The Nigerian entertainment industry and academic community have been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and renowned scholar, Professor Adekola Akangbe Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Professor Kola Oyewo. He died at the age of 80.
The news of his passing was announced on Friday by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, in an emotional message shared on Facebook.
In the tribute, Adetoyese described his late father as a man who lived a life defined by love, wisdom, kindness and strength. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss while also appreciating the remarkable life his father lived and the impact he made on many people.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved father,” he wrote.
According to him, although the family is grieving, they remain thankful for the years they shared with Professor Oyewo and the lasting legacy he left behind.
He said the late actor’s influence would continue to live on through the countless people whose lives he touched as a teacher, colleague, friend and family man.
Adetoyese also appealed to friends, admirers and well-wishers to remember the family in their prayers during this difficult period.
He noted that while the family mourns his departure, they are also celebrating a life devoted to service, learning and the promotion of the arts.
The death of Professor Oyewo marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s theatre and film industry, where he earned admiration as one of the country’s finest performers and scholars.
For decades, Professor Oyewo remained a respected figure in the development of theatre arts in Nigeria. His contributions extended beyond acting, as he combined his passion for the performing arts with academic excellence.
Widely recognised for his commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture, he played a major role in strengthening indigenous theatre traditions and ensuring that younger generations appreciated the richness of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
His career spanned several decades and covered different areas of the creative industry. He excelled as an actor on stage and screen, an educator in the classroom, and a cultural advocate dedicated to the growth of Nigerian theatre.
Many Nigerians came to know him through his appearances in Yoruba-language productions and Nollywood films, where he often portrayed wise elders and authority figures with remarkable depth and authenticity.
Beyond his work as an entertainer, Professor Oyewo was equally celebrated in academic circles. He trained and mentored numerous students who later became actors, directors, playwrights and scholars in their own right.
Through his teaching and research, he helped shape the future of theatre studies in Nigeria. His students and colleagues often described him as disciplined, humble and deeply committed to excellence.
Professor Oyewo belonged to a generation of theatre practitioners who laid the foundation for the success and growth of Nigeria’s creative industry today.
The Yoruba travelling theatre movement, which gained prominence in the post-independence era, produced several iconic figures whose works preserved indigenous storytelling and promoted African identity. Through this tradition, practitioners used drama not only for entertainment but also to educate society and address social issues.
Professor Oyewo stood out among these cultural ambassadors because of his ability to bridge the gap between traditional theatre and modern academic practice.
His understanding of Yoruba performance traditions enabled him to preserve important aspects of indigenous culture while adapting them to contemporary audiences.
As news of his death spread, tributes began pouring in from admirers, colleagues, former students and members of the entertainment industry who remembered him for his immense contributions and personal warmth.
Many described him as a repository of knowledge whose dedication to the arts inspired generations of performers.
Others praised his humility despite his achievements, noting that he remained accessible to students and younger actors seeking guidance and mentorship.
His passing comes at a time when many veterans of Nigeria’s pioneering theatre and film industry are being celebrated for their role in building what has become one of the world’s largest entertainment industries.
From modest beginnings, Nollywood has grown into a global cultural force, with its success resting partly on the sacrifices and dedication of early practitioners like Professor Oyewo, who devoted their lives to storytelling and cultural preservation.
While details regarding his burial arrangements had not been made public as of the time of filing this report, many Nigerians continue to reflect on the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
For his family, friends and admirers, Professor Kola Oyewo will be remembered not only as a gifted actor and distinguished scholar but also as a compassionate man whose wisdom and generosity enriched the lives of many.
Though the curtain has fallen on his earthly journey, his contributions to Nigerian theatre, education and culture remain indelible.
His voice may have gone silent, but the lessons he taught, the performances he delivered and the lives he shaped will continue to speak for generations to come.