Veteran Actor and Theatre Scholar Kola Oyewo to Be Buried August 5–7
By Charity Onah
The family of renowned Nigerian actor, theatre scholar and cultural icon, Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Adekola Benedict Oyewo, JP, popularly known as Kola Oyewo, has announced a three-day programme of funeral activities in honour of the veteran performer, who died on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80.
According to a statement issued by his eldest son, Dr. Adewale Christopher Oyewo, the funeral rites will commence on Wednesday, August 5, with a Wake-Keep and Service of Songs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife, and conclude on Friday, August 7, with his interment at his hometown of Oba-Ile, Osun State.
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The late Oyewo, born on March 26, 1946, was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished theatre practitioners, combining an illustrious career on stage and screen with decades of service in academia and cultural advocacy.
The funeral programme begins on Wednesday with a Wake-Keep and Service of Songs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
On Thursday, August 6, a Commendation Mass will hold from 10:00 a.m. to noon, after which an Artistes’ Night, featuring tributes and cultural performances, will take place at the Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
An exhibition showcasing Dr. Oyewo’s photographs, publications and artistic works will also be held at The Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, beginning on Thursday and continuing until Friday afternoon.
The final rites on Friday, August 7, will commence with a motorcade conveying his remains to Oba-Ile at 7:00 a.m., followed by a Lying-in-State at Ese Ola’s Compound at 9:45 a.m. A Requiem Mass will hold at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile, before a private interment at Labaluyege Villa. A reception for guests will later take place at the Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
Kola Oyewo’s career spanned more than six decades and left an enduring imprint on Nigerian theatre, television, film and higher education.
He began his professional acting career in 1964 after joining the legendary Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, where he played Adejare in Orogun Adedigba. After spending nine years with the troupe, he joined the University of Ife Theatre, working alongside the late playwright and scholar Chief Ola Rotimi.
Oyewo became widely celebrated for his portrayal of Odewale in Rotimi’s classic play, The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that cemented his place among Nigeria’s foremost stage actors.
Beyond the theatre, he enjoyed a distinguished academic career. A graduate of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he obtained certificates in Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in 1995, he later obtained both his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Drama from the University of Ibadan.
He joined the academic staff of Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, rising to the rank of Senior Lecturer before retiring in 2011. He subsequently served as Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University and later lectured in Performing Arts at Elizade University, Ondo State. He was also the Balogun of Oba-Ile, his hometown.
On screen, Oyewo featured in numerous acclaimed productions, including Saworoide, Koseegbe, Sango, Super Story, Efunsetan Aniwura, Yemoja, Omo University, Oba Bi Olorun, Oosa Aafin, Olukoti and Ogeere, among many others.
He was equally respected for his unwavering commitment to the promotion of Yoruba culture, theatre scholarship and advocacy for the creative arts.
Describing the late actor’s legacy, the family said he lived a life marked by service, integrity and dedication to community development.
“Our beloved patriarch was 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 tributes received in his honour are a reflection of the lasting impact he made on countless lives,” the statement read.
The family also expressed appreciation to Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Oloba of Oba-Ile, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Ashamu Oyeyemi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for their messages of condolence.
They further thanked professional bodies, including the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), as well as colleagues from Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, Ekiti State University and Elizade University, for standing with the family during their period of mourning.
With his passing, Nigeria loses not only one of its finest actors but also a distinguished teacher, cultural ambassador and custodian of the nation’s theatrical heritage, whose influence will continue to inspire generations of performers and scholars.
