By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Nigeria’s theatre and film industry has been thrown into mourning following reports of the passing of veteran actor, dramatist, and academic, Kola Oyewo, just months after his 80th birthday was celebrated with national acclaim and goodwill messages from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Although official confirmation from family sources was still being awaited at the time of filing this report, multiple accounts within the cultural and entertainment community indicate that the respected thespian died on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Oyewo, born on March 27, 1946, was widely regarded as one of the towering figures of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian performing arts. His death, if confirmed, marks the end of a remarkable era in stagecraft, film interpretation, and theatre education in Nigeria.
Only months ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had joined admirers across the country in celebrating Oyewo’s 80th birthday, describing him as a “national treasure” and a “worthy ambassador of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian storytelling.”
In the presidential tribute released through the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu had praised Oyewo’s lifelong dedication to the arts, noting that his contributions to stage, screen, and classroom teaching had left “an indelible mark on generations of artistes and scholars.”
“Oyewo is a veteran thespian and a distinguished cultural icon whose enduring contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s theatre, film, and cultural productions have left an indelible mark on generations of artistes and scholars,” the President had said.
“From the stage to the screen and the classroom, Oyewo’s work reflects a deep commitment to preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.”
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A retired lecturer of Theatre Arts at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Oyewo was known not only for his commanding stage presence but also for his role in mentoring generations of Nigerian performers and academics who have gone on to shape the country’s creative industry.
The Merit Newspaper reports that colleagues and students often describe him as a disciplinarian in the arts, one who combined scholarly depth with practical performance excellence. His works on stage and screen helped bridge traditional Yoruba performance aesthetics with contemporary theatre practice, making him a respected reference point in African dramatic arts.
If confirmed, his passing comes at a time when Nigeria’s cultural sector continues to grapple with the loss of several foundational figures who helped shape its post-independence artistic identity.
Tributes are expected to pour in from across Nollywood, academia, and cultural institutions in the coming days, as admirers reflect on a legacy that spans decades of artistic excellence, teaching, and cultural preservation.
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Oyewo is survived by a legacy of performances, students, and works that continue to influence Nigerian theatre and film.
Further details surrounding his reported death are expected as official statements emerge from family and institutional sources.
