Veteran Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar, Dr. Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80.
His death was announced on Friday by fellow actor Kunle Afod, who shared the news in a post on Instagram.
Afod paid tribute to the late thespian, describing him as a remarkable talent whose contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry would never be forgotten.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo enjoyed a distinguished career that spanned more than six decades.
He began his professional acting journey in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and later became one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and Nollywood.
Widely celebrated for his performances in acclaimed productions such as The Gods Are Not to Blame, Sango, Saworoide, Koseegbe and Efunsetan Aniwura, Oyewo earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest stage and screen actors.
Beyond acting, he made significant contributions to academia.
He obtained degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ibadan and went on to lecture in theatre arts, mentoring generations of students and practitioners in the performing arts.
Oyewo’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans and cultural stakeholders who have described him as a towering figure in Nigerian theatre and film.
His legacy as an actor, scholar and custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage is expected to endure for generations.


























