Veteran Nollywood actor, Kola Oyewo, passes away at 80

Entertainment in Nigeria has been plunged into deep mourning after the demise of veteran Nollywood actor, playwright, director, and accomplished scholar Kola Oyewo, aged 80.

The death was confirmed in a heartbreaking Instagram post by actor Kunle Afod, who saluted his colleague in an emotional message.

“Tonight, a true legend is no more. Kola Oyewo takes his final bow.”

Kola Oyewo was born on 27th March 1946, in Oba-Ile. He kicked off his acting career in 1964 in the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Company and eventually became one of the most prominent personalities in the world of Yoruba theatre and cinema in Nigeria.

Oyewo earned fame with his iconic performance as Odewale in ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’ film that earned him immense recognition all across the continent.

His long career in entertainment saw him appear in a number of highly acclaimed works like Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe, Super Story, and a host of other Yoruba movies.

Beyond acting and drama on stage and screen, Oyewo was an academic genius. He received a doctoral degree in Drama from the University of Ibadan, and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University, mentoring countless actors, playwrights, and academics.

In April, the veteran actor announced that he was battling with an enlarged prostate, which had impacted his ability to accept roles even though he had recovered from this condition.

The death of Oyewo brings an end to an era for Nigerian theatre and cinema, one in which he made an enduring contribution of scholarship, artistry, and excellence.