Veteran Nigerian actor, dramatist and scholar Dr. Kola Oyewo has died at age 80, multiple outlets report. His death is announced through posts on Instagram by actor Kunle Afod and others, with tributes citing Oyewo’s long-standing contribution to Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema. Several reports say he is widely remembered for roles including Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s stage play “The Gods Are Not to Blame” and as a notable performer in the film “Saworoide.”

Premium Times and Vanguard also highlight his recognition across African theatre and film, while Nigerian Eye adds that Oyewo had previously spoken about health challenges related to an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). According to the same source, the condition had slowed him down and affected the roles he could take.

In addition to acting, Nigerian Eye reports that Oyewo had an academic career, earning a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and teaching at multiple universities. While one outlet (Information Nigeria) reports a different age, the other sources consistently place his death at 80.