THE FALL OF A CULTURAL IROKO: A Comprehensive Tribute to Chief Alabi Ogundepo, The Legendary Saki-Born Ijala Poet (1942–2026)

By
Ayekooto Media Cultural Desk

Chief Alabi Ogundepo 


SAKI, OYO STATE— The traditional Yoruba drums are beating a mournful rhythm today, and the sacred forests of the hunters have fallen silent. Chief Alabi Ogundepo, the legendary Saki-born poet, writer, and unparalleled master of "Ijala" (Yoruba hunters’ poetry), has passed away at the age of 84.

According to a press release officially signed by Dupe Ogundepo Falana on behalf of the family, the cultural icon transitioned to the realm of the ancestors on Monday, August 24, 2026. With his passing, Nigeria has lost not just an entertainer, but a walking encyclopedia of Yoruba history, a moral compass, and a towering custodian of African heritage.

A Son of Saki: Early Life and the Call of Ijala
Born in the historic town of Saki, Oyo State, Chief Alabi Ogundepo was a true son of Oke Ogun. From his early years, he was deeply immersed in the rich cultural and traditional ethos of his people. He did not merely learn the Yoruba language; he mastered its deepest, most philosophical layers.

He found his ultimate calling in "Ijala Ere Ode"—the traditional, high-pitched, and poetic chants of Yoruba hunters. Ijala is not an art form for the light-hearted; it requires a phenomenal memory, a deep understanding of lineage praise poetry (Oriki), and a commanding voice. Chief Ogundepo possessed all these in abundance. He took a localized, traditional art form and elevated it to a global stage, ensuring that the ancient voices of Yoruba ancestors were not drowned out by modernity.

 

The Golden Era of Radio OYO and Beyond
For over five decades, Chief Ogundepo was a monumental figure in the Nigerian cultural space. Older generations will fondly remember his captivating "Ijala" jingles on the old Radio OYO (now under the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State). 

His chants were never just for entertainment; they were potent tools for social engineering. He used his poetry to decry societal waywardness, condemn child labor, and promote the values of "Omoluabi" (good character). Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other literary giants like the late Adebayo Faleti, Olatubosun Oladapo, and Ogundare Foyanmu, Chief Ogundepo waxed numerous albums, performed on television, and chanted for kings. 

A Favorite of Kings
His mastery of the spoken word earned him the deepest respect from royal fathers across Yorubaland. He was notably a close associate and favorite of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. In fact, when the late Alaafin passed away, Chief Ogundepo, despite his advanced age, released a poignant "Ijala" tribute to mourn the monarch who had celebrated him grandly during his 80th birthday in 2021. 

He was also a revered guest at major cultural festivals, such as the Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, where the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, frequently recognized his unmatched contributions to the Yoruba cultural renaissance. 

A Legacy Etched in Gold
The family's statement beautifully captured his essence beyond the microphone: "Chief Alabi Ogundepo was a man of dignity, wisdom, and compassion. His presence commanded respect, while his words often inspired reflection and appreciation of our shared heritage."

While the grieving family has requested privacy to mourn their patriarch, husband, and grandfather, the entirety of Yorubaland mourns with them. Chief Alabi Ogundepo has dropped the microphone, but his voice will forever echo through his recorded works, his writings, and the cultural pride he instilled in the younger generation. 

"Sun re o, Akewi Ijo Nla. Omo Saki Ogun, o roke!" May the ancestors welcome you with the same glorious chants you used to honor them on earth.


AYEKOOTO MEDIA CULTURAL DESK Preserving our History. Honoring our Legends.


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All rights reserved. This material and other digital content on this website are not and do not represent the official stance of Ayekooto Media, but the statements, claims, and opinions of the newsmakers and guest writers mentioned therein.

For your detailed news reportage and inquiries, contact the Editor at Phunshor01@gmail.com.

David Alani Ige (The Scribe)

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ayekooto Media

David Alani Ige is a seasoned journalist, strategic analyst, and the visionary publisher of Ayekooto Media. With a relentless commitment to archiving Nigeria's political realities and delivering the unvarnished truth, he has built a formidable platform for deep-dive reportage and editorial excellence. He is widely known by his readers and peers as "The Scribe".

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