Nigeria has lost one of its most influential cultural figures. Veteran actor, dramatist, and scholar, Professor Kola Oyewo, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo grew up deeply rooted in Yoruba traditions and oral performance culture which later shaped his artistic identity and lifelong contribution to Nigerian theatre.
He began his acting journey in 1964 at just 18, joining the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, one of the pioneering Yoruba travelling theatre troupes. His early work in stage productions such as Orogun Adedigba marked the beginning of a career that would span over six decades.
After nine years on the travelling stage circuit, Oyewo moved to the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he worked closely with legendary playwright Professor Ola Rotimi. It was here that he delivered one of his most iconic stage performances as King Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that brought him continental recognition and cemented his place in African theatre history.
As Yoruba travelling theatre evolved into modern film and television, Oyewo became one of the key figures bridging both worlds. He went on to appear in landmark Yoruba and Nollywood productions including Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, Sango, Koseegbe, and the popular television series Super Story. His role as Oba Lapite in Saworoide remains one of his most defining screen performances, symbolising his ability to embody power, tradition, and political commentary within Yoruba storytelling.
Beyond performance, Oyewo also made history in academia. When institutional requirements demanded formal qualifications, he returned to school as a mature student, earning his BA in Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1995. He later obtained both a Master’s degree and a PhD in Drama from the University of Ibadan, even studying alongside his own son, a moment often cited as a testament to his humility and commitment to lifelong learning.
He went on to teach and mentor at several institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University, where he shaped generations of actors, writers, and scholars. His influence extended far beyond the stage, helping to formalize and preserve Yoruba performance traditions within academic and professional spaces.
Kola Oyewo’s legacy lies in his rare ability to merge three worlds, the traditional Yoruba travelling theatre, the modern Nigerian film industry, and academic theatre scholarship. He was not only a performer but also a cultural custodian who helped preserve indigenous storytelling while adapting it for new generations.
He leaves behind a towering legacy defined by excellence, discipline, and cultural preservation. For many, he was more than an actor, he was a living archive of Yoruba theatre history.
Rest in peace, Professor Kola Oyewo. Your voice, your craft, and your stories remain eternal.