The family of renowned Nigerian actor and theatre scholar, Chief Dr Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Kola Oyewo, has announced that he will be buried on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Osun State.
The funeral arrangements were contained in a programme released by the family.
Oyewo, who passed away at the age of 80, was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading theatre icons, with a distinguished career spanning stage, television, and academia over several decades.
In a funeral announcement, the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, Oba-Ile, described the deceased as “a beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, esteemed traditional ruler, and a veteran of the Nigerian theatre.”
In a flier issued by the Balogun Oyekola Oyewo Memorial Committee, the three-day funeral programme will run from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7, 2026.
“With gratitude to God for a life of purpose, honour and enduring impact, the entire Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, Oba-Ile, announces the passing of our beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, esteemed traditional ruler and veteran of the Nigerian theatre,” Newspeak quoted the family’s statement as saying on Saturday.
The late actor was also the Balogun of Oba-Ile in Osun State and an Associate Professor of Drama, earning widespread recognition for his contributions to the development of theatre arts in Nigeria.
Activities lined up for the burial rites will commence on Wednesday, August 5, with a wake-keep and service of songs at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
On Thursday, August 6, a commendation mass will be held at the same church, while an artistes’ night featuring tributes and cultural displays is scheduled for later that day at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
A major highlight of the funeral programme will be an exhibition of Oyewo’s works and photographs at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, beginning on Thursday and continuing through Friday.
The funeral cortege will leave the late actor’s residence at Ese Ola’s Compound, Oba-Ile, on Friday morning before a requiem mass at St Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile.
Interment will take place at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, August 7, at Labaluyegbe Villa, Oba-Ile, in a ceremony restricted to family members and close associates.
A reception for guests will follow at Aderonmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.