Nollywood Mourns as Veteran Actor, Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80
The Nigerian creative and academic communities have been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, filmmaker, and renowned scholar, Dr. Kola Oyewo, who passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 80. His demise was confirmed by his family and fellow entertainers, coming just a few months after he celebrated his milestone 80th birthday in March. Fellow actor Kunle Afod broke the news via a solemn social media tribute, describing Oyewo as a true legend who has taken his final bow after a long battle with illness. His death marks the end of an era for an iconic figure who seamlessly bridged traditional travelling theatre, modern cinema, and rigorous academia.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Dr. Oyewo’s artistic journey was profoundly intertwined with the foundational history of Nigerian theatre. He began his professional acting career over six decades ago, in 1964, by joining the famous Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. After nine years of honing his craft with the travelling troupe, he transitioned to the University of Ife Theatre. It was there that he worked closely with the legendary dramatist and scholar, Chief Ola Rotimi, earning timeless continental acclaim for his iconic, powerhouse portrayal of “Odewale” in the stage classic The Gods Are Not to Blame.
Beyond his unforgettable stage and screen presence, Oyewo was a towering intellectual force who achieved the rare feat of scaling the highest peaks of academia while remaining an active performer. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1995 before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he successfully obtained both a Master’s degree and a PhD in Drama. In 1996, he joined the faculty at OAU, rising through the ranks to become a Senior Lecturer before his retirement in 2011. He subsequently continued to mentor subsequent generations of performers, serving as the Head of Department for Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University and lecturing at Elizade University.
Dr. Oyewo’s extensive filmography reads like a checklist of cultural masterpieces that defined the golden eras of both Yoruba cinema and mainstream Nollywood. He delivered masterclass performances in Mainframe opuses such as Tunde Kelani’s Saworoide, Koseegbe, and O Le Ku, as well as historic epics like Sango and Efunsetan Aniwura. Younger audiences also revere him for his memorable roles in the foundational episodes of Wale Adenuga’s hit television anthology, Super Story. Tributes have continued to pour in from across the globe, with actors, directors, and former students praising his exceptional personal discipline, professional humility, and lifetime advocacy for the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.