Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, dramatist, filmmaker, and scholar, Dr. Kola Oyewo.
His son, Dr. Wale Oyewo, confirmed the development on Friday evening, disclosing that the respected thespian passed away about two hours earlier at the age of 80.
The death of Oyewo marks the end of an extraordinary career that spanned over six decades and left a lasting impact on Yoruba theatre, Nollywood, academia, and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting journey in 1964 with the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, where he honed his craft and established himself as one of the leading figures in Nigerian performing arts.
He gained national and international recognition for his iconic portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s acclaimed play, The Gods Are Not to Blame, a performance that further cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s finest stage actors.
Beyond theatre, Oyewo featured in several landmark productions, including Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe, Super Story, and numerous Yoruba-language films that contributed significantly to the development and growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
A respected academic and cultural scholar, Oyewo obtained a doctorate degree in Drama from the University of Ibadan and dedicated part of his life to teaching and mentoring young talents. He lectured at institutions including Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University.
Through his artistic excellence, scholarship, and commitment to cultural preservation, Dr. Kola Oyewo inspired generations of actors, playwrights, and researchers, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape Nigeria’s creative landscape.
His passing is widely regarded as a major loss to the Nigerian arts community and the wider cultural world.
