By The Nigerian theatre and film industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor and dramatist Kola Oyewo at the age of 80.
News of his passing emerged on Friday, June 12, 2026, after Nollywood actor Kunle Afod announced it in a tribute shared on Instagram as confirmed by The Punch.
Afod described the late actor as a remarkable figure whose influence on Nigerian theatre and film would remain unforgettable.
“His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten,” Afod wrote.
Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the legendary Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. Over the decades, he built a reputation as one of the most respected faces in Yoruba theatre and Nollywood.
Beyond the stage and screen, Oyewo was celebrated for preserving indigenous storytelling and promoting Yoruba cultural expression through drama.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, fans, and cultural figures who described his death as a major loss to the Nigerian creative industry.
As of the time this report was filed, neither the family of the late actor nor stakeholders in the movie industry had released further details regarding burial arrangements or other official proceedings.
