The family of renowned Nigerian theatre scholar, actor, traditional chief, and academic, Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo (JP), has announced the funeral arrangements for the late cultural icon.
Oyewo’s remarkable contributions to the growth of theatre arts, Yoruba culture, and academia left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s creative and intellectual landscape, earning him widespread respect as one of the nation’s foremost custodians of indigenous arts and scholarship.
In a funeral announcement released by the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, Oba-Ile, the late scholar was described as a man who lived a life of purpose, honour and enduring impact.
He passed away at the age of 80, leaving behind a rich legacy as a father, grandfather, traditional ruler, colleague, veteran of the Nigerian theatre industry and community leader.
Chief Oyewo, who held the traditional title of Balogun of Oba-Ile, was an Associate Professor of Drama and one of the respected figures in Nigeria’s theatre industry.
Chief Oyewo, who held the traditional title of Balogun of Oba-Ile, was an Associate Professor of Drama and one of the respected figures in Nigeria’s theatre industry.
Throughout his distinguished career, he combined scholarship with artistic excellence, mentoring generations of actors, playwrights and theatre practitioners while promoting the richness of Yoruba culture on both national and international stages.
A veteran performer, director and educator, Oyewo was widely admired for his versatility and commitment to preserving indigenous performance traditions.
A veteran performer, director and educator, Oyewo was widely admired for his versatility and commitment to preserving indigenous performance traditions.
His decades of teaching, research and stage productions earned him widespread respect within academic circles and the performing arts community, particularly at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he inspired countless students.
To celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions, the family has lined up a week-long funeral programme beginning on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Activities will commence with a Wake Keep and Service of Songs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
On Thursday, August 6, a Commendation Mass will be held at the same church between 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon, while an Artistes’ Night, Tributes and Cultural Display is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Also on Thursday, an Exhibition of Dr. Kola Oyewo’s Works and Photographs will open at 1:00 p.m. at The Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, Ile-Ife, continuing through Friday, August 7, until 4:00 p.m.
The final funeral rites on Friday, August 7, will begin with a motorcade conveying his remains to Oba-Ile at 7:00 a.m., followed by a Lying-in-State at 9:45 a.m. at the Ese Ola’s Compound.
A Requiem Mass will hold at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile, after which the late theatre icon will be laid to rest during a private interment for family members and close associates at 12:45 p.m. at Labaluyeye Villa, Oba-Ile.
The funeral activities will conclude with a reception at 1:00 p.m. at Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
As family members, colleagues, former students and admirers prepare to bid him farewell, many see the ceremonies not merely as a burial, but as a celebration of an exceptional life devoted to scholarship, culture and the performing arts.
To celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions, the family has lined up a week-long funeral programme beginning on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Activities will commence with a Wake Keep and Service of Songs from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
On Thursday, August 6, a Commendation Mass will be held at the same church between 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon, while an Artistes’ Night, Tributes and Cultural Display is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Also on Thursday, an Exhibition of Dr. Kola Oyewo’s Works and Photographs will open at 1:00 p.m. at The Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, Ile-Ife, continuing through Friday, August 7, until 4:00 p.m.
The final funeral rites on Friday, August 7, will begin with a motorcade conveying his remains to Oba-Ile at 7:00 a.m., followed by a Lying-in-State at 9:45 a.m. at the Ese Ola’s Compound.
A Requiem Mass will hold at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile, after which the late theatre icon will be laid to rest during a private interment for family members and close associates at 12:45 p.m. at Labaluyeye Villa, Oba-Ile.
The funeral activities will conclude with a reception at 1:00 p.m. at Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
As family members, colleagues, former students and admirers prepare to bid him farewell, many see the ceremonies not merely as a burial, but as a celebration of an exceptional life devoted to scholarship, culture and the performing arts.
Oyewo’s name will continue to resonate in Nigeria’s theatrical history through the lives he influenced, the cultural heritage he championed and the artistic legacy he leaves behind.
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