Kola Oyewo (27 March 1946-12 June 2026) was a renowned Nigerian actor, dramatist, theatre practitioner and academic. Born on 27 March 1946 in Oba-Ile, Osun State, he became one of the most respected figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema. He was particularly celebrated for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play The Gods Are Not to Blame.
KOLA OYEWO PROFILE
| Name | Kola Oyewo |
| Real Name | Kola Oyewo |
| Date Of Birth | 27 March 1946 |
| Date Of Death | 12 June 2026 |
| State Of Origin | Osun State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Dramatist and Academia |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Coped From | Contents101.com |
KOLA OYEWO BIOGRAPHY
Kola Oyewo was born into a royal farming family in Oba-Ile, Osun State. He was the last child of his parents, who were farmers. During his childhood, he lived in the palace with his uncle, who was the reigning king at the time.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Oyewo initially attended a secondary modern school in Osogbo. After completing his secondary education, he began his professional theatre career. He later pursued higher education at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he obtained certificates in Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1995. He continued his education at the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Master of Arts and PhD in Drama.
CAREER
Kola Oyewo began his professional acting career in 1964, after seeing an advertisement seeking trainee actors and actresses for the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. He auditioned successfully and joined the company. His first major role was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, a play based on Oyin Adejobi’s autobiography. He spent approximately nine years with the theatre group, where he was trained in acting, singing, dancing and drumming.
In 1973, Oyewo joined the University of Ife Theatre at the Ori Olokun Cultural Centre, where he worked under the renowned dramatist Ola Rotimi. It was during this period that he achieved one of the defining milestones of his career: his portrayal of Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame. The role established him as a major stage actor. Oyewo successfully transitioned from traditional theatre to television and film. He appeared in several important Nigerian productions, including:
- Sango (1997)
- Koseegbe (1995)
- O Le Ku (1997)
- Saworoide (1999)
- Efunsetan Aniwura (2005)
- Yemoja (2011)
- Omo University (2015)
- Ayomi (2015)
- Ewon Laafin (2015)
- Ofeefe (Mirage) (2019)
- Oba Bi Olorun (2021)
- Oosa Aafin (2022)
- Ogeere (2023)
Beyond acting, Kola Oyewo enjoyed a long career as a theatre scholar and lecturer. He joined Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996 and eventually rose to the position of Senior Lecturer before retiring in September 2011. After his retirement, he continued teaching and served as Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University. He later worked as a lecturer in Performing Arts at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
CONTROVERSIES
Kola Oyewo was not widely associated with major personal controversies.
PERSONAL LIFE
Kola Oyewo was married and had children. He generally kept his family life private, although he occasionally spoke publicly about his children and career. He remained passionate about both acting and teaching throughout his life.
KOLA OYEWO NET WORTH
Kola Oyewo’s exact net worth was not publicly known.
DEATH
Kola Oyewo died on 12 June 2026 at the age of 80 after a period of ill health. His death was widely mourned by Nigeria’s entertainment and academic communities. He left behind a legacy spanning more than six decades, connecting Nigeria’s traditional Yoruba travelling theatre with modern Nigerian cinema and university theatre education.
