Veteran Nollywood actor, filmmaker, dramatist and academic Dr Kola Oyewo has passed away at the age of 80.
His death was announced on Friday by actor Kunle Afod via Instagram.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected performers, Oyewo enjoyed a career that spanned more than six decades across theatre, film and academia.
Here are eight notable facts about the late actor:
1. Royal roots
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo spent part of his childhood in a royal household where his uncle served as king. The experience immersed him in culture and tradition, helping to nurture his interest in acting.
2. Early theatre journey
Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 when he joined the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His debut role was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, a production adapted from Oyin Adejobi’s autobiography.
3. Partnership with Ola Rotimi
After nine years with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, he moved to the University of Ife Theatre, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where he worked closely with celebrated playwright Chief Ola Rotimi.
4. Famous portrayal of King Odewale
One of his most acclaimed stage performances was his portrayal of King Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic drama, ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’.
5. Remarkable academic achievements
Alongside his acting career, Oyewo pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and PhD in Theatre Arts.
6. University classmate of his son
In an unusual academic experience, Oyewo and his second son, Adeyemi, studied Dramatic Arts in the same university class and also shared the stage in performances.
7. Successful transition to Nollywood
The actor became widely recognised for portraying kings, chiefs and elder statesmen in films. His role as Oba Lapite in Saworoide (1999) remains one of his most memorable performances.
He also appeared in notable productions such as Sango, Koseegbe, Oleku, Super Story and numerous Yoruba-language films that helped shape Nigeria’s movie industry.
8. Distinguished academic career
Oyewo taught at several tertiary institutions during his career. He joined Obafemi Awolowo University in 1990, rose to the position of senior lecturer and retired in September 2011.
He later served as associate professor and head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University for more than four years. He also taught at Ekiti State University, where he became the pioneer head of department for its Theatre Arts programme in 2014, and subsequently lectured at Elizade University.
In one of his final public revelations, Oyewo disclosed during a visit by Kunle Afod that he had been battling prostate enlargement, a condition he said affected his acting career and contributed to his absence from the screen in recent years.