LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The family of late Nollywood icon and theatre scholar Kola Oyewo has announced a series of burial activities in Osun State, with tributes planned to honour the veteran actor’s remarkable legacy in Yoruba theatre and academia.
Oyewo, whose full name was Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, died on June 12 at the age of 80 after battling an enlarged prostate.
Announcing the arrangements, the burial planning committee said the veteran actor would be laid to rest at his residence in Oba-Ile, Osun State.
His remains would be interred at Labaluyegbe Villa in a private ceremony attended by family members and close associates.
The committee’s secretary Oluwatoyin Ogundeji, stated that the burial rites will begin with a wake-keep and service of songs at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
A commemorative mass will also be held at the same church in honour of the late theatre icon.
READ ALSO: Nollywood Icon Kola Oyewo Dies At 80
Meanwhile, colleagues, students and admirers will gather for an artistes night at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) to celebrate Oyewo’s life and contributions to the performing arts.
The family also announced that an exhibition showcasing his works and photographs will be staged at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, highlighting his decades of service to theatre and drama scholarship.
Thereafter, a funeral service will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile, before his remains are committed to mother earth at Labaluyegbe Villa.
Following this, guests will later be received at Aderonmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
In a statement issued by Bangbola Oyewo on behalf of the Ese-Ola royal house, the family reflected on the late actor’s remarkable journey.
“With gratitude to God for a life of purpose, honour and enduring impact,” the family said, describing him as a beloved father, traditional ruler and veteran of Nigerian theatre.
Notably, Oyewo earned widespread respect for advancing Yoruba theatre, mentoring generations of actors and serving as an associate professor of drama.
He also held the traditional title of Balogun of Oba-Ile, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire both the entertainment industry and the academic community.
