NOLLYWOOD MOURNS: Veteran Actor, Dramatist and Scholar Professor Kola Oyewo Dies at 80.
Nigeria's film, theatre, and academic communities are mourning the loss of one of their most revered cultural figures, Professor Adekola Akangbe Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Kola Oyewo, who passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
News of his death was announced by family members and later confirmed by colleagues within the entertainment industry. Filmmaker Kunle Afod paid tribute on June 12,2026 to the veteran actor, describing him as a legend whose contributions to Nigerian theatre and cinema will endure for generations.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Kola Oyewo dedicated more than six decades of his life to the performing arts. His journey began in 1964 when he joined the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, one of the pioneering forces in Yoruba travelling theatre. He later became associated with the University of Ife Theatre Company, where his reputation as a gifted performer and scholar continued to grow.
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Professor Oyewo achieved widespread acclaim through his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi's timeless African tragedy, The Gods Are Not to Blame. The role became one of the defining performances in Nigerian theatre history and cemented his status as one of the country's finest stage actors.
His impact extended far beyond the theatre. Over the years, he became a familiar and respected face in Nigerian cinema, appearing in several landmark productions that helped shape the Yoruba and Nollywood film industries. His notable screen credits include Koseegbe (1995), Sango (1997), Oleku (1997), Saworoide (1999), Efunsetan Aniwura (2005), Yemoja (2011), Omo University (2015), Ayomi (2015), Ewon Laafin (2015), Ofeefe – Mirage (2019), Oba Bi Olorun (2021), Oosa Aafin (2022), Olukoti (2022), and Ogeere (2023). His memorable performances, particularly in Tunde Kelani's acclaimed productions, earned him admiration from audiences across multiple generations.
Beyond his achievements as an actor, Professor Oyewo distinguished himself as an accomplished academic. After obtaining his degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, he earned a Ph.D. in Drama from the University of Ibadan and devoted decades to teaching, mentoring, and nurturing future generations of performers and scholars.
He served as a senior lecturer in the Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University until his retirement in 2011. His academic career later continued at Redeemer's University, where he became a Professor and Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts, before also contributing his expertise to Elizade University. In recognition of his contributions to culture and community development, he was honored with the traditional title of Balogun of Oba-Ile.
Earlier this year, on March 27, 2026, the celebrated actor marked his 80th birthday and received tributes from across Nigeria. Among those who honored him was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described him as a "national treasure" and a distinguished ambassador of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian storytelling.
With his passing, Nigeria loses not only a veteran actor but also a cultural custodian, educator, and pioneer whose work bridged the eras of travelling theatre, stage drama, modern cinema, and academic scholarship. His legacy lives on through the countless students he mentored, the audiences he inspired, and the body of work that helped define Nigerian storytelling.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days.
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