Veteran Nigerian actor, theatre icon, and scholar, Professor Kola Oyewo, has passed on at the age of 80.
The news of his death was announced on Friday by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, in a statement shared on Facebook.
Expressing his grief, Adetoyese described his father as a man whose life was defined by love, wisdom, strength, and kindness.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved father,” he wrote.
He noted that while the family mourns the loss of a cherished patriarch, they remain deeply grateful for the remarkable life he lived and the countless lives he touched throughout his journey.
According to him, Professor Oyewo’s enduring legacy will live on through the memories and experiences shared by family members, friends, colleagues, students, and admirers who were inspired by his work and character.
Adetoyese also called for prayers and support for the family during this difficult period, emphasizing that they are celebrating a life devoted to service, education, culture, and the arts.
Professor Oyewo was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in theatre and performing arts. Renowned for his achievements both as an actor and an academic, he made significant contributions to the growth and preservation of Yoruba theatre and played a vital role in promoting Nigerian culture through his work on stage, screen, and in academia.
Over a career spanning several decades, he distinguished himself as an actor, educator, and cultural advocate, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s theatre landscape and inspiring generations of performers and scholars.
His passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian theatre, but his contributions to the arts and education will continue to resonate for years to come.
