By Sola Ojewusi
The Nigerian theatre and film industry has been plunged into mourning following the death of veteran actor, dramatist, director, academic and cultural icon, Chief Kola Oyewo, PhD, whose passing was confirmed on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The heartbreaking news emerged on social media late Friday evening when actor Olorunlaiye Yomi announced the demise of the revered thespian through an emotional Instagram post.
Sharing a photograph of the veteran actor, Yomi wrote: “Rest in peace Baba Kola Oyewo Labaluyege, orun ire o.”
Shortly afterward, popular actor and filmmaker Kunle Afod also confirmed the sad development, describing Oyewo as a legend whose contributions to Nigerian theatre and cinema would remain unforgettable.
“Tonight, we lost a true legend. 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,” Afod wrote.
The announcement has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, students, fans, scholars and admirers across Nigeria and beyond, many of whom regard Oyewo as one of the most accomplished figures ever produced by the Yoruba theatre tradition.
A Life Dedicated to Theatre and Culture
Chief Kola Oyewo belonged to the distinguished generation of theatre practitioners who transformed indigenous performance traditions into powerful instruments of cultural expression, education and entertainment.
Born into an era when theatre was largely itinerant and community-based, Oyewo devoted his entire life to preserving, promoting and advancing Yoruba dramatic arts. His acting career spanned several decades and traversed the stage, television and film.
He earned widespread acclaim for memorable performances in landmark productions such as Sango, Saworoide, Oleku, and stage adaptations of Ola Rotimi’s “The Gods Are Not to Blame.”
Whether portraying kings, priests, elders or cultural custodians, Oyewo brought authenticity, depth and intellectual sophistication to every role. His commanding voice, dignified presence and profound understanding of Yoruba history and cosmology made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
The Scholar Behind the Actor
Beyond the camera and stage lights, Chief Oyewo was a distinguished academic whose contributions to theatre scholarship enriched generations of students.
His educational journey reflected his passion for learning and cultural preservation. He studied at ****, where he obtained certificates in Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1995.
He later proceeded to ****, where he obtained both a Master’s degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Drama.
As a lecturer, researcher and mentor, he bridged the worlds of scholarship and performance, helping to document, preserve and reinterpret African theatrical traditions for contemporary audiences.
Students and colleagues often described him as a gentle intellectual whose humility matched his vast knowledge.
Courage in the Face of Adversity
In recent years, Oyewo publicly spoke about health challenges that tested his resilience.
During a widely circulated interview with Kunle Afod in 2024, the veteran actor recounted his struggles with a severe prostate condition that necessitated multiple medical procedures, scans and surgeries before he eventually regained stability.
The actor had earlier endured personal tragedy following the death of his beloved wife in 2020, a loss he bore with dignity and faith.
Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic, maintaining contact with admirers and continuing to inspire younger generations within the industry.
Many Nigerians also recall the emotional moment when fans, through the efforts of Kunle Afod, presented him with a financial gift of over half a million naira in appreciation of his immense contributions to Nollywood and Nigerian culture. Deeply touched, Oyewo described the gesture as a retirement benefit and thanked supporters for remembering him.
Tributes Pour In
As news of his passing spread, tributes flooded social media.
Many described him as an embodiment of wisdom, professionalism and artistic excellence.
“He was indeed a versatile actor and an embodiment of great knowledge,” one mourner wrote.
Others celebrated a life they believed was richly lived and profoundly impactful, noting that although death is inevitable, few leave behind a legacy as enduring as that of Chief Kola Oyewo.
The Final Curtain
The death of Chief Kola Oyewo comes at a period when the Nigerian entertainment industry is already grappling with several losses, deepening the sense of grief across Nollywood and the wider creative community.
Yet, while the curtain has fallen on his earthly performance, his contributions remain immortal.
His voice will continue to echo through classrooms where theatre is taught, through films that introduced generations to the richness of Yoruba culture, and through the countless actors and scholars whose lives he influenced.
Nigeria has not merely lost an actor.
It has lost a custodian of culture, a master storyteller, an intellectual giant and a bridge between tradition and modernity.
Tribute: Farewell to a Cultural Titan
Chief Kola Oyewo belonged to that rare class of artists whose lives transcend performance. He was not merely acting history; he was helping to create it.
For decades, he stood as a living repository of Yoruba culture, language and dramatic tradition. He inspired audiences with his artistry, enlightened students with his scholarship and enriched society with his wisdom.
His journey from theatre apprentice to respected actor, professor and cultural ambassador remains a testament to the power of dedication, discipline and lifelong learning.
As family, friends, colleagues and admirers mourn his passing, they also celebrate an extraordinary legacy built on excellence, service and cultural pride.
The stage may be empty.
The spotlight may have dimmed.
But the memory of Chief Kola Oyewo, PhD, will continue to illuminate Nigerian theatre and cinema for generations to come.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Adieu, Baba Kola Oyewo.
Adieu, master actor.
Adieu, scholar.
Adieu, legend.This version combines a hard-news obituary with a reflective tribute suitable for publication in a national newspaper, cultural journal, or memorial brochure.
