Nigeria’s entertainment and academic communities have been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actor and scholar, Professor Adekola Akangbe Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Professor Kola Oyewo.
He was 80 years old.
The news of his passing was announced on Friday, June 12, 2026, by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo, through a Facebook post in which he paid tribute to his father’s life and achievements.
In the announcement, Adetoyese described his father as a man whose life was marked by “love, wisdom, strength and kindness,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved father,” he wrote.
He noted that although the family is grieving, they remain grateful for the life Professor Oyewo lived and the impact he made on countless individuals throughout his lifetime.
According to him, the late actor’s legacy will continue through the memories shared by family, friends, colleagues, and admirers whose lives he influenced.
Adetoyese also appealed for prayers and support for the family during the mourning period, saying they are celebrating a life dedicated to service, learning, and the arts.
Professor Oyewo was widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s leading figures in theatre and performing arts, earning respect both as an accomplished actor and an academic.
Over several decades, he contributed significantly to the development and preservation of Yoruba theatre while also promoting Nigerian culture through his work on stage, screen, and in the classroom.
His career spanned acting, teaching, and cultural advocacy, making him a prominent voice in the growth of theatre arts in Nigeria.
