Renowned Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker, and scholar, Kola Oyewo, has passed away at the age of 80.

His death was announced on Instagram on Friday by actor Kunle Afod.

“Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow,” he wrote.

“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 work lives on.

“🕊️ It’s a wrap.”

In April, the veteran actor detailed his struggle with prostate enlargement, revealing how the condition has slowed him down and limited the roles he can now accept.

“Before now, I could be here and there and play any role, but the sickness laid me back. I can’t play some roles anymore. Except for some minor roles. Well, thank God I am okay now. You can’t go through some kind of sickness and go back to how you’ve been before, but I thank God,” he had said.

Enlarged prostate, also known as Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a condition in which the prostate gland grows larger than normal, but the growth is not caused by cancer. It is a common condition associated with the natural ageing process in men. BPH puts pressure on your urethra. That pressure can cause symptoms like having to pee more often than normal and difficulty peeing, among others.

Born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun state, Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group.

He later rose to become one of the most celebrated figures in Yoruba theatre and Nigerian cinema.

He was best known for his portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic play ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame,’ a role that brought him acclaim across the African theatre landscape.

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo appeared in numerous productions, including ‘Saworoide,’ ‘Sango,’ ‘Koseegbe,’ ‘Super Story,’ and many Yoruba-language films that helped shape Nigeria’s movie industry.

Beyond acting, Oyewo was also an academic. He earned a doctorate in Drama from the University of Ibadan and taught at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University.

Through his teaching and mentorship, he helped train and inspire generations of actors, playwrights, and scholars, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s theatre, film, and academic communities.

Mark Yinka Orabiyi, the Nigerian-British singer and songwriter known professionally as Talay Riley, has died at the age of 35 after being stabbed in East London.

The incident took place around 9 a.m. on Friday on Pankhurst Avenue in Silvertown, according to local outlet Newham Recorder.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but the Grammy winner could not be saved.

Homicide detectives from the specialist crime command have launched a murder investigation into the incident.

Talay’s death was also confirmed in a statement released by his family. They described their loss as an “overwhelming sadness”.

The family remembered Riley not only for his professional accomplishments but for his character.

“It is with overwhelming sadness that we confirm that Mark ‘Yinka’ Orabiyi professionally known as Talay Riley passed away yesterday morning,” the statement reads.

“Talay will fondly be remembered by those who knew him publicly for his incredible talent as a Grammy Award winning, multi platinum selling songwriter & artist.

“For those that knew and loved him personally it is his humour, generous spirit and unmistakable presence that will be missed the most.”

The family also expressed gratitude for the public’s support following the tragedy.

“We are deeply grateful for the enormous outpouring of love and support that we have received through messages, calls and visits over the past hours,” the statement added.

“Thank you for your continued consideration and sensitivity at what is a devastating time for us all.”

alay, the brother of music producer Scribz Riley, spent more than a decade shaping the R&B genre.

He first broke into the industry at 18 after signing a publishing deal with Global Publishing.

His career gained momentum with a feature on rapper Chipmunk’s 2009 single, followed by a signing with Jive/Sony Records.

Over the years, he toured the UK and the US alongside artists such as Skepta, Usher, and Trey Songz, and collaborated with Kehlani, H.E.R., Khalid, and the rising US group 2BYG.

Tributes have poured in for Talay.

Joining the fray, Scribz, born Michael Orabiyi Riley, penned an emotional tribute to his older sibling on Instagram.

“I never thought the day would come where I’d be writing this, but unfortunately I can confirm that on the morning of Friday 5th June my big brother YINKA (Talay Riley) passed away,” he wrote.

“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do.

“I never imagined that would be our last conversation. Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was my mother’s son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives.

“Even with everything you accomplished this was far too soon. I love you brother. Thank you for everything. Rest in paradise Yinka. Until we meet again.”

Notable singers, including Stormzy, took to the comment section to write “I’m sorry bro”.

Craig David, who worked with Talay on his 2018 album ‘The Time is Now,’ said: “Sending so much love to you & the family. His beautiful energy will continue to be felt & shown from the other side.”

Popular Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo, is dead. He was 40.

His death was confirmed on Tuesday by his colleagues, Funke Akindele, Bolanle Ninalowo, and Godwin Nnadiekwe, who described him as an ally.

Sharing on her Instagram story, Akindele wrote, “Hmmmmmm. Rest in peace, Alex. I tried to reach out to see you one more time, but guess you knew best. May your kind soul rest in peace, Alex. ‘Ore mi like you fondly called me, I will always remember and cherish the good times we shared together. Rest in Peace, Alex.”

Meanwhile, Ninalowo, who is now in the United States, also mourned on his page, writing, “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”

Nnadiekwe, on the other hand, shared, “I’m struggling to find the words. This news has truly broken me. Nollywood has lost a rare soul, and I’m lost for words because this wasn’t the plan, Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your Will — It’s heartbroken, I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.

As of the time of filing this report, his family has not stated his death.

Details later…