Family releases burial plans for Nollywood veteran Kola Oyewo

The family of late Nollywood actor, dramatist, filmmaker and scholar, Kola Oyewo, has announced plans for his burial in Osun State.

Oyewo, whose full name was Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, died on June 12 at the age of 80 after battling an enlarged prostate.

According to the burial planning committee, the veteran actor will be buried at his Oba-Ile residence in Osun State.

Oluwatoyin Ogundeji, secretary of the burial planning committee, said Oyewo’s remains would be committed to mother earth at Labaluyegbe Villa in a private ceremony reserved for family members and close associates.

In a statement issued by Bangbola Oyewo on behalf of the Ese-Ola royal house, the family said 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, while an artistes’ night will take place at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, in honour of the late theatre icon.

The family also announced that an exhibition of Oyewo’s works and photographs will hold at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU.

The burial service will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile, after which his remains will be interred at Labaluyegbe Villa.

A public reception will follow at Aderonmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.

“With gratitude to God for a life of purpose, honour and enduring impact,” the family said, describing Oyewo as a beloved father, traditional ruler and veteran of Nigerian theatre.

Oyewo was widely respected for his contributions to Yoruba theatre, Nollywood and drama scholarship. He was also the Balogun of Oba-Ile and an associate professor of drama.