By IBADAN Based Editor, Late OLU TADE MAKINDE
King Sunny Ade (KSA) is a name that resonates around the music industry, not only in Nigeria but all over the world. It’s also an indisputable fact that the moniker, somehow, has overshadowed the real name of the renowned Juju maestro, originally born Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye.
However, not many people know the real story of how the King of World Beats came about the name KSA. The new generation may not also know that the events leading to him being crowned the King of Music happened at the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital in 1977. Let’s take you down the memory lane a bit.
Sunny Ade, having emerged victorious in a 1977 musical competition, was crowned as the King of Music by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111. The crowning ceremony which held at the prestigious Ibadan Tennis Club was such a glamorous event that attracted the movers and shakers in the entertainment world across the length and breadth of Nigeria. KSA’s victory was well celebrated, and the name stuck till today.
Meanwhile, at the centre of the groundbreaking competition, from conception to execution, was a man called Olutade Makinde, the then Editor of The Entertainer—a publication under the defunct Sketch Publishing Newspaper Limited. Olu Makinde’s giant strides, as a passionate Journalist and a prolific entertainment writer, including the 1977 music competition, not only shot Sunny Ade to the global prominence but also paved ways for many promising musicians of that time. Olu Makinde as a dedicated journalist and a great lover of art positively impacted careers of virtually all the musicians of that time.
So, it wasn’t surprising to see a good number of high flying celebrities from different sectors gathered at the historic Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan (UI), on Sunday, 16 February, 2025, to honour and celebrate the legacies and achievements of late great Journalist, Olutade Makinde-a towering figure in the entertainment and media industries. As a book, titled Olu Makinde: Master of His Game, was launched in his honor. It wasn’t just a book launch but a 3-in-1 event that also featured foundation unveiling, and awards.
The book (Olu Makinde: Master of His Game) detailing the events surrounding KSA’s victory in the 1977 musical competition is authored by Tade Makinde, the son of the late great journalist, Olu Makinde.
The occasion was an avenue to honor late Olu Makinde, and also a fulfilling moment for his children to celebrate the achievements and enduring legacy of their father. Having made his mark as the entertainment editor at the now-defunct Sketch Press Limited and The Nigeria Tribune. Olu Makinde was fondly remembered for his outstanding personality as a journalist and a family man.
Speaking at the event, the host, Senator Femi Ojodu, who officially opened the program, noted that, “Honoring the late Olutade Makinde is imperative given his enormous success and contributions to the entertainment sector and the media industry in the Southwest region as a whole.”
He added that Makinde’s versatile reporting and entrepreneurial spirit helped promote numerous musicians—including King Sunny Ade, who rose to prominence partly due to Makinde’s efforts.
Reflecting on Makinde’s legacy, Senator Ojodu said, “The great late Olu Makinde, who excelled in entertainment journalism, was in a league of his own. As the entertainment editor at Sketch Press Limited and The Nigeria Tribune, he used his expertise to promote renowned figures such as King Sunny Ade, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Shina Peters, Roy Chicago, and many others.
“Celebrating his memory is both a welcome and well-deserved tribute. I want to commend his children, particularly author Tade Makinde II and Barrister Gbenga Makinde, for this fitting homage. This legacy will undoubtedly stand the test of time.”
He further recalled that Makinde was close to many, including King Sunny Ade, and that his contributions to the success of numerous artistes and the industry at large cannot be overstated.
”Throughout his career, he was driven not by financial gain but by the pursuit of fulfillment and a good reputation. Uncle Makinde made his mark through hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his profession,” he remarked.
In his address, author Tade Makinde II expressed joy at the overwhelming turnout of friends and well-wishers. Tade, who once served as an entertainment reporter and editor at The Nigeria Tribune, recalled that his father passed away in February 2015. “After my meeting with Mr. Clement Ige about how we could honor our dad, he suggested creating a book in his memory. I then discussed the idea with my brother, and the journey began,” Tade explained.
He continued, “I thank the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Pastor Olanrewaju Suleiman, Ph.D., for his outstanding contributions to the project. Our appreciation also goes to our father and mentor, Ambassador (Dr.) Yemi Farounbi, for his significant role in the success of this book.”
According to Tade, the project took three years to complete and now stands as a monumental tribute to their hero.
Versatile gospel singer Evangelist (Dr.) Funmi Aragbaye who lauded the family’s initiative said, “We were very close with the late Olu Makinde before his passing; he was also very close to my husband. They both served in various capacities at Sketch Press Limited and The Nigeria Tribune in 1976. His records and achievements are highly encouraging. He was a fearless and objective journalist, whose accuracy in reporting was reminiscent of a griot with a pen,” she said.
Aragbaye further decried the poor remuneration of journalists and called for intervention by stakeholders and the government to better support the profession. Representing former Kano State Governor Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Alhaji Ahmed Sawaba emphasized, “Our leader cherishes education and anyone with the talent to write. Today, we celebrate the memory of an icon—Olutade Makinde—who used his writing skills in journalism to shape society and our country in countless ways.”
Chairman, planning committee of the book project, Ambassador (Dr.) Yemi Farounbi, in his address, described both the book and the foundation as a fitting tribute to the late media guru, noting that the legacy will undoubtedly endure for many years. Recalling the immense commitment and sacrifice invested in the project, he commended Tade Makinde, Gbenga Makinde, and the entire family for their worthwhile efforts.
In a brief review, Dr. Jimoh Emmanuel stated, “The man ‘Olu Makinde’ has not died but lives on through his good works and enduring memory.” He described the late entertainment guru as a journalist of impeccable character who dynamically shaped the industry by promoting indigenous artistes such as King Sunny Ade, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Roy Chicago, Shina Peters, and many others.
“This book is a celebration of quality parenting, significant contributions to journalism, and its positive impact on society. Indeed, he was a master of his game, and his memory will live forever through his achievements,” Dr. Emmanuel added.
The Programme also featured a documentary showcasing the life and times as well as achievements of the late Olutade Makinde. Among those present at the well-attended program were Princess Aderonke Adedoja, Chairperson of the Oyo State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTs), who was the mother of the day; Dr. Idris Olagoke Badmus, the chief launcher; Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Pastor Olanrewaju Suleiman Ph.D.; Mr. Yinka Agboola, publisher of Parrot Extra Magazine; former NTA Ibadan sports analyst Mr. Feyi Ogunduyile; Micho Ade, among many others.
-Dare Adeniran
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