Veteran Nollywood actor, dramatist and academic Dr. Kola Oyewo has died at 80, closing a career that spanned more than six decades in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.
Actor Kunle Afod announced the death on Instagram Friday.
Afod described Oyewo as a gifted performer whose contributions to Nigerian theatre and cinema would remain unforgettable.
—From stage to screen—
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Oyewo was born March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State. He began acting in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and rose to prominence in Yoruba theatre and film.
He gained national acclaim for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s “The Gods Are Not to Blame.” The role brought him recognition beyond Nigeria and established him among Africa’s leading stage actors.
His film and TV credits include “Saworoide”, _”Sango”_, _”Koseegbe”_, _”Super Story”_ and numerous Yoruba-language films that helped shape Nigeria’s entertainment landscape.
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—Academic and mentor–
Beyond performance, Oyewo earned a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and lectured at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University.
He was widely respected for mentoring actors, playwrights and scholars.
Colleagues, students and admirers have since paid tribute to his impact on theatre, film and Nigerian culture.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced by the family as of press time.
