Renowned Nigerian actor and theatre scholar Dr. Kola Oyewo has died at the age of 80, bringing to a close a distinguished career that shaped generations of performers, students and cultural practitioners. His death on 12 June 2026 was confirmed by family members and associates, who described him as a devoted artist, educator and custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage.
The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across Nigeria’s creative and academic communities, with colleagues, former students and admirers celebrating a legacy that spanned more than six decades in theatre, film and scholarship.
Born on 27 March 1946 in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Dr. Oyewo was widely regarded as one of the foremost figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian storytelling. Raised in a royal farming family, he spent much of his childhood in the palace under the care of his uncle, who was the reigning monarch of the community.
His passion for the performing arts was matched by a strong commitment to academic excellence. He studied Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature at Obafemi Awolowo University before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts. He later earned both a Master’s degree and a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan, establishing himself as one of the country’s leading theatre scholars.
Dr. Oyewo’s acting career began in 1964 when he joined the famed Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group after responding to a recruitment notice. He spent nearly a decade with the travelling theatre troupe before moving to the University of Ife Theatre, where he worked alongside celebrated playwright, the late Professor Ola Rotimi.
He became best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame, a performance that remains one of the most acclaimed interpretations of the classic Nigerian stage production.
Beyond his achievements as an actor, Dr. Oyewo played a significant role in shaping theatre education in Nigeria. He joined the Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996 and rose to the position of senior lecturer before retiring in 2011. He later continued his teaching career at Redeemer’s University and Elizade University, where he mentored numerous students and emerging theatre practitioners.
Throughout his career, he remained a passionate advocate for the preservation and promotion of Yoruba language, culture, and indigenous performance traditions.
His influence also extended to the screen, with appearances in several notable productions, including Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe, O Le Ku, Efunsetan Aniwura, and Super Story. Through his work, he helped bridge the gap between Nigeria’s travelling theatre tradition and the modern film industry, earning respect across generations of performers and audiences.
As news of his death spread, tributes continued to pour in from across the country, with many describing him as a cultural icon whose legacy transformed Nigerian theatre and cinema.
Paying tribute to his father, Adetoyese Oyewo described him as a man whose life embodied “love, wisdom, strength and kindness,” adding that his impact would continue to inspire future generations.
Dr. Oyewo is survived by his children and other family members. While his passing marks the end of a remarkable era in Nigerian theatre, his legacy endures through his performances, scholarship, and the many actors and students whose lives he helped shape.
