The family of the legendary Nigerian actor and respected theatre academic, Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Kola Oyewo, has officially announced the transition and final burial arrangements for the late icon. The three-day funeral program is scheduled to take place in Osun State from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7, 2026.
Oyewo, who passed away at the age of 80, leaves behind a monumental legacy that spanned several decades across stage, television, and academia. In an official statement, the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House in Oba-Ile described the late actor as a devoted patriarch, grandfather, great-grandfather, trusted colleague, and a highly esteemed traditional ruler.
A Celebrated Life on Stage, Screen, and in the Classroom
Beyond his memorable roles on screen, Kola Oyewo was a respected academic who served as an Associate Professor of Drama, shaping the minds of countless Nigerian performers and writers. He was also a prominent traditional figure, holding the title of Balogun of Oba-Ile in Osun State. His death has been described by peers as the end of an era for the nation's creative and scholarly communities.
Schedule of Funeral Activities
The Balogun Oyekola Oyewo Memorial Committee has outlined a comprehensive three day schedule to celebrate the life and legacy of the late icon:
• Wednesday, August 5, 2026: The rites will begin with a wake-keep and service of songs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, located in Igboya, Ile-Ife.
• Thursday, August 6, 2026: A commendation mass will be held in the morning at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Later in the evening, the artistic community will gather for an Artistes' Night at the Oduduwa Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, featuring cultural displays and tributes. Additionally, a special exhibition showcasing Oyewo's works and photographs will launch at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, running through Friday.
• Friday, August 7, 2026: The funeral cortege will depart from the late actor’s residence at Ese Ola’s Compound, Oba-Ile, in the morning. This will be followed by a requiem mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile.
The Final Resting Place
The remains of the veteran actor will be interred at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, August 7, at the Labaluyegbe Villa in Oba-Ile. The family has noted that the interment ceremony will be restricted to family members and close associates to ensure an intimate farewell. Following the burial, a public reception for guests and well-wishers will hold at the Aderonmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
Through his performances, teaching, and preservation of Yoruba culture, Kola Oyewo mentored generations of dramatists and remains a towering figure in the history of Nigerian arts.
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