The family of renowned Nigerian actor, theatre scholar and traditional chief, Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Kola Oyewo, has announced a three-day funeral programme for the late thespian, who died at the age of 80.
Oyewo, a respected professor of theatre arts, veteran stage and screen actor, and the Balogun of Oba-Ile in Osun State, passed away on June 12 after a brief illness. He was celebrated for his distinguished contributions to Nigerian theatre, academia and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage, with memorable performances in films such as Saworoide and decades of teaching at tertiary institutions.
According to the funeral programme released by the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, funeral activities will commence on Wednesday, August 5, with a wake-keep and service of songs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.A Commendation Mass will be held at the same church on Thursday, August 6, before an Artistes’ Night featuring tributes and cultural performances at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The family also announced that an exhibition showcasing the late actor’s works and photographs will run from Thursday afternoon to Friday at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, in honour of his enduring contributions to the performing arts.
The remains of the late actor will depart for his hometown of Oba-Ile on Friday, August 7, where a lying-in-state will be held at the Ese Ola Compound, followed by a Requiem Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Interment will take place at Labiduyegbe Villa in a private ceremony for family members and close associates, while a public reception will follow at Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
The family described the late Oyewo as a devoted father, grandfather, mentor, traditional chief and one of Nigeria’s foremost theatre practitioners whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors, scholars and lovers of the performing arts.
