, but his voice will continue to echo through classrooms, stages, and screens for years to come. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Further details regarding his funeral arrangements and official memorial services are expected to be announced by the family and university authorities in the coming days.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80