Veteran actor Kola Oyewo to be buried August 7 in Osun State

The remains of Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, widely known as Kola Oyewo, will be laid to rest on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Osun State, according to a funeral program released by his family. Oyewo, who passed away at 80, was celebrated as a leading figure in Nigerian theatre, with a career spanning decades across stage, television, and academia.

The Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House described the deceased as a "beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, esteemed traditional ruler, and a veteran of the Nigerian theatre." A three-day funeral program, from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7, 2026, has been outlined.

Activities 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 is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at the same church, followed by an artistes’ night featuring tributes and cultural displays at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. An exhibition of Oyewo’s works and photographs will be held at the Pit Theatre, Obafemi Awolowo University, from Thursday through Friday.

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a beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, esteemed traditional ruler, and a veteran of the Nigerian theatre.

The funeral cortege will depart from the late actor’s residence on Friday morning. A requiem mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile, before interment at 12:45 p.m. at Labaluyegbe Villa, Oba-Ile, a ceremony limited to family and close associates. A reception will follow at Aderonmu Grammar School Field.

Oyewo, who also served as the Balogun of Oba-Ile and an Associate Professor of Drama, earned significant recognition for his contributions to Nigerian theatre arts. His passing is seen as the end of an era, with his legacy as a respected voice and mentor continuing to inspire future generations.

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With gratitude to God for a life of purpose, honour and enduring impact, the entire Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, Oba-Ile, announces the passing of our beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, esteemed traditional ruler and veteran of the Nigerian theatre.