On Sunday, December 10th, the news of Chief Olanrewaju Adepoju‘s death broke out on social media in Oyo State. He was a gifted Ewi exponent, whose impact on people’s hearts was evident. Despite not having any formal education, he became a master of his craft through self-discovery and an unrelenting search for knowledge. His works have had a significant influence on contemporary Yoruba poetry and are being used in different institutions today.
Adepoju was a versatile writer, playwright, author and social crusader who used his poetry to influence government policies. He wrote Sagba Dewe, Ironu Akewi, Orirun Yoruba and other works. During the military regime, he was a force to be reckoned with as he addressed societal ills and unfavorable government policies in his songs.
Adepoju’s genre of Ewi was a combination of warning, criticism, and entertainment. He was proficient in both Yoruba and English languages, and his use of English was exceptional. Although he lost his sight a few years ago, his works will forever be remembered, as they are being curated in books and musical forms for posterity.
In conclusion, Chief Olanrewaju Adepoju‘s contribution to poetry in Nigeria will never be forgotten.
