•••Celebrated thespian and educator leaves enduring legacy in Nigerian theatre, film , academia
Nigeria’s entertainment and academic communities have been thrown into mourning following the death of Professor Kola Oyewo, a veteran actor, renowned scholar and one of the most distinguished icons of Nigerian theatre and film. He was 80.
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 recognisable figures in Yoruba theatre and the Nigerian movie industry.
Widely acclaimed for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s celebrated play, “The Gods Are Not to Blame,” Oyewo earned admiration across the African theatre scene and built a career that spanned more than six decades.
He featured in several notable productions, including “Saworoide,” “Sango,” “Koseegbe,” “Super Story,” and numerous Yoruba-language films that contributed significantly to the growth and development of Nollywood.
Beyond the stage and screen, Professor Oyewo distinguished himself in academia. He obtained a doctorate degree in Drama from the University of Ibadan and lectured at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University and Elizade University, where he mentored and inspired generations of actors, playwrights and scholars.
Colleagues and admirers described him as a consummate professional, a dedicated teacher and a cultural ambassador whose contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba and Nigerian theatre remain invaluable.
His death marks the end of an era in the country’s creative and academic spheres, but his legacy of excellence, scholarship and artistic brilliance will continue to inspire generations to come.
Professor Kola Oyewo is survived by his family and countless protégés whose lives he touched through his works and teachings.
