Three-day funeral rites for veteran actor, Kola Oyewo holds August 5-7
By Editor
THE funeral rites of the veteran actor and theatre academic, Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Adekola Benedict Oyewo, JP, will commence on Wednesday, 5August 2026 with a Wake-Keep and Service of Songs, and conclude Friday August 7 with his interment and later social reception.
Born March 26, 1946, the actor and teacher died on June 12, 2026 aged 80. He was educated at the university of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he obtained a certificate in dramatic arts; a certificate in Yoruba oral literature; and much later a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Theatre Art in 1995. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan where he earned a Master of Arts (M.A.) and doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in drama.
The family of the venerated actor simply called Kole Oyewo, in theatrical and cultural circuits, in an announcement, gave the details of the funeral rites as follows. On Wednesday, August 5 @5.00pm-7.00pm, there will be wake-Keep/Service of Songs at St Mary’s Catholic Chirch, Igboya, Ile Ife, on Thursday, August 6 @10.00am-12 noon, commendation Mass at St Mary’s Catholic Chirch, Igboya, Ile Ife begins, @3pm-8pm, an Artistes Night, Tributes, cultural Display at Oduduwa Hall OAU, Ile Ife take place and @1.00pm- 4.00pm: Exhibition of Dr Oyewo’s works and pictures at The Pit Theatre, African Studies Building. The display will continue till 4pm on Friday, August @7.00am, motorcade goes to Oba Ile with the corpse, @9.45am: Lying in State at Ese Ola’s compound, @11.00am: Requiem Mass at St Joseph Catholic Church, Oba Ile, @12.45pm, interment (strictly by invitation for family members and close allies) takes place at Labaluyege Villa, Oba Ile and @1.00pm, reception holds at Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba Ile.
A renowned folk actor who later went into the academia and rose to become an associate professor of drama serving in several institutions, notably Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer University, and Elizade University, Oyewo was also the Balogun of his Oba Ile native home.
Oyewo, according to Wikipedia, began his acting as a professional in 1964 after he joined the “Oyin Adejobi theatre group” and the first role he played was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, which was Oyin Adejobi’s autobiography. After he spent nine years with Oyin Adejobi, he joined the University of Ife theatre, where he worked with the late veteran dramatist and scholar, chief Ola Rotimi. Oyewo was known for the role he played as Odewale in The Gods Are Not to Blame, a play by Ola Rotimi.
In 1996, Oyewo joined the services of Obafemi Awolowo University, where he rose to the rank of senior lecturer before retiring in September 2011. After his retirement from the OAU, he joined the services of Redeemer’s University, where he served as head of the department of dramatic art. He later worked at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State as a performing arts lecturer.
He would be remembered for his well-applauded roles in several stage, television and movie roles including, Sango (1997), Super Story (episode 1), The Gods Are Not to Blame as Odewale, Saworoide (1999) as King Lapite, Koseegbe (1995) as Mako, O Le Ku (1997) as Oloye Ajasa, Efunsetan Aniwura (2005), Yemoja (2011) as Osi, Omo University (2015) as Vice Chancellor, Ayomi (2015) as Chief Olalere, Ewon Laafin (2015) as Oludeti, Ofeefe – Mirage (2019) as Baba Morenikeji, Oba Bi Olorun (2021) as Balogun, Oosa Aafin (2022) as Oluawo, Olukoti (2022), Ogeere (2023), among others. He ws also very prominent in cultural activism, and advocacy for the arts.
The family statement, signed by his eldest son, also an academic, Dr. Adewale Christopher Oyewo (on behalf of or the family), captures his life and career as follows, “Our beloved patriarch was 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 tributes received in his honour are a reflection of the lasting impact he made on countless lives.”
The family extends “special appreciation to the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, for his thoughtful message of condolence and prayers. We are equally grateful to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja Il, the Ooni of Ife, for his words of comfort and support, which have been a great source of encouragement to the family. Our deepest appreciation goes to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Ashamu Oyeyemi (Tewogbade 1), The Oloba of Oba-Ile for his fatherly support and prayers and also The Oloba-Ile in council. Our sincere thanks also go to the former Vce President Atiku Abubakar for his kind message of sympathy and solidarity during this period of mourning.
“We further appreciate all community associations, professional colleagues (NANTAP, TAMPAN), the academic community of all the universities where our dear father worked (OAU, RUN, EKSU & ELIZADE), friends, and well-wishers who have stood by us with prayers and support.”
Dr. Kola Oyewo
