Nigeria's entertainment world is in mourning. Professor Adekola Akangbe Gabriel Oyewo, the legendary actor and scholar known as Professor Kola Oyewo, has died at 80.
His son, Adetoyese Oyewo, announced the death on Friday through Facebook. He remembered his father as a man defined by "love, wisdom, strength and kindness."
Adetoyese shared the news with heavy emotion. "It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my beloved father," he wrote online.
Though grief has gripped the family, they're grateful for his remarkable life. According to Adetoyese, his father's influence touched countless people across generations.
The son said his father's memory will live on through family, friends and colleagues. He appealed for prayers and support during this difficult time.
Adetoyese noted the family was celebrating a life devoted to service, learning and the arts. Professor Oyewo's legacy, he emphasized, would endure through those he inspired.
Throughout Nigeria, Professor Oyewo stood as a towering figure in theatre and performing arts. He earned deep respect both as an accomplished performer and dedicated academic.
For decades, he shaped Yoruba theatre and preserved its traditions. His work championed Nigerian culture across stage, screen and university classrooms.
His career encompassed acting, teaching and cultural advocacy. He became a defining voice in Nigeria's theatre arts movement.
Academic institutions and the entertainment industry have expressed their condolences. Many acknowledged his immense contributions to Nigeria's cultural landscape.
Friends and colleagues are expected to share memories in coming days. His passing marks the loss of a true cultural ambassador.
