Oluwatobi Oyewo, the youngest son of the late veteran actor and cultural icon Kola Oyewo, has opened up about the final days of his father, who passed away on Friday at the age of 80.
Speaking in an interview with Punch, Oyewo revealed that the renowned academic and filmmaker passed away at approximately 6:30 p.m. after exhibiting several signs that he was preparing for his transition.
Pre-monitions and Final Moments
According to Oyewo, the veteran actor began speaking in a calm but unusual manner two days prior to his death, frequently utilizing parables and referencing deceased family members.
"He kept telling my brother that it was sad that he would be leaving behind such good children," Oyewo recalled. "There was a point when he kept mentioning our mother's name [who passed away in 2020] as if she was in the vicinity. He kept saying, ‘Aduke, mo ti se tan o’ (Aduke, I am now ready)."
On the morning of his passing, the late actor reportedly shared a cheerful video call from his hospital bed with his eldest son, laughing and joking. When asked if he was "on his way home," the elder Oyewo replied in the affirmative—a statement the family later realized referred to his spiritual transition rather than a discharge from the hospital.
Prolonged Health Battles
The younger Oyewo also shed light on his father’s long-standing health challenges, disclosing that the veteran actor was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate in 2019. While he successfully managed the condition for several years following an initial surgery, his health began to decline significantly toward the end of last year.
The physical decline ultimately restricted his active lifestyle, preventing him from driving and traveling across the country.
| Key Milestones in Kola Oyewo's Final Years | |
| 2019 | Diagnosed with an enlarged prostate; underwent initial surgery. |
| 2020 | Dealt with the loss of his wife, Aduke. |
| Late 2025 | Experienced severe decline in mobility and health. |
| June 2026 | Passed away peacefully at age 80. |
A Conscious Choice
Medical professionals had recently recommended a second surgical procedure to manage the condition. However, given the inherent risks of the surgery at his advanced age, the actor declined the operation.
Oyewo stated that the family fully supported the decision, noting that his father was at peace with his journey, mentally prepared for the end, and deeply concerned about not becoming a burden to his children.
Kola Oyewo, a respected veteran of the Nigerian film industry and a former lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), leaves behind a massive legacy in the nation's creative and cultural landscape. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.