Actor Kola Oyewo dies at 80 after battle with enlarged prostate

Kola Oyewo, the renowned Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker, and scholar, has passed away at the age of 80.

His death was announced on Instagram on Friday by actor Kunle Afod.

“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.

“🕊️ It’s a wrap.”

In April, the veteran actor detailed his struggle with prostate enlargement, revealing how the condition has 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.

Enlarged prostate, also known as Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition in which the prostate gland grows larger than normal, but the growth is not caused by cancer. It is a common condition associated with the natural ageing process in men. BPH puts pressure on your urethra. That pressure can cause symptoms like having to pee more often than normal and difficulty peeing, among others.

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.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo appeared in numerous productions, including ‘Saworoide,’ ‘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.