Chief Alabi Ogundepo (1943-2026) was a renowned Nigerian Yoruba poet, actor, writer, composer and cultural enthusiast, best known for his mastery of Ìjálá, the traditional poetry and chants of Yoruba hunters. Born in Saki, Oyo State, he dedicated more than six decades to promoting Yoruba language, history, culture and indigenous oral literature. He died in August 2026 at the age of 84.
ALABI OGUNDEPO PROFILE
| Name | Alabi Ogundepo |
| Real Name | Alabi Ogundepo |
| Date Of Birth | 1943 |
| Date Of Death | 24 August 2026 |
| State Of Origin | Oyo State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Poet, Actor, Writer and Composer |
| Religion | N/A |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
ALABI OGUNDEPO BIOGRAPHY
Alabi Ogundepo was born in 1943 in Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria, into a family deeply connected to Ìjálá poetry. His parents, Fatokun and Ogunrinola, were Ìjálá poets, as a child, Ogundepo learned by observing and imitating his parents and older siblings. His talent became evident while he was still young, and he began performing publicly as a child. Between approximately 1953 and 1959, he reportedly performed as a curtain-raiser for older Ìjálá performers and also appeared at primary school events.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Details about Alabi Ogundepo’s formal education are limited in publicly available records.
CAREER
Alabi Ogundepo began his professional career as an Ìjálá poet, eventually becoming one of the most respected practitioners of the traditional Yoruba hunters’ poetry. He performed for more than five decades on stages and through radio, television and recorded music.
His performances were particularly popular through Radio Oyo, where his Ìjálá recordings and jingles reached a wide audience. He also worked with television and other media, helping introduce Yoruba oral poetry to audiences beyond traditional performance settings.
Ogundepo was more than a poet. He was also an actor, writer and composer who participated in various forms of Yoruba theatre and cultural performance. Academic research identifies him as the oldest living professional Ìjálá poet at the time the research was conducted and notes that his work extended across live performance, theatre, radio, television, recorded media and advertising.
His poetry was often used to address social issues and promote good values. His performances criticised problems such as robbery, child labour and other social vices, while encouraging qualities such as hard work, loyalty, education and responsible behaviour. In 2021, Ogundepo celebrated his 80th birthday in Saki alongside a celebration of his 60 years in Ìjálá. A biography about his life and career was also launched during the celebration.
CONTROVERSIES
There are no major widely documented controversies associated with Alabi Ogundepo.
PERSONAL LIFE
Alabi Ogundepo was a husband, father and grandfather. He maintained strong ties to his hometown of Saki and remained committed to Yoruba cultural traditions throughout his life. His daughter, Dupe Ogundepo-Falana, was the family representative who announced his death in August 2026. The family described him as a respected father and community figure whose life was defined by his poetry, values, relationships and commitment to cultural preservation. Beyond his artistic career, Ogundepo was regarded as a community leader, mentor and cultural enthusiast.
ALABI OGUNDEPO NET WORTH
Alabi Ogundepo’s exact net worth was not publicly disclosed.
DEATH
Alabi Ogundepo died on 24 August 2026 at the age of 84. His death was announced by his family through a statement signed by his daughter, Dupe Ogundepo-Falana. His death marked the loss of one of the most enduring voices in Yoruba Ìjálá poetry and oral literature. Tributes described him as a cultural icon whose poetry, writings and public performances helped preserve Yoruba language, history and traditions for generations.