By Sola Ojewusi
The family of the late veteran actor, theatre scholar and cultural icon, Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Adekola Benedict Oyewo, JP, popularly known across theatrical and cultural circles as Dr Kola (Kole) Oyewo, has announced a three-day programme of funeral rites in honour of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated custodians of Yoruba theatre, whose remarkable life left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural heritage.
Dr Oyewo, who was born on March 26, 1946, passed away on June 12, 2026, at the age of 80, bringing to a close more than six decades of distinguished service to the performing arts, theatre scholarship, cultural advocacy and community leadership.
According to the family, the funeral ceremonies will begin on Wednesday, August 5, 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 hold between 10:00 a.m. and 12 noon at the same church, while an Artistes’ Night, Tributes and Cultural Display will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. Also scheduled is an Exhibition of Dr Oyewo’s works and photographs at The Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the exhibition continuing until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7.
The final rites on Friday, August 7, will commence with a 7:00 a.m. motorcade conveying the remains of the late actor to Oba-Ile. A Lying-in-State will follow at Ese Ola’s Compound at 9:45 a.m., while a Requiem Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile. The interment, strictly by invitation for family members and close allies, will take place at 12:45 p.m. at Labaluyege Villa, Oba-Ile, before a reception begins at 1:00 p.m. at Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest interpreters of Yoruba dramatic traditions, Dr Oyewo successfully bridged the worlds of traditional theatre and academia. A renowned folk actor who later distinguished himself as a theatre academic, he rose to become an Associate Professor of Drama, serving with distinction at Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, and Elizade University. Beyond the classroom and stage, he was also the Balogun of Oba-Ile, his ancestral hometown, where he was revered as a respected traditional title holder and community leader.
His academic journey reflected the same dedication that characterised his artistic career. He studied at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he obtained certificates in Dramatic Arts and Yoruba Oral Literature, before earning a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Theatre Arts in 1995. He later proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained both his Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Drama.
Dr Oyewo’s professional acting career began in 1964 when he joined the legendary Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His first stage role was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, Oyin Adejobi’s autobiographical production. After spending nine years with the troupe, he joined the University of Ife Theatre, where he worked alongside the renowned dramatist and scholar, the late Professor Ola Rotimi.
Among his most celebrated performances was his unforgettable portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s classic The Gods Are Not to Blame, a role that became synonymous with his extraordinary stage presence and earned him enduring acclaim within Nigerian theatre.
His academic career flourished when he joined Obafemi Awolowo University in 1996, where he rose to the rank of Senior Lecturer before retiring in September 2011. Retirement did little to slow his passion for teaching. He subsequently became Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts at Redeemer’s University before later serving as a Performing Arts Lecturer at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr Oyewo appeared in numerous stage productions, television dramas and films that have become landmarks in Nigerian entertainment. His memorable performances include Sango (1997); Super Story (Episode One); 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); and Ogeere (2023), among many others.
Beyond his distinguished acting career, Dr Oyewo was an unwavering advocate for the arts, a passionate promoter of Yoruba culture and a leading voice in cultural activism, inspiring generations of performers, scholars and cultural practitioners.
In a statement signed by his eldest son, Dr Adewale Christopher Oyewo, on behalf of the family, the late actor was described as “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 statement added: “The tributes received in his honour are a reflection of the lasting impact he made on countless lives.”
The family also expressed profound appreciation to Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke of Osun State for his message of condolence and prayers.
Special gratitude was equally extended to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, for his words of comfort and encouragement, as well as to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Ashamu Oyeyemi (Tewogbade I), the Oloba of Oba-Ile, and the Oloba-in-Council for their fatherly support and prayers.
The family further acknowledged the message of sympathy received from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, GCON (Waziri of Adamawa).
They also conveyed heartfelt appreciation to community associations, professional bodies including NANTAP and TAMPAN, the academic communities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Elizade University, as well as friends, colleagues and numerous well-wishers who have stood with the family throughout the period of mourning.
As the curtains gradually fall on the earthly journey of Dr Kola Oyewo, Nigeria prepares to bid farewell not merely to a celebrated actor, but to a towering cultural ambassador whose extraordinary contributions to Yoruba theatre, scholarship and the preservation of indigenous artistic traditions have secured him a permanent place in the nation’s cultural history. His voice, performances, mentorship and unwavering commitment to the arts will continue to resonate across generations, ensuring that the legacy of this revered thespian endures long after the final curtain has fallen.
