The respected actor, who died at the age of 80, will be laid to rest on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, following a series of funeral activities scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 5.
In a funeral announcement released by the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, Oba-Ile, the late actor was remembered as a devoted family man, accomplished academic, traditional ruler and one of Nigeria's most distinguished theatre practitioners.
"With gratitude to God for a life of purpose, honour and enduring impact, the entire Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, Oba-Ile, announces the passing of our beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, esteemed traditional ruler and veteran of the Nigerian theatre," the family's statement read.
Activities will commence on Wednesday, August 5, with a wake-keep and service of songs at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife, where family, friends and well-wishers will gather to pay their final respects.
On Thursday, August 6, a commendation mass will also be held at the same church before an artistes' night later in the day at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
The event is expected to feature tributes, dramatic performances and cultural displays celebrating Oyewo's remarkable influence on Nigeria's performing arts industry.
One of the major highlights of the funeral programme will be a special exhibition showcasing the late actor's works, career achievements and photographs.
The exhibition, scheduled to begin on Thursday at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, will continue through Friday, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on his decades-long contributions to theatre, scholarship and cultural preservation.
On the day of the burial, the funeral cortege will depart from the late actor's residence at Ese Ola's Compound, Oba-Ile, before proceeding to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile, for a requiem mass.
Interment is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. at Labaluyegbe Villa, Oba-Ile, in a private ceremony that will be attended by family members and close associates.
Beyond his celebrated acting career, Oyewo was widely respected as the Balogun of Oba-Ile and an Associate Professor of Drama, where he combined academic excellence with artistic practice to mentor generations of actors, playwrights, directors and theatre scholars.
Throughout a career spanning several decades, he established himself as one of Nigeria's leading cultural figures, earning admiration for his performances on stage and television, as well as his commitment to preserving indigenous theatre traditions.
His work in the classroom and on the stage helped shape the careers of numerous performers and strengthened the development of theatre arts in Nigeria.
The family noted that his passing marks the end of an era for the country's theatre community, where he remained a respected mentor, educator and cultural ambassador whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and scholars.