Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 - Celebrities - Nairaland
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| Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by crystalpapers(op): 11:42pm On Jun 12 |
BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood Actor and Former HOD EKSU Theatre and Media Arts, Icon Kola Oyewo Dies at 80 Nigeria’s entertainment and cultural community has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor, dramatist, filmmaker, and scholar, Dr. Kola Oyewo. His son, Dr. Wale Oyewo, confirmed the development to ThePage correspondent on Friday evening, revealing that the respected thespian passed away approximately two hours earlier at the age of 80. The late Oyewo was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian performing arts, with a career spanning more than six decades. His death marks the end of an illustrious journey that left an indelible mark on Nollywood, academia, and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Kola Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the legendary Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group before becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Nigerian theatre and film. He earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s celebrated play, The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that cemented his status as a leading figure in African theatre. (Wikipedia) Beyond the stage, he featured prominently in several notable productions including Saworoide, Sango, Koseegbe, Super Story, and numerous Yoruba-language films that contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s movie industry. (Wikipedia) A distinguished academic, Oyewo held a doctorate degree in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at several institutions, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University. Through his teaching and mentorship, he helped shape generations of actors, playwrights, and scholars across Nigeria. (Wikipedia) Only months ago, the veteran actor celebrated his 80th birthday and received tributes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described him as a national treasure and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian storytelling. (statehouse.gov.ng) News of his passing has begun generating reactions from colleagues, former students, and admirers who have described him as a cultural icon whose contributions to theatre, film, and education will remain evergreen. As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, many have noted that Kola Oyewo’s legacy transcends entertainment, representing a lifetime dedicated to preserving Yoruba culture, promoting artistic excellence, and inspiring future generations. Details regarding funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course. About Kola Oyewo Born: March 27, 1946 Died: June 12, 2026 Age: 80 Profession: Actor, Dramatist, Filmmaker, Scholar and Lecturer Notable Works: The Gods Are Not to Blame, Saworoide, Sango, Super Story, Koseegbe Legacy: One of Nigeria’s foremost theatre practitioners and cultural ambassadors. 50 Likes 3 Shares
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| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by HacheNoire: 12:02am On Jun 13 |
Damn! Life well spent! He brought joy and laughter to the faces of millions across the globe. On behalf of my Honorable self and His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Oyewo family. He was an inspiration to many and we certain his legacy’s will continue to linger for centuries. 66 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by sholay2011(m): 12:24am On Jun 13 |
Nooooooooooo It is well. RIP...King Lapite of Saworoide. Talent. 47 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by HopeNeverDies(m): 12:56am On Jun 13 |
Damnnn!!! Saworo ide comes to mind... 🥺🥺 30 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by TossTos(m): 3:05am On Jun 13 |
Pa Kola Oyewo, May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace .. such a Veteran Actor ... 26 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by Willy2025: 5:12am On Jun 13 |
Uncle Kola Oyewo, as fondly called, was a legendary actor of the Yoruba genre of Nollywood. He will be greatly missed. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. 23 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by Mirasteel: 6:09am On Jun 13 |
I watched his movies in the 90's, may his soul rest in peace. 15 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by PulaPower: 6:51am On Jun 13 |
Damnnn Didn’t know he was a Phd holder and a lecturer o.. No wonder… The man is the definition of cool, calm and collected.. 58 Likes 4 Shares |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by dahmie2013: 7:52am On Jun 13 |
May his soul rest in peace. What a great actor we lost. 11 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by success1smyn(m): 7:53am On Jun 13 |
RIP. Baba Alaba Oniresi. The world will surely miss you 11 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by bolaayenimo: 7:53am On Jun 13 |
A very versatile actor. Rest in peace 14 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by femi4: 7:53am On Jun 13 |
Rest in power thespian...you did well Kosegbe was epic 24 Likes 2 Shares
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| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by LabStores: 7:53am On Jun 13 |
RIP Legend. Baba tried small, 80 is not easy or small in this era ... 14 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by iwaeda: 7:53am On Jun 13 |
Jesus Christ, Oba Lapite orun re. May the Lord give the family fortitude to bear the loss. 8 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by henrybomb(m): 7:53am On Jun 13 |
crystalpapers:Rest easy legend Pa Kola Oyewo 🕊️ 7 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by BlocksNG(m): 7:54am On Jun 13 |
rip, lapite. Everybody will later die, including 98 years certificate forgers. 2 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by Judolisco(m): 7:55am On Jun 13 |
RIP to to him... He such a great actor.... He played his role in saworoide very well... He was also a senior lecturer, his students must be very lucky to have him as a lecturer... He knew how to interpret his role exceptionally well... Rest well sir 13 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by EponObi(f): 7:55am On Jun 13 |
Dang! This one hit me hard. RIP Baba. Legendary. He left his footprint in the history of African and Nigerian theatre and arts. We won't forget your iconic roles in Saworoide, Agogo Eewo, Oleku, Koseegbe etc. What a life well lived! Adieu baba!!! 50 Likes 2 Shares
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| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by DeltaBachelor(m): 7:56am On Jun 13 |
Rest in peace Sir. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the great loss 7 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by Houseofglam7(f): 7:56am On Jun 13 |
May his soul rest in peace. 4 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by atobs4real(m): 7:58am On Jun 13 |
Ahhhhhhh baba daada. Eeyah Rest well baba. The real man 7 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by shox: 7:58am On Jun 13 |
HacheNoire:how many bags of rice are we expecting like this I’m asking on behalf of Oyewo family 4 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by CorperKola: 8:04am On Jun 13 |
A true legend I remember if i saw him on the cover of a film then i could assume i would enjoy the film 6 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by oneMalik: 8:05am On Jun 13 |
REST IN PEACE SENIOR MAN . you've played your role ... May Almighty Allah have mercy on your soul and grant you rest . Our own news of DEATH will be heard one day ! 2 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by wifeesnatcher(m): 8:07am On Jun 13 |
he had prostrate cancer for some years which he battlef before giving up he fought and conquered achieved and make impact rest in peace my hero 7 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by Bigsteppa: 8:14am On Jun 13 |
Rest in peace legendary baba . I remember his role in saworo ode. 3 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by profmallor: 8:14am On Jun 13 |
May his soul rest in peace, loved to watch him 1 Like |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by IamAtAnger: 8:16am On Jun 13 |
Wow 80? ... what a legend. May his soul rest in peace. 2 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by fredoooooo: 8:18am On Jun 13 |
Rest in peace sir..LEGEND 2 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by olyrayy(m): 8:18am On Jun 13 |
Damn. Lapite has finally gone 4 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by gloryman91(m): 8:22am On Jun 13 |
Oleeku and Thunderbolt come to mind of the good old days when you glued to the television set watching as families unlike now adays individual busy with your devices. 11 Likes |
| Re: Kola Oyewo Dies At 80 by Doctee: 8:22am On Jun 13 |
Inna lilaahi wainaa ilayhi roojihun  6 Likes |
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