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The family of the late Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo (JP), Balogun of Oba-Ile and Associate Professor of Drama, has announced funeral arrangements to celebrate his life and legacy.

In a statement released by the Balogun Adekola Oyewo Memorial Committee, the family described the late scholar, traditional leader and theatre veteran as a man whose life was marked by purpose, honour and enduring impact.

Chief Oyewo, who passed on at the age of 80, was remembered as a respected father, grandfather, colleague, cultural figure and elder statesman whose contributions to Nigerian theatre and community development left lasting footprints.

The funeral activities are scheduled to hold from Wednesday, August 5 to Friday, August 7, 2026, across Ile-Ife and Oba-Ile.

Activities will commence on Wednesday, August 5, with a Wake Keep and Service of Songs at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

On Thursday, August 6, a Commendation Mass will take place at the same venue between 10:00am and 12:00 noon.

Later in the day, family members, friends and associates will gather for an Artistes’ Night featuring tributes and cultural displays at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

An exhibition showcasing the works and photographs of Dr. Kola Oyewo will also run from 1:00pm on Thursday until 4:00pm on Friday at The Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, Ile-Ife.

The final burial rites will take place on Friday, August 7, beginning with a motorcade conveying the remains of the deceased to Oba-Ile at 7:00am.

This will be followed by a lying-in-state at Ese Ola’s Compound at 9:45am and a Requiem Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile, by 11:00am.

Interment, which the family stated will be strictly for family members and close allies, is scheduled for 12:45pm at Labaluyege Villa, Oba-Ile.

The funeral ceremonies will conclude with a reception at Aderounmu Grammar School Field, Oba-Ile, beginning at 1:00pm.

The family called on friends, associates and well-wishers to join in celebrating what they described as “a life of artistic legacy” and honouring the memory of a man whose influence transcended academia, culture and traditional leadership.

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Nigerian Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has kicked off 2026 with the release of his new single, I Know Who I Be, marking his first solo offering of the year.

The song, released on Friday, features South African producer Jazzwrld and artiste GL_CeeJay, making it Davido’s first recorded collaboration with both acts. The track is now available across major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.

Davido announced the release on his social media pages, where he shared the artwork and clips from the accompanying music video with fans.

Produced with an energetic three-step sound, “I Know Who I Be” blends Afrobeats with South African influences, reflecting the growing musical exchange between artists from both countries. The collaboration also highlights Davido’s continued interest in working with emerging talents across Africa.

The single arrives with a cinematic music video directed by Dammy Twitch and filmed in Nigeria. Rather than focusing only on performance scenes, the visual follows the story of a young man determined to pursue a career in music despite the challenges along the way.

As the storyline unfolds, it gradually mirrors Davido’s own rise from an aspiring artiste to one of Africa’s biggest music exports. The fictional narrative eventually gives way to real life moments, with the singer bringing several people who have played key roles in his career into the spotlight.

One of the video’s standout scenes features Davido and members of his inner circle dressed in black suits against a monochrome backdrop. Among those who appear are his longtime manager, Asa Asika, creative director Black Tycoone, trusted associate Lati and celebrity stylist Hollyandroo.

The video also features appearances by Nigerian artistes Mayorkun and Peruzzi, both of whom were formerly signed to Davido Music Worldwide, as well as rapper Zlatan. Their inclusion reinforces the video’s central message of loyalty, friendship and the relationships that have shaped Davido’s career over the years.

Instead of centring on luxury or spectacle, the visual pays tribute to the people behind Davido’s success, celebrating the support system that has remained with him throughout his journey in the music industry.

The release marks Davido’s return with new music after a relatively quiet start to the year and follows the success of his recent projects, which have further strengthened his position as one of Africa’s most influential artistes.

“I Know Who I Be” by Davido not only opens a new chapter in his 2026 catalogue but also delivers a personal statement on identity, resilience and the importance of the community that has stood beside him throughout his career.

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Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu has announced his enlistment into the United States Army, describing it as the fulfilment of a personal dream and a tribute to his late father, who served in the Nigeria Police Force.

The actor disclosed this in an Instagram post on Friday, where he reflected on the physical and emotional demands of his military training.

According to Momodu, the journey tested his resilience, pushing him through months of rigorous training and isolation.

“From inception, I have always believed in achievements earned through merit, which is why I constantly push myself beyond limits.

“This particular one was forged through tears, fear of failure, resilience, endless days, short nights, fatigue, rain, and the scorching sun,” he wrote.

He added that there were moments he questioned his decision but remained focused on completing the programme.

“There were moments of doubt and times I questioned myself, ‘who send me message sef’? But I never lost sight of the finish line.

“We trained tirelessly, were broken down and rebuilt. I went to sleep a civilian and woke up a soldier.

“Ten weeks of being incommunicado. Ten weeks of learning to find comfort in discomfort.”

Momodu revealed that he chose April 12, 2026, to honour the memory of his late father, who died 20 years ago, by continuing the family’s service tradition.

“On April 12, 2026, I honored my late father in a historic way. Twenty years after his passing, I picked up the baton where he left off in the Nigerian Police Force and carried it forward by getting enlisted into the United States Army,” he said.

The actor announced that he had officially graduated from Basic Combat Training and now serves as Specialist (SPC) J.A. Momodu with the 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3-10, 3rd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

He dedicated the achievement to God, his late father and his family.

“I dedicate this achievement first to God Almighty for the grace to pass my ASVAB on the first attempt and successfully complete Basic Combat Training. Secondly, to my late father, whose legacy I proudly uphold. And finally, to the Royal Family of Oba Momodu II, the Avyuele Clan, Agbede, Etsako West, Edo State,” he noted.

Momodu also expressed appreciation to those who supported him throughout the process, including his social media manager and the US Army Recruiting Station in Burbank, California.

“This chapter is written. The next one begins now,” he added.