The family of veteran Nigerian actor and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo has released details of his burial arrangements, with final rites scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, in Osun State.
Oyewo, who died at the age of 80, was widely recognised for his contributions to theatre, television and academia, leaving behind a career that shaped generations of performers and scholars.
In a statement issued by the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House in Oba-Ile, the late actor was described as “a beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, esteemed traditional ruler, and a veteran of the Nigerian theatre.”
According to the burial programme released by the Balogun Oyekola Oyewo Memorial Committee, activities will begin on Wednesday, August 5, and continue for three days.
The opening events will include a wake and service of songs at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife. On Thursday, a commendation mass will take place at the same venue before an artistes’ tribute night and cultural performances later in the evening at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University.
An exhibition dedicated to Oyewo’s life and artistic achievements will also be staged at the university’s Pit Theatre in the African Studies Building, displaying photographs and selected works.
On Friday, the funeral procession will leave the actor’s residence at Ese Ola’s Compound in Oba-Ile ahead of a requiem service at St Joseph Catholic Church.
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Burial will take place at Labaluyegbe Villa in Oba-Ile in a private ceremony reserved for relatives and invited guests, after which mourners will gather for a reception at Aderonmu Grammar School Field.
Outside the screen and stage, Oyewo held the traditional title of Balogun of Oba-Ile and worked as an Associate Professor of Drama, earning respect for both his cultural and academic impact.
The family said his death marks the end of an important era in Nigerian theatre, noting that he remained an influential mentor and respected voice throughout his lifetime.