Yemi Ogunyemi triggered my interest in broadcasting and Yoruba language – Ademola Aremu
Ademola Aremu, a broadcaster and media consultant, has paid tribute to the late Yemi Ogunyemi, a renowned broadcaster and Vice President of the Council of Traditional Baales Ibadanland. Aremu’s tribute highlights the significant impact Ogunyemi had on his life and career.
The Council of Traditional Baales Ibadanland has announced Ogunyemi’s passing, mourning the loss of a highly respected figure in Ibadan.
As tributes poured in for the late Legendary Broadcaster, Yemi Ogunyemi, Ademola Aremu, also known as Papa Demmy, has joined the chorus by singing praise of the legendary microphone icon who passed to the great beyond on…..
Aremu recalls growing up in Ibadan and being fascinated by the popular television program “E’N Balaya,” which was initially anchored by the late Funmilola Olorunnisola before Yemi Ogunyemi took over. Ogunyemi’s exceptional hosting skills and passion for Yoruba language and culture elevated the program to new heights, inspiring Aremu’s interest in broadcasting and Yoruba language.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Aremu wrote, “When I was growing up as a young boy at agbole Okobi near agbole Aloko Oke-Aremo Yemetu Ibadan, one of the most popular television programmes then was “E’N Balaya” first anchored by Alagba Funmilola Olorunnisola of blessed memory before the baton was passed to Baale Yemi Ogunyemi, who took it to the next level.
“The above triggered my interest in broadcasting and Yoruba language.
“I eventually had an opportunity to meet him one-on-one when started my career at Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, BCOS, Ibadan. And ever since, his door was always to me anytime I wanted to see him, even when he became the Baale of Oluyole Estate and Environs.
“I was privileged to be one of the comperes at his 70th birthday ceremony with another dynamic broadcaster, Olubunmi Olabiyi. He also honoured my family with his presence at my dad’s final burial ceremony in 2021.
“When I was commissioned to produce a documentary on the activities and projects of the Ibadan Urban Flood Management Project, IUFMP, a World Bank assisted project, it cost me just a call to have him and his subjects at Oluyole Estate interviewed. Apart from being entertained with jokes, drinks were made available.
“Baale Yemi Ogunyemi, a great dynamic broadcaster, actor, dancer, Yoruba language and culture ambassador, and MC of MCs has passed to the silent land.
“The last time I spoke with him was on his birthday this year.
“To the Ogunyemi family, and most especially my aburo, Gbotemi Ogunyemi, formerly a broadcaster too, e ku ara fera ku.”