Legendary Ìjálá Poet Chief Alabi Ogundepo Dies at 86

By Seyifunmi Odunuga 

The Nigerian cultural community has been thrown into mourning following the death of legendary Yoruba traditional oral artist and ijala poet, Chief Alabi Ogundepo, who died yesterday at the age of 86.

Chief Ogundepo, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prominent traditional poets and a foremost custodian of Yoruba oral heritage, left behind a remarkable legacy spanning several decades in the promotion and preservation of ijala — the traditional chant and poetry associated with Yoruba hunters. The renowned cultural icon was born in Saki, Oyo State, and became famous for his distinctive style of ijala, which reflected the rich dialect, cultural identity and traditions of the Oke-Ogun region.

For more than five decades, Ogundepo performed and promoted traditional Yoruba poetry through stage performances, recordings, radio and television appearances, earning recognition as one of the enduring voices of Nigeria’s indigenous cultural heritage.

Academic accounts of his career describe him as one of the leading professional ijala poets of his generation, whose artistic journey began from a family deeply rooted in the traditional art. His performances later extended beyond live cultural events into theatre, television, radio, recordings and other modern media platforms. (Cambridge University Press)

Chief Ogundepo also made significant contributions to broadcasting and entertainment, using his artistic talent to communicate educational and moral messages to the public.

His long and distinguished career saw him remain active in the promotion of ijala despite growing concerns about the declining popularity and neglect of traditional oral poetry among younger generations.

In 2021, a celebration was held in his honour in Saki to mark his 80th birthday and six decades of involvement in ijala. At the time, he was described as a legendary chanter whose powerful voice, songs and performances had continued to captivate audiences over the years. (Phenomenal)

His death represents a major loss to Saki, Oyo State, the Oke-Ogun region and Nigeria’s cultural community, particularly at a time when traditional oral art forms continue to face challenges of preservation and transmission to younger generations.

Chief Alabi Ogundepo will be remembered as a cultural icon whose lifelong dedication helped keep the rich tradition of Yoruba ijala poetry alive and visible across generations.

Details of his funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family.