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… Media Icon Remembered and Eulogized
BY PETER OLANIYAN
IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA – A delegation comprising Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baarorin of Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State; Chief (Engr.) Segun Azeez, the Fiwajoye of Oluyole Ibadanland and Chief (Engr.) Kunle Badmus, the Mayegun of Oluyole Ibadanland, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Yemi Ogunyemi, Baale of Oluyole-Ibadan.
During their visit on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the late Baale’s residence in Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State, the trio described Chief Ogunyemi as a shining star in the media world. They hailed him as a true luminary whose legacy remains etched in the golden years of Nigerian television.
Abu-Satar Hamed, renowned Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platform, shared his emotional connection with the late Baale.
He recalled a recent conversation he had with Chief Ogunyemi while in the United Kingdom. Upon Abu-Satar’s return to Nigeria, Chief Ogunyemi had warmly invited him to visit anytime he was in Ibadan.
“But it’s very sad that my first visit to Ibadan after my return from the UK to pay my brother and friend a visit, it was his death I learnt; and it’s very painful that I couldn’t see Baba Ogunyemi again”, Abu-Satar lamented sorrowfully.
He further expressed: “It was a rude shock and a moment of deep sorrow when ‘Yours Truly’ received the painful news of the death of Chief Yemi Ogunyemi, a dear brother cum friend and a revered figure, not only in the Oluyole Ibadan community, but Oyo State and Nigeria as whole.”
“To me, and to many others, Chief Ogunyemi was the truest kind of friend – sincere, dependable, and ever gracious. His presence brought comfort and strength, and his leadership inspired many across generations in the community he served so faithfully”, Abu-Satar said, his voice heavy with emotion.
He added, “Chief Ogunyemi’s impact on the broadcast industry was profound and far-reaching. He was not only a respected media figure, but also a beloved son of Ibad
anland who served humanity till the end of his life.”
Chief (Engr.) Segun Azeez and Chief (Engr.) Kunle Badmus also expressed their sadness over the passing of the traditional ruler who had honoured them with prestigious chieftaincy titles. They recalled attending his 80th birthday celebration earlier this year.
“We were at the 80th birthday anniversary of our Baba Ogunyemi in February this year (2025), but we never knew that would be our last time to see or laugh together as we used to do”, they said with regret.
“Honestly, Baba Ogunyemi, who was also a distinguished member of the Ibadan South West Traditional Council, was deeply admired for his warmth, humility, and generosity of spirit”, they concluded.
In response, Olori Ogunyemi, visibly emotional, thanked Abu-Satar Hamed and the two Oluyole chiefs for their show of love and concern during this difficult time. She prayed that God would bless them with good health and long life.
The trio offered a collective prayer: “As we mourn the sudden departure of our lovely brother and friend, we pray that his gentle soul finds eternal peace. May the Almighty grant his family, friends, and the entire Ibadan community the strength to bear this profound and irreparable loss.”
It is worth remembering that during the 1980s and 1990s, Chief Ogunyemi became a household name as the charismatic host of the widely acclaimed “Enbalaya” programme on NTA Ibadan, earning him enduring fame and admiration in the Nigerian media landscape.
