Veteran Nigerian actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar, Dr. Kola Oyewo, widely celebrated for his iconic role in the classic film Saworoide, has died at the age of 80.
His passing was announced on Friday by fellow actor and filmmaker Kunle Afod, who paid tribute to the late thespian’s remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.
Sharing the news on Instagram, Afod described Oyewo as a towering figure whose work left an enduring mark on generations of performers and audiences.
“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 wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, the cause of death had not been officially disclosed.
The veteran actor had, however, spoken publicly in recent months about his battle with prostate enlargement, a health condition he said had significantly limited his acting engagements and reduced his participation in physically demanding productions.
During a visit by Afod to his residence in April 2026, Oyewo revealed that the illness had affected his mobility and influenced the types of roles he could accept.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Ondo State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, laying the foundation for what would become a distinguished career spanning more than six decades.
He rose to prominence through his exceptional performances in both stage and screen productions, earning widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Odewale in the stage adaptation of The Gods Are Not to Blame. The role cemented his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest theatre practitioners and brought him recognition across the African performing arts landscape.
Oyewo later became a household name through his appearances in acclaimed productions such as Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe, and the popular television drama series Super Story, alongside numerous Yoruba-language films that helped shape the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry.
Beyond acting, he was a respected academic and mentor. He earned a doctorate degree in Drama from the University of Ibadan and lectured at several institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University.
Through his work in academia, Oyewo trained and mentored generations of actors, playwrights and scholars, making significant contributions to the development of theatre education and performance studies in Nigeria.
His death marks the end of an era in Nigerian theatre and cinema, but his legacy as a performer, educator and cultural icon is expected to endure for generations to come.
