Veteran Nigerian actor, theatre icon and academic, Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.
He later emerged as one of the most recognised figures in Yoruba theatre and the Nigerian film industry.
Oyewo gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play, The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that earned him recognition across the African theatre scene.
During a career spanning more than six decades, he featured in several notable productions, including Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe, Super Story, and numerous Yoruba-language films that contributed significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s movie industry.
Beyond his accomplishments as an actor, Oyewo distinguished himself in academia. He earned a doctorate degree in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University.
Through his work as a teacher and mentor, he trained and guided generations of actors, playwrights and scholars, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s theatre, film and academic communities.
His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian theatre and film, where his contributions as a performer, scholar and mentor will be remembered for years to come.
