Veteran Nollywood actor and theatre icon, Kola Oyewo, has spoken publicly about his ongoing battle with prostate enlargement, a health condition he says has significantly affected his ability to take on demanding film roles.
The 80-year-old actor shared his experience during a recent visit by fellow actor Kunle Afod to his residence, where he reflected on his gradual withdrawal from frequent screen appearances and the physical challenges behind it.
Oyewo explained that his health condition began with troubling symptoms, including sleepless nights and frequent urination, which eventually led to a medical diagnosis.
Narrating the onset of the illness, he described how the condition disrupted his daily life and professional commitments.
“Before now, I could go from one location to another and play any role, but the illness has laid me back. I can no longer play certain roles except for some minor roles,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the veteran actor expressed gratitude for his recovery progress and continued survival, noting that ageing and illness had naturally slowed him down, even as he acknowledged others in his age group who remain physically stronger.
“I thank God because I’m getting better now. You can’t go through some kind of sickness and go back to how you’ve been before, but I thank God,” he added.
He further recounted the severity of his symptoms before diagnosis, including frequent urination and difficulty reaching the toilet in time, which eventually prompted medical tests confirming an enlarged prostate.
“There are so many people of my age that are still stronger than I am, but I thank God for preserving my life. I drove myself to the hospital after having sleepless nights, frequent urination and sometimes urinating on my body before I got to the toilet,” he said.
Following a series of medical examinations, he was diagnosed with prostate enlargement, a condition commonly associated with ageing in men.
Kola Oyewo, who began his acting career in 1964, remains one of the most respected figures in Nigerian theatre and film. He rose to prominence through acclaimed productions such as The Gods Are Not to Blame and Sango, which helped shape his legacy in the industry.
Beyond acting, Oyewo also served in academia as a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he taught from 1996 until his retirement in 2011, further cementing his influence in both performance and education.