The Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Osun Chapter, has expressed sadness over the death of veteran actor and theatre scholar, Kola Oyewo.

The association’s chairman in Osun, Maroof Lawal, announced the death of the actor in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Osogbo.

The veteran actor was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun, and began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.

Lawal described the late Oyewo as a revered father, mentor, and Nollywood icon whose immense contributions to theatre arts and motion pictures left an enduring legacy in Nigeria and beyond.

He said the deceased joined his ancestors on June 12 after a lifetime of dedication to the growth and development of the performing arts.

According to him, the veteran actor was disciplined and committed, and his fatherly counsel shaped generations of practitioners and inspired countless talents across the country.

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty God, I announce the passing of our revered father, mentor and Nollywood icon, Prof. Kola Oyewo.

“He was a towering figure in theatre arts and motion pictures whose dedication, discipline and fatherly counsel shaped generations of practitioners across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

Lawal said that the programme of activities for the burial of the deceased would be announced by the family in due course.

He prayed that God would forgive the late actor’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and give his family and the entire creative industry the fortitude to bear the loss.

 (NAN)