Kola Oyewo (March 27, 1946 – June 12, 2026) was a Nigerian actor, dramatist, and academic.
Born on March 27, 1946, Kola Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.
He later became one of the most well-known figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.
Kola Oyewo died at the age of 80. His death was verified in an Instagram post on Friday by Kunle Afod, a younger colleague in the profession.
He wrote, “Kola Oyewo has made his final bow. “His amazing talent, timeless performances, and enormous contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on and inspire future generations.
Kola Oyewo Biography
Kola Oyewo was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba Ile, a town in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria. He attended Obafemi Awolowo University, where he earned a diploma in dramatic arts and a certificate in Yoruba oral literature before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Theatre Arts in 1995.
He went on to the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a doctorate (Ph.D.) in drama.
Career
Oyewo began acting professionally in 1964, when he joined the “Oyin Adejobi theatre group.” His first role was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, Oyin Adejobi’s autobiography.
After nine years with Oyin Adejobi, he joined the University of Ife theatre and collaborated with the late great dramatist and scholar, Chief Ola Rotimi. Kola Oyewo was noted for his part as “Odewale” in Ola Rotimi’s drama The Gods Are Not to Blame.
Oyewo began working at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, rising to the position of senior lecturer before retiring in September 2011. Following his departure from Obafemi Awolowo University, he worked at Redeemer’s University as the head of the dramatic arts department. Later, he taught performing arts at Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
Movies
- Sango (1997)
- Super Story (episode 1)
- The Gods Are Not to Blame
- Saworoide (1999)
- Koseegbe (1995) as Mako
- O Le Ku (1997) as Oloye Ajasa
- Efunsetan Aniwura (2005)
- Yemoja (2011) as Osi
- Omo University (2015) as Vice Chancellor
- Ayomi (2015) as Chief Olalere
- Ewon Laafin (2015) as Oludeti
- Ofeefe – Mirage (2019) as Baba Morenikeji
- Oba Bi Olorun (2021) as Balogun
- Oosa Aafin (2022) as Oluawo
- Olukoti (2022)
- Ogeere (2023)
Personal Life
Kola Oyewo married his first wife in 1967 and had five boys, one of whom died. After her death, he remarried in 1980, and his second wife died on October 10, 2020. He had no plans to remarry.
He likes the music of Fela, KSA, Orlando Owoh, and Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, in that order. His father, Mr. Bamgbola Oyewo, was an egungun dancer (masquerader) who taught him patience.
Death
Actor Kunle Afod announced the death of Kola Oyewo on Instagram, writing, “Tonight, we lost a true legend.” Kola Oyewo has made his final bow. His extraordinary talent, timeless performances, and enormous contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten.”
Kola Oyewo Net Worth
Kola Oyewo’s net worth was estimated to be around $100,000 as at the time of his death. These stats indicate his excellent career as a seasoned actor, dramatist, and academia in Nigeria’s entertainment business.
