The Oke-Ogun cultural community has been thrown into mourning following the death of renowned Yoruba traditional oral artist and Ijala poet, Chief Alabi Ogundepo, who died on Monday at the age of 86.
Drivetvnews gathered that Ogundepo was widely regarded as one of the foremost custodians of Yoruba oral heritage, having spent more than five decades promoting and preserving Ijala, the traditional poetry and chant associated with Yoruba hunters.
Born in Saki, Oyo State, the cultural icon became known for his distinctive style of Ijala, which drew extensively from the dialect, traditions and cultural identity of the Oke-Ogun people.
Throughout his career, Ogundepo took traditional Yoruba poetry beyond conventional cultural performances, appearing on stage, radio and television while also contributing to recordings and other entertainment productions.
His performances went beyond entertainment, as he used his artistic talent to pass across moral, cultural and educational messages to the public.
Ogundepo’s dedication to preserving Ijala earned him recognition as one of the leading professional poets of his generation. He remained committed to the traditional art despite growing concerns over the decline of oral poetry among younger generations.
In 2021, the veteran poet was celebrated in Saki to mark his 80th birthday and six decades of active involvement in Ijala. The celebration highlighted his enduring contribution to Yoruba culture and his ability to captivate audiences through his powerful voice and performances.
His death is expected to be deeply felt across Saki, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State and Nigeria’s wider cultural community, particularly among those committed to preserving indigenous oral traditions.
Chief Alabi Ogundepo will be remembered for dedicating his life to keeping the rich tradition of Yoruba Ijala poetry alive and passing the cultural heritage from one generation to another.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family.
