Kola Oyewo, Nollywood Legend and Theatre Scholar, Dies at 80

Kola Oyewo, a foundational figure in Nigerian theatre and cinema who also served as a university professor, has passed away at the age of 80. The news was shared Friday via Instagram by fellow industry figure Kunle Afod, though the official cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi theatre group. He gained widespread recognition for his stage work and film performances, most notably for his portrayal of Odewal in Ola Rotimi's classic theatrical production.

When university employment policies shifted to require formal qualifications for theatre staff, Oyewo pursued formal education, eventually establishing himself as both a practicing artist and academic scholar. Oyewo's contributions earned him standing across West African theatre circles and Nigerian cinema broadly.

His work bridged performance practice and cultural education, making him a respected figure among colleagues and younger generations in the entertainment industry. The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, released a tribute describing Oyewo as a source of pride for Yorubaland, acknowledging his imprint on Nigerian performing arts and cultural instruction.

Tributes have continued to arrive from family members, industry colleagues, and cultural stakeholders since Friday's announcement. Oyewo maintained strong ties to Oba Ile throughout his life, though he spent much of his career in Ile-Ife.

His body of work—spanning stage performance, film roles, and theatrical scholarship—remains part of Nigeria's documented cultural history.