Kola Oyewo (27 March 1946 – 12 June 2026) was a Nigerian actor, playwright and academic.
Born on March 27, 1946, Kola Oyewo started his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theater Group.
He later became one of the most famous figures of Yoruba theater and Nigerian cinema.
Kola Oyewo died at the age of 80. His death was confirmed on Friday in a post on Instagram by Kunle Afod, a junior colleague in the profession.
He wrote, “Kola Oyewo took his final bow. “His incredible talent, timeless performances and immense contributions to the Nigerian theater and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will live on and inspire generations to come.
Kola Oyewo Biography
Kola Oyewo was born on March 27, 1946 in Oba Ile, a town in Osun State, South West Nigeria. He attended Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Arts and a Certificate in Yoruba Oral Literature before graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theater Arts in 1995.
He went on to the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Masters (MA) and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Drama.
Career
Oyewo started acting professionally in 1964, when he joined the “Oyin Adejobi Theater 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 Theater and collaborated with the late great playwright and scholar, Chief Ola Rotimi. Kola Oyewo is noted for his role as “Odewale” in Ola Rotimi’s drama The Gods Are Not to Blame.
Oyewo started working at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, rising to the position of Senior Lecturer before retiring in September 2011. After leaving Obafemi Awolowo University, he worked at Redeemer’s University as the Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts. He later taught Performing Arts at the Elizade University in Ilara-Mokino, 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
- University of Omo (2015) as vice-chancellor
- Ayomi (2015) as Chief Olalera
- Ewon Laafin (2015) as Oludeti
- Ofeefe – Mirage (2019) as Baba Morenikeji
- Oba Bi Olorun (2021) as Balogun
- Oosa Aafin (2022) as Oluawo
- Gutters (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 Ayinda Barrister respectively. His father, Mr. Bamgbola Oyewo, was an egungun dancer (masquerade) who taught him patience.
Death
Actor Kunle Afod announced the death of Kola Oyewo on Instagramwriting, “We lost a true legend tonight.” Kola Oyewo took his final bow. His extraordinary talent, timeless performances and immense contributions to the Nigerian theater and film industry will never be forgotten.”
Net worth of Kola Oyewo
Kola Oyewo’s net worth was estimated at around $100,000 at the time of his death. These statistics indicate his excellent career as a seasoned actor, playwright and academic in the Nigerian entertainment business.
