Final Curtain Call: Family Announces Three-Day Burial Rites For Veteran Actor Kola Oyewo

Several activities have been lined up to honour the late veteran Nigerian actor, theatre icon and scholar, Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Kola Oyewo, ahead of his final burial scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, in Osun State.

A funeral programme released by the late actor’s family revealed that the burial rites will span three days, from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7, 2026, celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in theatre and academia.

Chief Oyewo, who died at the age of 80, built an illustrious career that cut across stage productions, television and higher education, earning widespread admiration for his immense contributions to the development of theatre arts in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, Oba-Ile, the late actor was described as a devoted father, grandfather, traditional ruler, distinguished colleague and one of the nation’s foremost theatre veterans whose impact transcended generations.

The burial programme, coordinated by the Balogun Oyekola Oyewo Memorial Committee, indicates that 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 has been scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at the same church, while an artistes’ night featuring tributes, dramatic performances and cultural displays will later hold at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

As part of efforts to celebrate his enduring legacy, an exhibition showcasing his works, achievements and photographs will also be staged at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, Obafemi Awolowo University. The exhibition will run from Thursday, August 6, through Friday, August 7.

On the day of his burial, the funeral cortege will depart from his residence at Ese Ola’s Compound, Oba-Ile, for a requiem mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church before proceeding to Labaluyegbe Villa, Oba-Ile, where he will be laid to rest in a private interment attended by family members and close associates.

A reception for invited guests will follow at the Aderonmu Grammar School Field in Oba-Ile.

Beyond his accomplishments as an actor, Chief Oyewo also served as the Balogun of Oba-Ile in Osun State and was an Associate Professor of Drama, mentoring countless actors, playwrights and scholars throughout his distinguished career.

His passing has been widely regarded as the end of an era in Nigeria’s theatre industry, where his outstanding contributions to performance, scholarship and cultural preservation continue to inspire generations.