TRIBUTE TO CHIEF YEMI OGUNYEMI: THE BROADCAST LEGEND WHO WORE IBADAN WITH PRIDE. -

By Temilade Nana-Hawaw Aloko | Splash FM

As the golden sun sets on the life of a remarkable man, we remember Chief Yemi Ogunyemi, the Baale of Oluyole in Ibadan — a name that resonates deeply with Nigeria’s broadcasting history, Yoruba cultural preservation, and the spirit of one Nigeria. A man of towering intellect and an elder statesman of the microphone, Chief Ogunyemi’s legacy lives on through stories, airwaves, and the lives he touched.

In an exclusive interview conducted some years ago, Chief Ogunyemi took us on a heartfelt journey through his early days growing up in the vibrant heart of Ibadan, a city he loved dearly and served loyally. He recounted the echoes of his childhood in Oke Ofa Baba Isale, rooted in the noble lineage of Ogbogbologun, with ancestral links tracing back to Offa in Kwara State. His tales were not mere recollections; they were vivid paintings of a city alive with history, pride, and resilience.

He reminisced about the popular Yoruba refrain: “Awa laa ni Ibadan t’ẹ́ d’Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ eyun náà tó ń tí à”—a lyrical testament to the cultural and historical bond between Ibadan and Ogbomoso. He narrated the legacy of Balogun Ibikunle, the trusted war general of Ibadan, and the colonial imprint of Captain Bower, whose tower still stands as a proud monument in Ibadan’s skyline.

Chief Ogunyemi’s passion for broadcasting was ignited at a time when radio and television were not just media but movements. He joined WNTV/WNBS, Africa’s first television station, which later evolved into NTA. His voice became a household companion, weaving news and stories into the consciousness of generations. He was not just a broadcaster; he was a storyteller, a custodian of truth, and a guardian of Yoruba ethos.

In that soul-stirring interview, he also opened a window into his emotional world. He spoke tearfully about a friend whose tragic death moved him to write a heartfelt book and a poem in his honour — showing the depth of his compassion and literary brilliance. One could see how deeply he believed in unity, justice, and one Nigeria.

A close ally of Chief Tunbosun Oladapo, the renowned Ewi poet and cultural advocate, Chief Ogunyemi shared how the spoken word, poetry, and Yoruba proverbs were not just entertainment but tools of identity and enlightenment. His style of speaking was philosophical yet playful, a blend that made him both wise and wonderfully warm.

As we air this special tribute on Splash FM from 7 to 8 PM today, we remember not just a man but a movement. Chief Yemi Ogunyemi’s life was a song of service — to Ibadan, to broadcasting, and to the Yoruba culture. In his words, his works, and his unwavering belief in Nigeria, we find a timeless source of inspiration.

Rest well, Baale Oluyole, the voice that never fades.

https://radio.garden/listen/splash-fm-105-5/-Nbn1nmT