Legacy of a Legend: Veteran Nollywood Actor and Academic Professor Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

The Nigerian entertainment and academic communities are in mourning following the passing of Professor Adekola Akangbe Gabriel Oyewo, a revered veteran actor and scholar widely known as Professor Kola Oyewo. The iconic figure passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80. His death was officially announced by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, through a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, where he celebrated his father’s long life of service, wisdom, and profound impact on the performing arts. The news has triggered a wave of tributes from across the West African sub-region, honoring a man who successfully bridged the gap between professional acting and rigorous academic scholarship.

Professor Oyewo was a titan of the Yoruba theatre and a cornerstone of Nigeria's performing arts sector. Over several decades, he dedicated his career to the preservation and promotion of Nigerian culture, utilizing both the stage and the classroom as his platforms. As a scholar-practitioner, he was instrumental in the development of theatre arts education in Nigeria, mentoring generations of students and upcoming actors. His work was characterized by a deep commitment to cultural advocacy, ensuring that traditional Yoruba performance techniques remained relevant and respected within modern Nollywood and academic curricula alike.

In his emotional announcement, Adetoyese Oyewo described his father as a man of immense love, strength, and kindness, whose influence reached far beyond the screen and lecture halls. He highlighted the professor’s role as a patriarch whose wisdom guided his family and colleagues. The family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love from the public and has requested prayers and support as they navigate this period of grief. The tributes emphasize that while the physical presence of the veteran actor is gone, his contributions to the cultural identity of Nigeria remain an enduring legacy.

The passing of Professor Kola Oyewo marks the end of an era for Nigerian theatre. He was part of a rare group of intellectuals who brought academic prestige to the acting profession, proving that the two fields could complement each other effectively. As the industry reflects on his eighty years of life, his legacy will be remembered through the countless lives he touched as a teacher, the memorable characters he portrayed on screen, and his unwavering dedication to the promotion of African arts and culture. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.