Legendary actor, dramatist, scholar, and educator Dr. Kola Oyewo has passed away at the age of 80. The sad news broke on June 12, 2026, triggering an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and cultural enthusiasts across the country.
Oyewo was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba Ile, Osun State. His remarkable journey in the performing arts began in 1964 when he joined the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.
He made his debut as Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, which established him as a talented performer in Yoruba theatre. After nine impactful years with the troupe, he moved to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Theatre, where he collaborated closely with the late Ola Rotimi. It was here that he delivered one of his most unforgettable performances as Odewale in Rotimi’s classic The Gods Are Not to Blame, which is a Yoruba adaptation of Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex that continues to resonate with audiences today. 
In timeless classics such as Saworoide (as Oba Lapite), Sango (1997), Koseegbe (1995, as Mako), and it (2005), he created characters that felt larger than life, like kings, chiefs, and moral anchors. Even in his later years, he maintained that same powerful presence in more recent films, including Ofeefe – Mirage (2019), Oba Bi Olorun (2021), and Ogeere (2023).
With every role he played, he brought wisdom, cultural pride, and emotional intensity to the screen. His performances helped shape both Yoruba cinema and the broader storytelling tradition of Nollywood.
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Kola Oyewo Was an Academic
Away from the stage and screen, Oyewo was also a dedicated teacher who combined traditional performance with formal education. He studied Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature at Obafemi Awolowo University and earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts in 1995.
He later obtained a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Drama from the University of Ibadan, after which he worked as a senior lecturer at OAU until retiring in 2011.
Even after retirement, he continued teaching and mentoring young talents as Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University and as a lecturer in Performing Arts at Elizade University. Through his work in the classroom, he helped train and inspire many actors, playwrights, and theatre professionals.
Kola Oyewo Had Health Challenges
In recent months, the veteran had been open about his health challenges, including an enlarged prostate that gradually took a toll on his physical strength. His mental strength was still intact, though.
TheCable described his final battle as a prolonged struggle with cancer-related complications. Despite these difficulties, he celebrated his 80th birthday in March 2026 with grace, even receiving heartfelt congratulations from President Bola Tinubu and many others who regarded him as a national treasure.
Fellow actor Kunle Afod captured the collective grief when he announced the news on Instagram, writing:
“Tonight, we lost a true legend. 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.”
As the industry mourns, Dr. Kola Oyewo leaves behind a towering legacy. He preserved and modernized Yoruba theatre traditions while elevating Nigerian storytelling on both stage and screen. His disciplined artistry, scholarly contributions, and generous mentorship have left an unforgettable mark on Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
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