The family of late veteran actor and theatre icon Kola Oyewo has shared emotional details about his final moments, revealing that the celebrated thespian appeared to have a premonition of his death just hours before he passed away.
Speaking about the actor’s final days, his son, Oluwatobi Oyewo, recounted how his father calmly told family members, “I’m going home,” a statement that would later take on profound significance following his death.
According to Oluwatobi, the late actor had been battling health challenges associated with an enlarged prostate before his passing. Despite his medical condition, family members remained hopeful about his recovery and were not prepared for the sudden loss that followed.
The younger Oyewo explained that his father remained composed and spiritually reflective during his final hours, adding that the family initially interpreted his remarks as a reference to returning home from medical care. However, after his death, the statement was seen as a poignant farewell from a man who appeared to have accepted the end of his earthly journey.
“He told us, ‘I’m going home,’ and at the time we did not fully understand what he meant. Looking back now, it feels like he knew his time was near,” Oluwatobi reportedly said while reflecting on the painful experience.
The revelation has added an emotional dimension to the nationwide tributes that have continued to pour in since news of the actor’s death became public. Colleagues, admirers, students, and members of the Nigerian theatre community have remembered Oyewo as a gifted performer, scholar, and cultural ambassador whose contributions left an enduring mark on the country’s creative industry.
Widely respected for his commanding stage presence and deep understanding of Yoruba culture, Kola Oyewo enjoyed a distinguished career spanning several decades. He earned acclaim both as an actor and an academic, mentoring generations of performers while contributing significantly to the development of theatre arts in Nigeria.
His performances in stage productions, television dramas, and films earned him recognition as one of the most accomplished figures in Nigerian performing arts. Beyond his acting career, he was admired for his commitment to preserving indigenous cultural traditions and promoting the use of theatre as a tool for education and social development.
Family members described him as a devoted father, mentor, and community leader whose influence extended far beyond the entertainment industry. Oluwatobi noted that despite his public stature, his father remained humble and deeply committed to his family, often placing great emphasis on integrity, discipline, and education.
The disclosure about the actor’s battle with an enlarged prostate has also sparked conversations about men’s health, particularly the importance of regular medical check-ups and early diagnosis of prostate-related conditions. Health experts have long advocated increased awareness about prostate health, especially among older men who face higher risks of complications.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, many have highlighted Oyewo’s remarkable legacy as both an artist and educator. Former students, colleagues, and industry stakeholders have described his passing as a significant loss to Nigerian theatre and the broader cultural landscape.
For the Oyewo family, however, the grief remains deeply personal. While mourning the loss of a beloved father and patriarch, they have taken comfort in the memories he left behind and the impact he made during his lifetime.
Though Kola Oyewo is gone, his family says his legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched, the artistic works he created, and the values he instilled in those around him.
As Nigeria’s creative community reflects on his contributions, the late actor is being remembered not only for his achievements on stage and screen but also for the dignity, wisdom, and grace with which he lived and as his son recalls, the serenity with which he appeared to face his final moments.
