PAY ATTENTION: Follow YEN.com.gh for breaking news and analysis on Nigeria’s dynamic landscape.
Chief Alabi Ogundepo, a titan of Yoruba tradition and a celebrated practitioner of the Ìjàlà chant, has tragically passed away at the age of 84.
This announcement came from a statement issued by the Ogundepo family, confirming the death in a private ceremony held in Oyo State, where the family expressed profound grief for the loss of their revered leader.
Born in Saki, Oyo State, in 1941, Chief Ogundepo dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture through his artistry. For over five decades, he served as a poet, writer, actor, and composer, deeply rooted in the Oke-Ogun dialect and the rich heritage of his community.
His contributions to the oral tradition are unparalleled. He was a master of the *Eso Pele Onimoto Rora Saare*, a campaign he developed that captured the depth of the loss felt by his immediate family.
Beyond his renowned Ìjàlà, Chief Ogundepo excelled in Oríkì and other Yoruba praise poetry, earning him the title of one of the most versatile oral artists of his generation. He was a pivotal figure in the cultural broadcast program *Akiika* for NTA Ibadan, which utilized the platform to champion Yoruba language, oral literature, and ancestral traditions.
His influence extends far beyond the stage. He was a key figure in the development of the cultural broadcast program *Akiika*, which used the platform to advocate for the preservation of Yoruba language, storytelling, and cultural heritage.
He is particularly remembered for his significant role in connecting younger generations to the ancient tradition of Ìjàlà, a vital component of Yoruba identity.
The loss of Chief Ogundepo represents a significant gap in the preservation of Yoruba oral heritage, a cornerstone of Nigerian cultural identity.
In their statement, the family described him as a man of wisdom, dignity, and compassion, whose influence extended across generations. The Okere of Sakiland, Oba Dr. Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, offered his condolences, stating that the loss of the renowned actor and poet was a great loss to Sakiland, Oke-Ogun, and the Yoruba cultural community, expressing deep sadness and wishing him peace.
The news has ignited a wave of mourning across Nigeria and internationally, with social media platforms filled with tributes to the legendary figure.
YEN.com.gh has compiled a range of reactions reflecting the outpouring of grief and admiration for Chief Ogundepo:
Osundeyi Olaniyi wrote: “It’s a devastating loss for Nigeria’s cultural landscape.”
Kolawole Saheed commented: “His contribution to Yoruba storytelling is invaluable.””
Kolawole Ipadeola Lekan shared: “His legacy will endure for generations.””
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on the passing of Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, the veteran Nollywood actor who succumbed to a prolonged battle with stage four cancer. His daughter Kira expressed her grief in a live-streamed video, appealing for travel arrangements to Nigeria for his Islamic burial.
Don’t miss out! Join YEN.com.gh for the latest sports news and analysis.
YEN.com.gh is committed to providing comprehensive and insightful coverage of Nigeria’s dynamic events.
We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter for the most up-to-date news and updates.
For any inquiries, please contact kofi.owusu@yen.com.gh
[Link to YEN.com.gh’s Contact Page]
#ChiefAlabiOgundepo #YorubaCulture #Nigeria #Loss #Legend #Ibadan #Ìjàlà #CulturalHeritage #YENNews
Watch Related Video
Source: Music
