The family of the late veteran Nollywood actor and theatre academic, Gabriel Adekola Benedict Oyewo—widely known as Kola Oyewo—has announced the funeral arrangements for the icon, who passed away on 12 June at the age of 80. The three-day programme will be held from 5 to 7 August in Ile-Ife and Oba-Ile, Osun State.
Mr Oyewo was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading theatre practitioners, boasting a distinguished career that spanned more than six decades across stage, film, and academia.
Funeral schedule
According to a statement signed by his eldest son, Adewale Christopher Oyewo, the proceedings will commence on Wednesday, 5 August, with a wake-keep and service of songs at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
On Thursday, 6 August, a commendation mass will be held at the same church. This will be followed by an artistes’ night—featuring tributes and cultural performances—at the Oduduwa Hall of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. An exhibition showcasing the late actor’s extensive body of work and photographs will also open at The Pit Theatre, within the university’s African Studies Building, running through to Friday.
