Veteran Actor, Kola Oyewo, Takes ‘His Final Bow’ At 80

By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa

After almost 42 years of bestriding the stage and screen like a colossus, displaying his versatility by acting different roles, veteran Nollywood actor, dramatist and filmmaker, has taken his final bow.

Oyewo, who is also a renowned academic, passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged sickness.

A younger actor, Kunle Afod, broke the news of Oyewo’s death on Friday.

“Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow,” he wrote.

“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.”

Oyewo never kept his sickness as a secret.

Afod has made it a personal duty to visit aged veterans and also living but forgotten legends who have fallen into obscurity by not featuring regularly in films again.

It was during one of such visits to Oyewo’s residence, some time in April, that the legend detailed his struggle with prostate enlargement.

He revealed how the condition had slowed him down and limited the roles he can now accept.

“Before now, I could be here and there and play any role, but the sickness laid me back. I can’t play some roles anymore. Except for some minor roles. Well, thank God I am okay now. You can’t go through some kind of sickness and go back to how you’ve been before, but I thank God,” he had said.

Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun state, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.

He later rose to become one of the most celebrated figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.

He was best known for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame,’ a role that brought him acclaim across the African theatre landscape.

Oyewo also displayed his virtuosity in Tunde Kelani’s Mainframe blockbuster, “Saworoide” where he played the role of King Lapite of Jogbo Kingdom.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo appeared in other numerous productions, including ‘Sango,’ ‘Koseegbe,’ ‘Super Story,’ and many Yoruba-language films that helped shape Nigeria’s movie industry.

Beyond acting, Oyewo was also an academic. He earned a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University.

Through his teaching and mentorship, he helped train and inspire generations of actors, playwrights, and scholars, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s theatre, film, and academic communities.