Yoruba Cultural Icon Chief Alabi Ogundepo Dies a Day After Veteran Actor Taiwo Hassan

Chief Alabi Ogundepo, a revered Yoruba actor and master of Ijala hunters' poetry, passed away on Monday, August 24, at the age of 84. Born in Saki, Oyo State, Ogundepo was celebrated for his dedication to preserving Yoruba oral literature, ensuring its transmission through performances and written works.

His family, through his daughter Mrs. Dupe Ogundepo-Falana, released a statement honoring his legacy as "a remarkable literary voice whose poetry and writings reflected his deep appreciation of Yoruba culture, tradition, language, history, and the human experience." They also expressed gratitude for the condolences received and requested privacy and prayers as they make funeral arrangements.

Chief Ogundepo's death came just a day after the passing of another prominent Yoruba Nollywood figure, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who succumbed to stage-four cancer. Hassan was laid to rest in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, following Islamic rites.

The near-simultaneous loss of these two cultural icons has deeply affected the Yoruba film and literary communities, both of whom played significant roles in promoting and preserving Yoruba heritage through their artistic contributions.