The remains of renowned Nigerian actor and theatre scholar, Chief Dr Adekola Gabriel Oyewo, popularly known as Kola Oyewo, will be laid to rest on Friday, August 7, 2026, in Osun State according to a funeral programme released by his family.
Oyewo, who died at the age of 80, was celebrated as one of Nigeria’s foremost theatre practitioners, with a career spanning several decades on stage, television and in academia.
In a funeral announcement, the Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House, Oba-Ile, described the deceased as “a beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, colleague, esteemed traditional ruler, and a veteran of the Nigerian theatre.”
In a flier issued by the Balogun Oyekola Oyewo Memorial Committee, the three-day funeral programme will run from Wednesday, August 5, to Friday, August 7, 2026.
“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,” Newspeak quoted the family’s statement as saying on Saturday.
The late actor was also the Balogun of Oba-Ile in Osun State and an Associate Professor of Drama, earning widespread recognition for his contributions to the development of theatre arts in Nigeria.
Activities lined up for the burial rites will commence on Wednesday, August 5, with a wake-keep and service of songs at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.
On Thursday, August 6, a commendation mass will be held at the same church, while an artistes’ night featuring tributes and cultural displays is scheduled for later that day at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
A major highlight of the funeral programme will be an exhibition of Oyewo’s works and photographs at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, beginning on Thursday and continuing through Friday.
The funeral cortege will leave the late actor’s residence at Ese Ola’s Compound, Oba-Ile, on Friday morning before a requiem mass at St Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile.
Interment will take place at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, August 7, at Labaluyegbe Villa, Oba-Ile, in a ceremony restricted to family members and close associates.
A reception for guests will follow at Aderonmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile.
Widely regarded as one of the leading figures in Nigerian theatre, Oyewo inspired generations of actors, playwrights and scholars through his work in performance, teaching and cultural preservation.
His death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s theatre community, where he remained a respected voice and mentor for decades, the family noted.
A marriage can survive difficult times, financial struggles, and disagreements—but when trust disappears, the relationship begins to lose its foundation.
When a husband no longer trusts his wife, or a wife no longer trusts her husband, even innocent actions can become suspicious. A simple phone call becomes a question. Coming home late becomes an accusation. A private conversation becomes a source of fear and jealousy.
Lack of trust creates emotional distance.
It produces constant suspicion, arguments, insecurity, resentment, and sometimes secretive behaviour. Instead of feeling safe with each other, couples begin to feel like enemies living under the same roof.
Trust is not built by controlling your spouse, checking their phone every minute, or constantly demanding explanations. Trust is built through honesty, faithfulness, transparency, consistency, and keeping your word.
If trust has been broken, don’t pretend everything is fine. Talk about it. Admit mistakes. Forgive where possible. Set healthy boundaries. And be willing to rebuild what has been damaged.
Remember: love may bring two people together, but trust helps keep them together.
💔 Don’t allow suspicion to destroy what communication and honesty can repair.
BUILD TRUST. BE FAITHFUL. BE HONEST. PROTECT YOUR MARRIAGE.
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour.”
— Ephesians 4:25 (KJV)
A marriage can look beautiful on the outside and still be struggling on the inside when there is no openness between husband and wife.
When couples stop communicating honestly, keep secrets, hide their feelings, or are afraid to discuss important issues, emotional distance begins to grow. What starts as “I don’t want to cause a problem” can eventually become mistrust, resentment, loneliness, and constant misunderstanding.
Openness does not mean telling your spouse everything in a hurtful or careless way. It means creating a safe relationship where both partners can honestly talk about their feelings, concerns, mistakes, finances, expectations, struggles, and dreams without fear of unnecessary humiliation or condemnation.
A strong marriage requires:
• Honest communication — Talk about problems instead of allowing them to grow in silence. • Trust and transparency — Avoid unnecessary secrecy that can damage confidence in the relationship. • Active listening — Listen to understand, not simply to respond or attack. • Emotional vulnerability — Let your spouse know when you are hurting, worried, disappointed, or afraid. • Respect — Honesty should never become an excuse for insults, threats, or emotional abuse. • Forgiveness — When mistakes are acknowledged, work together toward healing and restoration.
The Bible says:
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)
And:
“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” — James 1:19 (KJV)
Marriage should be a place where two people can feel safe enough to communicate, honest enough to admit their weaknesses, and humble enough to work through their differences.
Be careful with the words you speak to your children.
A child should not grow up hearing, “You will never succeed,” “You are useless,” “Nothing good will come from you,” or “You will suffer in life.” Words spoken repeatedly by a parent can deeply affect a child’s emotions, confidence, and relationship with the family.
Even when spoken in anger, such words can become negative messages that a child may carry for many years.
SOME EFFECTS OF CONSTANTLY CURSING YOUR CHILDREN:
1. It can destroy their confidence.
Children need encouragement and guidance. Constant insults and negative declarations can make them believe they are not good enough.
2. It can create fear and insecurity.
A child who is constantly threatened or cursed may become afraid of making mistakes, expressing themselves, or trying new things.
3. It can damage the parent-child relationship.
Instead of seeing the parent as a source of love and protection, the child may grow resentful, distant, or bitter.
4. It can affect their emotional well-being.
Repeated humiliation, rejection, and negative words can contribute to sadness, anxiety, low self-worth, and emotional distress.
5. It can influence how they see themselves.
Children often believe what the people closest to them repeatedly tell them. Speak to the potential you want them to develop—not the failure you fear.
6. It can teach them to use hurtful words themselves.
Children learn from what they experience. If they grow up hearing curses and insults, they may eventually speak to others in the same way.
Discipline is necessary, but discipline should teach—not humiliate. Correct their mistakes, set boundaries, explain consequences, and show them how to do better.
The Bible says:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” — Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)
And:
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” — Ephesians 6:4 (KJV)
Your child may make mistakes today, but that does not mean their future is ruined.
Don’t curse your children. Correct them with wisdom. Pray for them. Encourage them. Bless them. Speak words that build their character, strengthen their confidence, and remind them that they are loved.
YOUR WORDS CAN LEAVE A SCAR OR BUILD A FUTURE. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY.