Colleagues and fans of veteran Nollywood actor Kola Oyewo have expressed sadness following the actor’s death on Friday at 80.

Earlier, the Peoples Gazette reported that Mr Oyewo’s death was announced by Kunle Afodunrin, popularly known as Kunle Afod, in an Instagram post.

“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 works live,” he wrote.

A veteran actor, Toyin Adegbola, also known as Toyin Tomato or Asewo to re Mecca, in an Instagram post on Friday, described Mr Oyewo as “a great dancer, lecturer, uncle, father and grandfather.”

Ms Adegbola stated, “Uncle K, as you are fondly called! You came, you saw, and you conquered. Death is inevitable, and we are not permitted to question God. You have gone to be with your Creator, and I am certain you are seated by His right hand.

“A great dancer, a lecturer, an uncle, a father, and a grandfather. How blessed I am that I was present to celebrate with you at your 80th birthday on the 18th of April 2026, that memory will linger forever.”

“The Balogun of Oba-Ile has gone! Labaluyeke has gone! Baba Adewale lo, baba Adeyemi lo, baba Adetoyese lo, baba Adegoke lo, baba Oluwatobiloba lo. You will be greatly missed, my dear brother. Goodnight.”

In his reaction, filmmaker and content creator Olamilekan Shoneye, in an Instagram post on Saturday, described Mr Oyewo’s death as the end of an era and the passing of a “titan, true legend and actor par excellence.”

Mr Shoneye said the late actor shaped the Nigerian movie industry with his brilliance, discipline and unmatched ability to bring his assigned roles to life in the best possible way.

He said, “Today, the curtains have closed on an era. We mourn the passing of a titan, a true Legend and an actor par excellence – Daddy Kola Oyewo.

“Your craft was more than just performance; it was a masterclass in storytelling, culture, and humanity. You shaped the industry with your brilliance, your discipline and your unmatched ability to bring every character to life with such soul.

“Thank you for all the wonderful memories and the legacy you left behind. Rest in perfect peace, our dear Daddy. You will be missed, but your work will live on forever.”

Nigerian actor and national president, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, likened the actor’s demise to a fallen elephant.

“Erin wooo, Balogun looo. Rest well uncle Kola Oyewo,” Mr Amusan said.

“Goodnight, Uncle Kola Oyewo. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” another nollywood actor, Ijaduade Waheed Abolaji, wrote in an Instagram post.

An X user and social media personality, @EluluAyoola, described the late actor as a “veteran actor, distinguished scholar and one of the finest icons of Nigerian theatre and film.

The X user wrote, “For decades, he illuminated our screens, stages, and classrooms with uncommon brilliance. As an actor, he brought stories to life with grace, depth and authenticity.

“As a lecturer, he nurtured generations of students, shaping minds and inspiring excellence. As a cultural ambassador, he devoted his life to preserving and promoting the richness of Yoruba and Nigerian theatre.”

“Though death has taken him from our sight, it can never take away the legacy he built, the lives he touched, and the inspiration he leaves behind. Nigeria has lost a legend. The stage has lost a master. The classroom has lost a great teacher.”

A Facebook user and social media personality, Ayodeji Owoeye, said Mr Oyewo left a legacy of “excellence, passion and unforgettable performances.”

“Goodbye Oba Lapite of Saworo Ide. This man’s action in this film is legendary to me. He simply ate the role. Nigeria has lost a true icon. Kola Oyewo has reportedly passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, passion, and unforgettable performances. His impact on Nollywood and the lives of many fans will never be forgotten,” Mr Owoeye stated.

Also, Nigerian politician, Akin Alabi, also paid tribute to the late actor on X, describing him as “a true icon of Nigerian theatre and cinema who graced our screens with unforgettable performances in “Saworoide” as Oba Lapite, “The Gods Are Not to Blame,” “Sango,” “Koseegbe” and many other classic films.”

Also reacting, a lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency, Jesse Onuakalusi, in a Facebook post, noted that Nigeria has “lost a remarkable thespian whose immense talent, dedication, and unforgettable performances enriched our theatre and film industry for decades.

“Through classics such as “Saworoide,” “The Gods Are Not to Blame,” “Sango,” and “Koseegbe,” he inspired generations and left an enduring legacy in the hearts of millions. His contributions to the promotion of Yoruba culture and the growth of the Nigerian entertainment industry will never be forgotten.”

The late Kola Oyewo started his acting career with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and worked as a lecturer in the Dramatic Arts department at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

He also taught at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, and later at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.

He starred in films including Orogun Adedigba, The Gods Are Not to Blame, Sango, among others.

The damatist, critic and scholar once revealed that prostate problems slowed down his acting career during an interview.

On March 27, President Bola Tinubu congratulated the late actor when he joined the octogenarian club, describing him as a national treasure and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian storytelling.

The late Oyewo had five sons, earned a bachelor’s degree at OAU and completed a master’s degree and PhD at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

He was the Balogun of Oba-Ile in the Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State.