Veteran Yoruba oral poet, writer, actor, composer and renowned Ijala chanter, Chief Alabi Ogundepo, has died at the age of 84.
The family announced his death in a statement dated August 24, 2026, signed by Dupe Ogundepo Falana on behalf of the Ogundepo family. The statement said the Saki-born cultural icon passed away on August 24 after a lifetime dedicated to literature, Yoruba culture and community development.
One of his children, Alabi Ogundepo Olaogun, had earlier mourned him in a tribute titled, “And the Bunch of Talents Slept.”
Ogundepo was widely celebrated as a master of Ijala, the traditional Yoruba hunters’ chant, as well as Oriki and other forms of Yoruba cultural praise poetry.
Born in Saki, Oyo State, he developed a distinctive poetic style strongly influenced by the Oke-Ogun dialect and cultural heritage. For more than five decades, he performed, recorded and promoted Ijala poetry on stage, radio and television.
He became a household name through his memorable public service jingles on Radio Oyo, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, and NTA Ibadan, including the popular “Eso Pele Onimoto Rora Saare” campaign.
Ogundepo also produced the cultural programme Akiika for NTA Ibadan, using the broadcast platform to promote the Yoruba language, history, traditions and oral literature.
Beyond his artistic achievements, the late cultural icon was described by his family as a man of dignity, wisdom and compassion who touched many lives through his counsel, friendship, intellectual contributions and commitment to community development.
His creative works and public engagements contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage, making him an important link between generations of traditional oral artists and cultural custodians.
Following the deaths of other notable Ijala practitioners, including Ogundare Foyanmu, Ogundepo remained one of the enduring voices of Yoruba oral poetry and ancestral praise traditions.
The family expressed appreciation to individuals, institutions, traditional leaders, literary communities, friends and well-wishers who have offered condolences and support following his death.
“While the family mourns the passing of a beloved father, husband, grandfather, relative and friend, we are also comforted by the enduring legacy he leaves behind through his writings, relationships, values and contributions to society,” the statement said.
The family added that funeral arrangements and other details would be announced in due course, while appealing for privacy and prayers as members come to terms with the loss.
Although Ogundepo has passed on, his distinctive voice, poetry and decades-long contribution to Yoruba cultural preservation are expected to remain part of the enduring heritage of the Yoruba people.
