Sir: With the passing of Alabi Ogundepo on August 24, 2026, the entire Yoruba race has not only once again been thrown into deep mourning of a cherished son, it has also lost another major repertoire of its culture, history and traditions renown for his versatility.

Alabi Ogundepo’s long journey through life, marked by an enviable and indubitable cultural artistry, was a great blessing to the entire Yoruba race and indeed worthy of a loud celebration.

Born in Saki, Oyo State, Ogundepo belonged to the rare species of mortals imbued with natural talents which stand them out of the crowd. With his sudden exit, another challenge has been thrown at the entire Yoruba race and a large vacuum created which would definitely be very difficult to fill.

As a matter of fact, the Yoruba culture, language and traditions has begun to face certain dangers of utter neglect, and unless concerted efforts are intensified to revamp its preservation, it may not take long for everything to go into extinction.

Only few years back, Olarewaju Adepoju, an icon in the Yoruba cultural history bid the world bye and now, Ogundepo, one of the few cultural giants left in Yoruba land has also taken a bow, the question to ask is, with the passing of Ogundepo and perhaps with the exception of Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, the Araba of  Osogbo, who else is left in the entire Yoruba land to hold forth the touch?  

Ogundepo distinguished himself throughout the South-West and beyond in a period spanning more than five decades performing and protecting the traditional Yoruba hunter’s chants, Ijala and praise-singing, Oriki, on stage, radio and television.

He was renown as a broadcaster, indeed became a household name through popular public service jingles especially on Radio OYO and BCOS, Ibadan.

His oral poetry laced with  rib-cracking humour endeared him to the general public most of who memorized and recited the lines along with each of his chants and jingles that rang out of the various radio like thunder storms.

Another contribution of Ogundepo, which was a big testimony to cultural preservation, was a programme he launched at the Nigerian Television Authority Ibadan called: Akiika, through which he espoused the deep and hidden Yoruba values and treasures.

He also had the singular honour of composing the Saki Anthem, an achievement that earned him a deep respect as vital custodian of the Yoruba heritage. In one of his records where he chanted about death, he said:

“Eni eegun ba nle koya roju ooo
Bo tin reyan bee lo nre oku orun

Adiye Irana kii seran ajegbe!” (Whoever is pursued by a masquerade should persevere. As human beings are fatigued, so are those from the outer worlds. The ritual fowl is not eaten in vain.)
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Having done so well in writing his name in gold thereby leaving an indelible legacy of cultural evaluation for his people, Ogundepo had indeed for some years back taken a well-deserved retirement from public engagement and spotlight, perhaps in order to allow those coming behind a space to showcase their talents. 

May his highly creative soul rest in perfect peace.

Jide Oyewusi is the coordinator of Ethics Watch International, Nigeria.