Col. Gbenga Adegbola Rtd. Extols the Virtues of Ijala Poet Chief Alabi Ogundepo, Describes Him as a Man With a Heart of Gold Whose Love for Saki Remains Unblemished
SAKI, OYO STATE — Col. Gbenga Adegbola (Rtd.), PhD, has paid glowing tribute to the late veteran Ijala poet, Chief Alabi Ogundepo, describing him as a man of exceptional character, a cultural icon and a patriot whose love for Saki remained deep, genuine and unblemished throughout his lifetime.
Adegbola, while mourning the passage of the respected Ijala exponent, said Chief Alabi Ogundepo represented a remarkable generation of custodians of Yoruba culture whose contributions transcended entertainment and extended to the preservation of history, values, traditions and communal identity.
According to him, Chief Ogundepo was a man with a heart of gold, whose humility, wisdom, generosity of spirit and commitment to the progress of his people endeared him to many within and beyond Saki.
He noted that the late Ijala poet was not merely an artist who entertained audiences with his powerful rendition of traditional poetry, but also a voice through which the history, struggles, aspirations and achievements of the people were communicated.
A Cultural Custodian of Exceptional Standing
Col. Adegbola emphasized that Chief Alabi Ogundepo's contribution to Yoruba traditional poetry would remain an important part of the cultural heritage of the people.
Through Ijala poetry, he said, Ogundepo demonstrated the power of words to educate, preserve history, celebrate worthy individuals and remind society of its responsibilities to future generations.
Adegbola observed that the late poet possessed a unique ability to weave wisdom, history and social commentary into his performances, thereby making his art both entertaining and instructive.
He described such talents as invaluable at a time when younger generations are increasingly exposed to changing cultural influences.
"His Love for Saki Remained Unblemished"
The retired Colonel particularly highlighted Chief Ogundepo's attachment to Saki, stressing that his relationship with the town went beyond mere residence or association.
According to him, the late Ijala poet carried Saki in his heart and consistently demonstrated affection for its people, culture, heritage and development.
Adegbola said Chief Ogundepo's love for Saki was evident in the manner in which he celebrated the town and its people through his art, adding that his legacy would continue to remind residents of the importance of protecting the identity and heritage of their ancestral home.
He noted that people who genuinely love their communities are remembered not only for what they acquired personally but also for the values, inspiration and positive footprints they left behind.
A Legacy Beyond the Stage
The APC chieftain further stated that the death of Chief Alabi Ogundepo had created another painful gap in the cultural landscape of Saki and Oke-Ogun.
He said the vacuum created by the departure of such a seasoned traditional poet would be difficult to fill, particularly because his generation combined artistic excellence with deep knowledge of indigenous history and cultural values.
Adegbola urged younger cultural practitioners and lovers of Yoruba heritage to study the works and legacies of icons such as Ogundepo and ensure that traditional forms of expression are not allowed to disappear.
He maintained that preserving indigenous culture should be regarded as a collective responsibility involving families, traditional institutions, governments, community leaders and the younger generation.
"A Rare Gem Has Departed"
While expressing his condolences to the family, friends, associates and admirers of Chief Alabi Ogundepo, Col. Adegbola described his departure as the loss of a rare gem.
He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and the entire Saki community the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
He also called on the people of Saki to continue celebrating the positive legacies of the late Ijala poet rather than allowing his contributions to fade with time.
For Adegbola, the enduring story of Chief Alabi Ogundepo is ultimately the story of a man who used his God-given talent to serve culture, celebrate his people and promote the identity of his beloved Saki.
As tributes continue to pour in, the name of Chief Alabi Ogundepo, veteran Ijala poet, is expected to remain etched in the cultural memory of Saki and Oke-Ogun — a testament to a man whose heart of gold, cultural contribution and unblemished love for Saki left an enduring mark.
