10 Key Facts About Late Nollywood Legend Kola Oyewo You Should Know

According to Ireporter Online, veteran Nigerian actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar, Dr. Kola Oyewo, has been celebrated as one of the most influential figures in African theatre and cinema, following his passing at the age of 80 on June 12, 2026.

He was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, into a royal family, and his early exposure to Yoruba culture while living in the palace of his uncle, a traditional ruler, played a major role in shaping his deep command of indigenous performance arts.

His professional acting career began in 1964 at the age of 18 when he joined the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, marking the start of a journey that would span more than six decades across stage and screen.

He later rose to continental prominence for his powerful interpretation of King Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame, a celebrated stage production by Chief Ola Rotimi, a role that firmly established him as a theatre icon.

Despite his early success in acting, he pursued formal education later in life, sitting for his GCE examinations and gaining admission into university as a mature student at the age of 46. He once described his unique journey as that of a “hybrid” practitioner, combining practical stage performance with academic study of theatre.

Remarkably, during his undergraduate studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, he shared lecture halls with his own son, an experience that highlighted his uncommon educational path.

He continued his academic advancement at the University of Ibadan, where he earned both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Drama at the age of 59, solidifying his status as a respected theatre scholar.

Beyond the stage, he became a familiar face in Nollywood, featuring in acclaimed Yoruba films such as Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, Koseegbe, and Sango, directed by Tunde Kelani.

His academic career was equally distinguished, serving as a senior lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University until 2011, later heading the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University, and also lecturing at Elizade University.

In recognition of his contributions to Nigerian arts and culture, he was honoured on his 80th birthday by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described him as a national treasure and an ambassador of Nigerian storytelling.