Veteran Nollywood actor and academic, Dr. Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80.
His death was announced on Friday, June 12, 2026, by fellow actor Kunle Afod via Instagram.
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 also revealed that he had visited the late actor a few months earlier, during which Oyewo spoke openly about his health challenges.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo dedicated over six decades to acting and theatre development in Nigeria. He began his career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and went on to become one of the most recognisable figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
He was widely celebrated for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that earned him broad acclaim across the African theatre landscape.
Over the course of his career, he featured in several notable productions including Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe, and Super Story, contributing significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.
Beyond acting, Oyewo was also an accomplished academic. He earned a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University, where he mentored generations of actors, playwrights, and scholars.
He is remembered for his dual legacy in performance and academia, having left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s theatre, film, and educational communities.
