Curtain Falls on Nollywood Icon: Veteran Actor and Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80
Nigeria’s entertainment and academic communities are mourning the loss of one of their most revered cultural figures, as veteran Nollywood actor, theatre practitioner, and scholar, Professor Adekola Akangbe Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Professor Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80.
His passing was announced on Friday by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, in an emotional Facebook post celebrating a life marked by excellence, service, and enduring impact.
Describing his father as a man of love, wisdom, strength, and kindness, Adetoyese expressed profound grief over the loss while also reflecting on the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved father,” he wrote.
While acknowledging the family’s sorrow, he expressed gratitude for a life dedicated to enriching others, noting that Professor Oyewo’s influence extended far beyond the stage and classroom.
According to him, the late actor’s legacy will continue to resonate through the countless family members, friends, colleagues, students, and admirers whose lives he touched through his mentorship, teachings, and artistic contributions.
He also appealed for prayers and support during this difficult time, stressing that the family remains committed to celebrating a life devoted to education, culture, the arts, and public service.
Professor Oyewo was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost theatre scholars and performing arts icons. Over a distinguished career spanning several decades, he earned acclaim as both a gifted actor and an accomplished academic who played a pivotal role in advancing theatre education in Nigeria.
A passionate advocate for Yoruba culture and theatre, he made significant contributions to preserving and promoting indigenous artistic traditions. His work on stage, screen, and in academia helped shape generations of actors, performers, and scholars.
Through his exceptional achievements in acting, teaching, and cultural advocacy, Professor Oyewo cemented his place as a towering figure in Nigeria’s creative and intellectual landscape, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
