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Veteran actor and theatre scholar, Dr. Kola Oyewo has died aged 80.
His younger colleague, Kunle Afod confirmed Oyewo’s demise in an Instagram post on Friday evening.
Afod wrote, “Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest well, sir. Your work lives on.”
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his professional acting career in 1964 with the theatre troupe of Oyin Adejobi.
He starred in some of the most-acclaimed Yoruba-language films, including Sango, Saworoide, Koseegbe and Efunsetan Aniwura.
As an actor, dramatist, theatre scholar, and university lecturer, he played a major role in the development of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian performing arts.
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He earned degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Ibadan, later teaching theatre arts at both Obafemi Awolowo University and Redeemer’s University before serving as a lecturer at Elizade University.
A member of the House of Representatives and Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland, Hon Akin Alabi paid tributes to the iconic actor.
In an X post, Alabi wrote, “Sad to hear of the passing of veteran actor, Chief Kola Oyewo.
“A true icon of Nigerian theatre and cinema, he graced our screens with unforgettable performances in Saworoide as Oba Lapite, The Gods Are Not to Blame, Sango, Koseegbe, and many other classics. He was 80 years old.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
