Veteran actor, dramatist, filmmaker and academic, Kola Oyewo, has passed away after 62 years of appearing on screen, bringing to a close a remarkable career that shaped generations of theatre practitioners and actors across Nigeria.
Oyewo, who was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, reportedly died peacefully on June 12, 2026. His death was announced by fellow Nollywood actor Kunle Afod in an Instagram post on Friday.
Afod described the late thespian as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry.
Kola Oyewo was born in Oba-Ile, Osun State, in Southwest Nigeria, and came from a royal lineage.
Beyond his success on stage and screen, Oyewo built an impressive academic career, earning respect both as a performer and scholar.
Oyewo started his acting journey with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, where he played the role of Adejare in the production Orogun Adedigba.
One of his most celebrated performances was his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.
The late actor served as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University between 1996 and 2011 before retiring.
Source: VOS TV
