Nollywood Icon and Beloved Professor Kola Oyewo Takes Final Bow at 80 After Brief Illness

Nigeria’s entertainment industry and academic community have been hit with a wave of deep sadness following the passing of legendary veteran actor and theater professor, Dr. Kola Oyewo, who died at the age of 80.

The heartbreaking news was shared by his family and close colleagues, who revealed that the iconic actor passed away peacefully after briefly battling health challenges. His son, Adetoyese Oyewo, broke the news in a moving tribute, describing his father as an exceptional man whose deep wisdom, strength, and kindness touched the lives of millions.

For over six decades, Kola Oyewo was a comforting and powerful fixture on Nigerian television screens and theater stages. He began his acting journey all the way back in 1964 with the legendary Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, eventually growing into one of the most respected and authoritative faces in Yoruba cinema and the wider Nollywood space.

To millions of movie lovers across Africa, he will forever be remembered for his timeless performance as Odewale in the classic drama The Gods Are Not to Blame. He also brought incredible depth and cultural perfection to his roles in iconic Tunde Kelani films like Saworoide and Koseegbe, alongside unforgettable appearances in the beloved family television series Super Story.

What made Oyewo truly special was how effortlessly he balanced his fame on screen with a brilliant academic career. He wasn’t just an actor; he went back to school to earn a PhD in Drama from the University of Ibadan. As a university professor, he spent decades teaching at prestigious schools like Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and Redeemer’s University, personally mentoring, training, and inspiring the new crop of Nigerian filmmakers and actors working today.

“Tonight, we lost a true legend,” younger actor Kunle Afod wrote in an emotional tribute. “His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian film industry will never be forgotten. Rest well, sir. Your work lives on.”

While fans and family grieve the massive loss of a master storyteller and father figure, they are also choosing to celebrate a beautifully lived life. Having recently marked his landmark 80th birthday with warm celebrations from colleagues and leaders nationwide, Kola Oyewo leaves behind a permanent, unforgettable legacy in the heart of Nigerian culture.