Nollywood legend Kola Oyewo dies at 80, Afod confirms

Nollywood veteran Kola Oyewo dies at 80. Kunle Afod confirmed the sad news Friday night, sparking tributes across Nigeria.

Veteran Nollywood actor Kola Oyewo in blue agbada, announced dead at age 80 by Kunle Afod

The Nigerian film industry is in mourning.

Veteran actor Kola Oyewo has reportedly passed away at the age of 80.

The sad news broke late Friday night, June 12, 2026. It was fellow actor and filmmaker Kunle Afod who first shared the announcement on Instagram and Threads.

Afod did not give a cause of death. He also did not share further details surrounding the incident.

In his tribute post, Afod wrote a simple, painful farewell:

"Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. 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."

The announcement quickly spread across Nollywood. Within hours, major entertainment pages including Linda Ikeji Blog, Instablog9ja, Pulse Nigeria, PUNCH Newspapers and TVC News Nigeria had all carried the obituary, using a portrait of Oyewo in his signature blue agbada and fila cap.

Fans flooded the comment sections with prayers and memories. "May his gentle soul rest in peace," "Rest well papa," "He was indeed a legend," were the messages repeating across Afod's post.

Many remembered him from classics like Saworoide, calling him the man who made their childhood memorable.

Kola Oyewo was a true stage-to-screen icon. A pillar of Yoruba theatre and Nollywood, his calm voice, deep proverbs and fatherly roles made him a household name for over five decades.

As of Saturday morning in Abuja, the family is yet to release an official statement. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Tributes are still pouring in from colleagues, fans, and cultural groups across Nigeria.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.