The late dazzling broadcaster of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan fame and the Baale of Oluyole Estate and environs, Chief Yemi Ogunyemi, who passed away on Tuesday, May 6 at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was reputed for his outgoing personality; he was a very lively man who blended well with different age groups, especially among generations of journalists in Oyo State.
There was scarcely a public function hosted at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, for instance, that Ogunyemi would not be found seated calmly and almost anonymously among the guests. His formal introduction by the compere of the occasion would unmask the big masquerade he was to the unsuspecting audience.
He was a man of a modest taste who would not act and appear to impress anyone; his presence at outings would not cause a distraction or special attention, save for adorning his traditional attire which advertised his status as Baale of an elite community. He would not wait for invite to visit his friends and associates, regardless of age differences, and share timeless words of wisdom with them.
To encapsulate his liberal world view and perhaps for the record, in his lifetime, once, he affirmed, “I don’t need many things. I only want to live every moment to the fullest, because we never know how tomorrow will be.”
However, the gap-tooth Ogunyemi tasted the lowest moment of his life sometime in 2024 at the most unexpected time he was counting down to his 80th birthday. Why? His first daughter passed away, and the blow hit him like a bucket of ice cold water.
TheTabloid.net gathered that despite his status and traditional belief, Ogunyemi felt the grief like every mourning father would but overcame the pains after sustained persuasion and supports by well wishers who were said to have stood by him as an absorber system.
While he was shaking off the loss, in November 2024, however, another odd occurrence reared its head and met him inside his palace; rumour of Ogunyemi’s death rose and the news spread like a wildfire, causing a panicky rush to his house by concerned co-residents to ascertain the truth or otherwise of the news.
“We went to his palace and met him in a calm situation. Seeing him automatically gave us joy but we still asked him whether or not he had also heard about the news, he said yes and told us that he was not moved by it,” a man, who didn’t want his name in print, told our correspondent.
Expectedly, Ogunyemi clocked 80 years February 16 this year and appeared good and promising to live longer, hence the news of his death, broken a day after he had breathed his last, traumatised his people and those who still carried memories of his days as a cheerful producer of “E n Ba Laya”, a weekly quiz programme aired on the NTA Ibadan from the early 80s through 90s.
His fanatical passion for the entertaining game show in the realm of “Who wants to be a millionaire” found expression in a certain incident when he sneaked out of a hospital where he was on admission and sneaked into the NTA and produced an episode of “E n Ba Laya.”
He was also said to have, through the programme, incured the wrath of a military governor who allegedly ordered Ogunyemi’s arrest for his derogatory use of name of Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon, the then Chief of General Staff to the Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (1984 to 1985).
Beyond his fame from “E n Ba Laya”, he also acted in a weekly drama, “Koko Close”, featuring as Kasali, a hilarious gateman in the residence of Chief Koko, interpreted by the late Mr Olumide Bakare.
Ogunyemi’s dexterity on drama stage had its root in his tutelage under the late Chief Lanrewaju Adepoju, Chief Tubosun Oladapo and Chief Lere Paimo, all of whom are culture masters from the inception of broadcasting in the South-west region.
In the official confirmation of his transition, the Palace Secretary, Mr Olusegun Adeoye, issued a release on behalf of the family putting to rest certain disbelief of Ogunyemi’s departure from the planet earth where had made a mark as a culture icon that loved his Yoruba race like his life.
Adeoye stated, “With profound sorrow and reverence, we announce the transition of our beloved father and Traditional Head, Baale Adeyemi Bayonle Ogunyemi, who passed unto the great beyond on Tuesday, the 6th of May, 2025.
“Baale Ogunyemi, a pioneering media guru and veteran broadcaster, until his passing, served as the Baale of Oluyole Estate and Environ and Vice Chairman of the Council of Traditional Baales in Ibadanland.
“As a father, he was a source of love, guidance, and strength. As a Traditional Head, he was a beacon of wisdom, justice, and unwavering devotion to his people.
“His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of dignity, leadership, and compassion will forever echo in our hearts.
“Details of the final funeral rites and public ceremonies will be communicated in due course. We ask for your prayers, respect, and support during this period of mourning as we honour the life and spirit of our father and Baale.”
It was learnt that Ogunyemi suffered postrate cancer, treatment of which necessitated his transfer to the UCH where he succumbed to death.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) says Ogunyemi lived a selfless life. In a statement issued on behalf of President General of the council, Chief Sulaiman Ajewole, “his death is a huge blow, not just to Oluyole Estate, but to the entire Ibadanland. He was a dependable ally in our pursuit of preserving the cultural heritage of our people.”
Ogunyemi was Grand Patron of the Egbe Akomolede ati Asa Yoruba in Ibadan, an additional evidence of his love for his root.
A resident of Oluyole Estate, Chief Biodun Ogundiran, recalls his time with Ogunyemi, especially when he moved to Ibadan in 2008 and his fatherly advice that guied his current status in the community.
That singular conversation inspired me to acquire land and build our home in Oluyole Estate Extension—a dream you celebrated with us by graciously serving as the Master of Ceremony during our House Warming,” he remarked.
The CCII says Ogunyemi is worthy of celebration at death, hence its call on Ibadan Indigenes to honour him during his burial rites.
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