Veteran actor Kola Oyewo’s family announce funeral rites

The family of the late veteran Nollywood actor and theatre academic, Kola Oyewo, has announced the funeral arrangements for the icon. Oyewo passed away on June 12 at the age of 80. The three-day funeral program is scheduled to be held from August 5 to 7 in Ile-Ife and Oba-Ile, Osun State.

According to a statement signed by his eldest son, Adewale Christopher Oyewo, the proceedings begin on Wednesday, August 5, with a wake-keep and service of songs at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Ile-Ife. A commendation mass will follow on Thursday, August 6, at the same church. That evening, an artistes’ night featuring tributes and cultural performances will take place at Obafemi Awolowo University’s Oduduwa Hall. An exhibition of Oyewo’s work and photographs will also be open at The Pit Theatre throughout Thursday and Friday.

The final day, Friday, August 7, includes a motorcade procession to Oba-Ile, the actor’s hometown. This will be followed by a lying-in-state, a requiem mass, and interment. A reception for guests will be held at the Aderounmu Grammar School Field in Oba-Ile.

Born on March 26, 1946, Oyewo had a distinguished career that spanned over six decades. He studied at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and later earned a PhD from the University of Ibadan. He began his professional journey in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group and later joined the University of Ife Theatre, where he famously portrayed Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s play, The Gods Are Not to Blame. His filmography includes acclaimed productions like Saworoide, Koseegbe, and Sango. Beyond his acting career, Oyewo was a dedicated academic, teaching drama at Obafemi Awolowo University and lecturing at Redeemer’s and Elizade Universities. He was also a prominent cultural figure, serving as the Balogun of Oba-Ile and a champion of Yoruba culture.

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