Veteran Actor, Theatre Icon Prof. Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

Nigeria’s entertainment and academic communities have been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, theatre practitioner and scholar, Professor Adekola Akangbe Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Prof. Kola Oyewo. He was 80.

The news of his passing was announced on Friday by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, in a heartfelt message shared on Facebook.

Announcing the loss, Adetoyese described his father as a man whose life was defined by love, wisdom, strength and kindness, noting that the family was deeply saddened by his departure.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved father,” he wrote.

While expressing grief over the loss, he said the family remained grateful for the remarkable life Prof. Oyewo lived and the countless lives he touched through his work, mentorship and personal relationships.

According to him, the late actor’s legacy will continue to live on through the memories, values and contributions he left behind.

He also appealed for prayers and support for the family during this difficult period, describing the late professor as a man devoted to service, education and the arts.

Prof. Oyewo was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost theatre practitioners and cultural icons. Throughout a career that spanned several decades, he distinguished himself both as an accomplished actor and a respected academic.

His contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba theatre earned him admiration across the country, while his work in teaching and mentoring helped shape generations of theatre professionals and scholars.

Beyond the stage and screen, Prof. Oyewo remained a strong advocate for Nigerian culture and the performing arts, using his platform to promote indigenous traditions and storytelling.

His passing marks the end of a distinguished career that left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s theatre, entertainment and academic landscape.