The family of the late veteran Nollywood actor and theatre academic, Gabriel Adekola Benedict Oyewo—widely known as Kola Oyewo—has announced the funeral arrangements for the icon, who passed away on 12 June at the age of 80. The three-day programme will be held from 5 to 7 August in Ile-Ife and Oba-Ile, Osun State.
Mr Oyewo was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading theatre practitioners, boasting a distinguished career that spanned more than six decades across stage, film, and academia.
Funeral schedule
According to a statement signed by his eldest son, Adewale Christopher Oyewo, the proceedings will commence on Wednesday, 5 August, with a wake-keep and service of songs at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
On Thursday, 6 August, a commendation mass will be held 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 showcasing the late actor’s extensive body of work and photographs will also open at The Pit Theatre, within the university’s African Studies Building, running through to Friday.
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The final day, Friday, 7 August, will include a motorcade procession to the actor’s hometown of Oba-Ile, followed by a lying-in-state, a requiem mass, and interment. A reception for guests will be held at the Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
Distinguished career
Born on 26 March 1946, Mr Oyewo studied at the then-University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he earned certificates in Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature, before completing a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in 1995. He later attained a master’s degree and a PhD in Drama from the University of Ibadan.
He began his professional journey in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group, where he made his debut in Orogun Adedigba. After a nine-year tenure with the troupe, he joined the University of Ife Theatre, collaborating closely with the late renowned playwright Ola Rotimi. Mr Oyewo achieved lasting recognition for his portrayal of Odewale in Rotimi’s seminal play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.
His illustrious career included roles in several acclaimed productions, such as Saworoide, Koseegbe, Sango, O Le Ku, Efunsetan Aniwura, Yemoja, Omo University, Oosa Aafin, and Ogeere.
Scholar and cultural advocate
Beyond the screen, Mr Oyewo was a dedicated academic. He joined the faculty at Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, where he taught drama until his retirement in 2011. He later served as Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University and lectured in Performing Arts at Elizade University. A prominent cultural figure, he served as the Balogun of Oba-Ile and remained a steadfast champion of 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 expressed profound gratitude to those who have offered support since his passing, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; and professional organisations, including the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).