Barrister Akeem Agbaje, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has mourned the renowned Yoruba poet and playwright, Olanrewaju Adepoju.
In his condolence message and tribute, the legal luminary, Barr Agbaje, described Olanrewaju Adepoju as “a legendary Yoruba poet, playwright, author, and social crusader who had used the power of his poetry to influence successive government policies.”
Agbaje commiserated with the bereaved family, Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oyo State Muslim Community and others. He prayed that may God repose the soul of the deceased in Al-Janat Firdaus.
According to a reliable source, Adepoju died around 7 p.m. on Sunday in his home in Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria. He died at the age of 83.
Adepoju wrote Sagba Dewe, Ironu Akewi, and Orirun Yoruba, among others.
In the dark days of the military regime, Adepoju was a force to be reckoned with, as many of his songs centred on correcting societal ills and unfavourable government policies.
The Adepoju genre of Ewi warned, criticised, and also entertained his followers.
Adepoju, a native of Oyo State, lost his sight a few years ago before finally succumbing to the cold hands of death today.
The output of his deep imagination and vision of poetry, along with the development of his creative consciousness, are already being curated into books and musical forms for posterity.
Adepoju will forever be remembered for his contribution to poetry and development communication in Nigeria.
