Kayode Peters, trailblazing Nigerian filmmaker and actor, is dead

Kayode Peters, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker, director and actor celebrated for his pioneering work in theatre and television, has died in Toronto after a prolonged battle with illness.

Peters’ family confirmed his passing in a statement shared via his official Instagram page on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Kayode Peters Adewumi, who passed on peacefully this morning June 28, 2025 in Toronto, Canada,” the statement read. “KP braved, challenged and conquered a long time illness until his last breath this morning.”

Born and raised in Lagos, he studied English in the University of Lagos and carved a unique niche in Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television scene, directing and producing numerous stage plays and sitcoms that reflected everyday Nigerian life with wit and authenticity. Widely known in the Nigerian entertainment industry simply as KP, he got his start in the entertainment industry in 2000, just after graduating, when he produced The Twilight Zone.

In the years that followed, Peters shot to fame with African Magic’s revival of the hit comedy series Flatmates, which became a staple of Nigerian pop culture and inspired a new generation of situational comedies., Papa Ajasco, and company, and soon began working as an executive producer and movie director of some popular blockbusters, including Crazy Grannies (2021) and Dream Job (2021).

In 2018, he produced his first international film title, “Excuse My African in New York City”.

Peters is also well known for directing and producing several hit stage plays and sitcoms like Extended Family. He is also known for his 2015 work, “Doll House.”

“A cherished son, husband, father, brother and friend, a gifted filmmaker, actor and producer whose work inspired many. Beyond his talent, it was his kindness, warmth and generous spirit that truly defined him,” his family said. “He touched countless lives, both on and off the screen, and will be deeply missed.”

His family has asked for privacy as they make arrangements for his funeral and come to terms with their loss. “As we grieve this painful loss, we kindly ask for kindness and privacy while we take time to make arrangements for his funeral and to heal,” the statement read. “Further details will be shared in due course. Thank you for your love, condolences and continued support.”

Peters is survived by his wife, children and extended family, who, like many in the Nigerian creative community, will remember him as an extraordinary artist whose legacy lives on in the stories he told and the lives he touched.