Though painful most times but death, irrespective of how or when it comes, is inevitable. And so the just ended year 2024, like every other year, witnessed deaths of many Nigerian celebrities.
Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, had a fair share of celebrity deaths. Notable deaths were recorded in the year.
These are the people who, in their own different ways, contributed to the various sectors of the society.
In this special report put together by City People’s DARE ADENIRAN (08057639079), we honor the memories and sympathize with the family of the popular celebrities we lost in 2024. Read on……
OBA LEKAN BALOGUN
One of the biggest notable deaths of Nigerian celebrities in 2024 was that of the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade 11. Balogun reigned as Olubadan between 11 March 2022Â and 14 March 2024 when he joined his ancestors at 81. He was an astute scholar and a politician. He was also a former senator who represented Oyo South in the upper legislative chamber of the country.
OTUNBA ABIMBOLA DAVIES
The death of Otunba Abimbola Mosobalaje Davies hit the society like a thunder in April 2024. Davies passed away at the age of 67. He was a politician and a golfer, a prominent member of the Ibadan Golf Club in his lifetime. He was also the Akinrogun of Ibadanland. Davies, born on September 29, 1957, in Ibadan into the family of Adebiyi at Itutaba, Ibadan, was known to be a poet and author. He was a chieftain of the defunct Association for Better Nigeria.
PROF. DAVID OYEWUSI
The entire College of Medicine, University of Ibadan was thrown into a deep mourning on Tuesday, 13 February 2024 when Prof. David Dada Oyewusi Oyetola’s got to the public. The erudite professor died at the of 79. He definitely lived an impactful life that won’t be forgotten forever. He was a great teacher and mentor to many.
JONAH OGUNNIYI OTUNLA
Jonah Ogunniyi Otunla OFR was the former Accountant General of the Federal. He also served as board member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The died on Monday, 17 June 2024, at 69. He’s a native of Irawo, a town near Iseyin in Oyo State.
OBA LATEEF ADEBIMPE
Oba Lateef Adebimpe, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, passed away on Wednesday, 24 July 2024. He was a member of the Olubadan-in-Council and one of the Ibadan high chiefs who were promoted to the status of Oba. He died at the age of 85.
ISAAC OMODEWU
The shocking death of Barr. Isaac Omodewu occurred on 18 August, 2024. He passed away in the United States of America. He was 61. Omodewu, until his death, was the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Otu-born lawyer-turned politician was also the former Commissioner for Land, Housing and Survey.
BARRISTER ADEKUNLE ISHOLA
Kunle Ishola, son of the former Governor of Oyo State, Kolapo Ishola, died on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024. He was a former Commissioner under the administration of late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala. He died at the age of 63.
HON. OLAIDE AKINREMI
Honourable (Prince) Olaide Akinremi, also known as Jagaban, passed away on Wednesday, 10 July 2024, after a brief illness. Akinremi who represented Ibadan North Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), died at 51. He was Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions.
Olajide Adesina
Mr. Olajide Adesina, a seasoned chartered accountant, died in March 2024. Olajide, whose father, Justice Okeyode Adesina, was a retired Judge of the Oyo State High Court, died at 58. His death came as a rude shock to many. Little wonder that one of his close friends, Olayinka Agboola, the Chief Operating Officer at Parrot Xtra Media Network, publishers/producers of Parrot Xtra Magazine, pmparrot.com and Parrot Xtra Hour on Splash 105.5fm, penned an emotional tribute in his honor.
ADEOLA ADEDOYIN ADEYEMO
Her death has left many of her family and friends devastated. In fact, many are still in shock ever since the news of her death broke in September 16, 2024. Adeola was a businesswoman and socialite who shuttled between United Kingdom (UK) and Nigeria. She died at 56. She passed away in Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK after a brief illness.
PA DEJI ADEREMI
His death was one of those that shook the Nollywood industry to its foundation in 2024. Veteran Yoruba actor Deji Aderemi, popularly known as Olofa Ina, died at 73. He passed away on Thursday, 4 January 2024. Though he’s from Ede in Osun State but used to Ibadan. Having served as a grade II officer at the Ministry of Works and Transport in Ibadan from 1970 to 1977. Before he fully ventured into theatre in 1980.
SISI QUADRI
The death of Tolani Quadri Oyebamiji, popularly known as Sisi Quadri, was another major death of Nigerian film industry. The popular comic Yoruba actor died on 1st March, 2024. He died at the age of 45. Sisi Quadri was shot to the limelight in 2004 as result of his role in a Yoruba film, ‘Seniyan Seranko’.
WALE LABIYI
Mr. Wale Labiyi, the second son of the founding Principal of Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan, Chief Ayo Labiyi, died in February, 2024. His unfortunate demise came while watching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game that featured Nigeria vs Ivory Coast with members of his family at his Abuja residence. May his soul rest in peace.
BOBO B
Veteran Nollywood actor, Ayobami Mudashir Olabiyi, popularly known as ‘Bobo B’, died in October 2024. Olabiyi, until his death, was the National General Secretary of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). He had previously served as the Governor of the Association in Oyo State.
ARABA MUYIWA LANIYAN
Mr. Muyiwa Laniyan, a popular businessman and socialite, passed away on Monday, 9 December 2024. He died at the age of 62. Araba, as he was fondly called by friends and associates, was the past Captain of Tiger Golf Club, Ibadan.
SHEIKH MUYIDEEN AJANI BELLO
Many thought it was one of the normal social media rumors when the news broke on December 6, 2024 that the erudite Islamic scholar, Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello was dead. The news later turned out to be real as it was confirmed that Bello, indeed, died at 84. Sheikh Muyideen Bello, born in 1940 in Ibadan, was widely known to be very firm and frank in his sermons and Islamic teachings.
SHEIKH ABDULFATAI ALAGBA
Another celebrity whose death also shook the Islamic community in Ibadan in 2024 was Sheikh Abdulfatai Muhali Alaga. Alaga, who until his death the Grand Mufti of Ibadanland, died on Tuesday, 9 January 2024. He was aged 80.
ALHAJI AKIN-TOKUNBO OLAJIDE
Alhaji Abdullateef Akin-Tokunbo Olajide passed away on Friday, 12th April, 2024. Olajide, the father of the honorable member representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Dhikrullahi Adedeji Stanley Olajide, was a community leader and a bridge builder. He was an Ibadan man to the core.
