Veteran Nollywood actor and scholar, Dr Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80.
Announcing his death on Instagram this Friday, June 12, 2026, actor Kunle Afod 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.”
Afod had visited him a few months ago, and the veteran shared his challenges with him.
Kola Oyewo, who gave six decades of his career to the movie industry, was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State.
He began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and later became one of the most recognised figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian film.
Kola Oyewo 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.
He had a career that spanned more than six decades, featuring in several productions, including “Saworoide,” “Sango,” “Koseegbe,” “Super Story”, and several films that contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry.
Kola Oyewo was also an academic; he earned a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University.
He will be sorely missed, as he had impacted many lives by teaching and training generations of actors, playwrights, and scholars, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s theatre, film, and academic communities.
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