Funeral plans for late actor Kola Oyewo announced by family

The family of the late Nollywood star and theatre expert, Gabriel Adekola Benedict Oyewo, known as Kola Oyewo, has shared the funeral plans for him. He passed away on June 12 at the age of 80. The events will take place over three days, from August 5 to 7, in Ile-Ife and Oba-Ile, Osun State.

Mr Oyewo was seen as one of Nigeria’s top theatre practitioners. His career lasted over six decades across stage, film, and education.

Funeral schedule

A statement from his eldest son, Adewale Christopher Oyewo, said the events will start 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, there will be a commendation mass at the same church. This will be followed by an artistes’ night featuring tributes and cultural performances at the Oduduwa Hall of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. An exhibition showing the late actor’s works and photos will also open at The Pit Theatre in the university’s African Studies Building, running until Friday.

On the final day, Friday, August 7, there will be a motorcade procession to the actor’s hometown of Oba-Ile. This will be followed by a lying-in-state, a requiem mass, and burial. A reception for guests will take place at the Aderounmu Grammar School Field in Oba-Ile.

Distinguished career

Born on March 26, 1946, Mr Oyewo studied at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He earned certificates in Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature, and completed a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in 1995. He later received a master’s degree and a PhD in Drama from the University of Ibadan.

He started his career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, making his debut in Orogun Adedigba. After nine years, he joined the University of Ife Theatre, working closely with the late famous playwright Ola Rotimi. Mr Oyewo gained fame for his role as Odewale in Rotimi’s well-known play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.

His impressive career included performances in many acclaimed productions, such as Saworoide, Koseegbe, Sango, O Le Ku, Efunsetan Aniwura, Yemoja, Omo University, Oosa Aafin, and Ogeere.

Scholar and cultural advocate

Outside acting, Mr Oyewo was a devoted academic. He joined the faculty at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, teaching drama until his retirement in 2011. He later became Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University and taught Performing Arts at Elizade University. He was a well-known cultural figure, serving as the Balogun of Oba-Ile, and was a strong advocate for Yoruba culture and the performing arts.

Family tribute

In their statement, the family described Mr Oyewo as “a respected community leader, accomplished professional, devoted family man, and distinguished traditional title holder, whose life was defined by service, integrity, and commitment to the development of his people.”

The family thanked everyone who supported them since his passing, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and professional groups like the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).