Veteran Nollywood actor, playwright, filmmaker and academic, Dr Kola Oyewo, has died at 80.
His death was announced on Friday by fellow actor Kunle Afod via Instagram, who paid tribute to the late thespian’s “remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry,” describing his passing as “a wrap.”
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and went on to become one of the most celebrated names in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
He earned widespread recognition for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play, “The Gods Are Not to Blame,” a performance that brought him acclaim across the African theatre scene.
Across a career spanning over six decades, Oyewo starred in landmark productions including “Saworoide,” “Sango,” “Koseegbe,” and “Super Story,” alongside numerous Yoruba-language films that helped drive the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry.
Beyond acting, Oyewo carved out a distinguished academic career. He held a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and lectured at Obafemi Awolowon University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University, where he mentored generations of actors, playwrights and scholars.
READ ALSO:
- IGP directs tighter security around schools in Katsina
- FG Targets End to Open Grazing, Identifies 470 Grazing Reserves for Pastoralists
- Relief for ADC, AP, others as Appeal Court halts deregistration
- Navy Dismantles Secret Crude Oil Dump, Seizes 17,000 Litres of Stolen Oil in Delta
- Nicki Minaj Explains Why She Stopped Going To Church
