By Feyisetan Hamzat
Benny News Hub
Veteran Yoruba oral poet, writer, actor, composer and renowned Ìjálá chanter, Chief Alabi Ogundepo, has died at the age of 84.
The Saki-born cultural icon passed away on August 24, 2026, after a remarkable lifetime dedicated to Yoruba literature, oral poetry, cultural preservation and community development.
The family announced his death in a statement dated August 24, signed by Dupe Ogundepo Falana on behalf of the Ogundepo family.
One of his children, Alabi Ogundepo Olaogun, had earlier paid tribute to the late cultural icon in a touching piece titled, “And the Bunch of Talents Slept.”
A Voice That Preserved Yoruba Heritage
Chief Alabi Ogundepo was widely recognised as a master of Ìjálá, the traditional hunters' chant, as well as Oríkì and other forms of Yoruba oral poetry.
Born in Saki, Oyo State, he developed a distinctive poetic style deeply influenced by the Oke-Ogun dialect, traditions and cultural heritage.
For more than five decades, Ogundepo performed, recorded and promoted Yoruba oral poetry through stage performances, radio and television, becoming one of the respected voices in the preservation of the Yoruba cultural tradition.
He became particularly popular through memorable public service jingles broadcast on Radio Oyo, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, and NTA Ibadan, including the widely remembered “Eso Pele Onimoto Rora Saare” campaign.
He also produced the cultural programme “Akiika” for NTA Ibadan, using television as a platform to promote the Yoruba language, history, traditions and oral literature.
Beyond Ìjálá
Beyond his artistic accomplishments, the late Ogundepo was remembered by his family and associates as a man of dignity, wisdom and compassion.
His influence extended beyond performance, as he contributed to the development of his community and used his knowledge, counsel and creative abilities to touch the lives of many people.
His writings, performances and public engagements helped preserve important aspects of Yoruba oral traditions at a time when modern influences continue to challenge indigenous cultural expressions.
Following the passing of other celebrated Ìjálá practitioners, including Ogundare Foyanmu, Ogundepo remained one of the enduring voices of Yoruba oral poetry and ancestral praise traditions.
A Cultural Legacy That Will Endure
The family, while mourning his death, said it was also comforted by the legacy he left through his writings, relationships, values and contributions to society.
The family expressed appreciation to individuals, institutions, traditional leaders, members of the literary and cultural communities, friends and well-wishers who have offered condolences and support since his passing.
They appealed for prayers and privacy as the family comes to terms with the loss, adding that details of the funeral arrangements would be announced in due course.
Chief Alabi Ogundepo may have taken his final bow, but the voice that carried Ìjálá, Oríkì and Yoruba cultural memory to generations will not easily be forgotten.
His death represents a significant loss to the Yoruba cultural and literary community, particularly to the custodians and practitioners of traditional oral poetry.
May his memory remain a blessing, and may his contribution to Yoruba cultural heritage continue to inspire generations yet unborn.
