The funeral rites of the veteran actor and theatre academic, Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Adekola Benedict Oyewo, JP, popularly known in theatrical and cultural circuits and by fans simply as Kola Oyewo, will commence on Wednesday August 5 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 d!ed on June 12, 2026 at age 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, in an announcement, gave the details of the funeral rites as follows:
• Wednesday, August 5: Wake-Keep/Service of Songs at St Mary’s Catholic Chirch, Igboya, Ile Ife, starting from 5pm to end by 7pm.
• Thursday, August 6:
i. 10am-12 noon: Commendation Mass at St Mary’s Catholic Chirch, Igboya, Ile Ife
ii. 3pm-8pm -Artistes Night, Tributes, cultural Display at Oduduwa Hall OAU, Ile Ife
iii. 1pm- 4pm: Exhibition of Dr Oyewo’s works and pictures at The Pit Theatre, African Studies Building. The display will continue till 4pm on Friday, August
• Friday, August 7:
i. 7am: Motorcade to Oba Ile with the corpse
ii. 9.45am: Lying in State at Ese Ola’s compound
iii. 11am: Requiem Mass at St Joseph Catholic Church, Oba Ile
iv. 12.45pm: Interment (Strictly by invitation for family members and close allies) at Labaluyege Villa, Oba Ile
v. 1pm: Reception at Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba Ile
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RIP