Veteran Nollywood actor Kola Oyewo has died at 80.
His passing was confirmed on Friday via Instagram by fellow actor Kunle Afod.
Afod wrote: “Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to Nigerian theatre and film will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
26 things you probably did not know about veteran Nollywood legend, Kola Oyewo:
He was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba, Osun State, Nigeria
He was from the Ese Ola ruling family and grew up in the palace with his uncle who was once king
He attended Saint Joseph Primary School, Oba Ile in 1955
He also attended Saint Benedict Catholic Primary School, Osogbo
He completed his primary education there in 1960
He attended Saint James Secondary Modern School, Osogbo
He completed Secondary Modern School in December 1963
During his Secondary Modern School days he joined the “Oba Dramatic Society” founded in 1961 by his uncle Kunle Olaniyan
He joined Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group in 1964
He started in theatre with the University of Ife Theatre Arts group
He later attended the Obafemi Awolowo University where he earned a degree in Dramatic Arts + Certificate in Yoruba Oral Literature
He earned a Bachelor in Administration in Theatre Arts in 1995 at the University of Ibadan
He attended M.A. and Ph.D. in Drama
In 2005, he reportedly shared a university class with his son Adeyemi, and completed his PhD
He joined Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, rose to senior lecturer, retired 2011
After that he became HOD of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University, and later lectured at Elizade University
He played “Orekunrin” in the classic NTA soap opera “The Village Headmaster” – the role which made him a household name in the 70s/80s
He also acted in hundreds of Yoruba films and stage plays
He also directed and produced several projects
He’s a professor of Theatre Arts
He lectured at Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ibadan, and later became HOD of Performing Arts at Redeemer’s University
He received a National Honor – Member of the Order of the Niger, MON – for contributions to Nigerian theatre and culture
He’s one of the pioneers who helped shape modern Yoruba drama and trained a lot of younger actors through teaching
His notable works like Sango (1997), Saworoide, Koseegbe, Super Story, among others where he displayed absolute excellence and rare acting skills
He was part of the bridge from traditional Alárìnjó travelling theatre to modern Nollywood in the last 60 years
He mentored generations of actors, playwrights, and scholars
