The Yoruba entertainment and cultural community is reeling from another heavy loss as celebrated actor, poet and master Ijala chanter Chief Alabi Ogundepo passed away at the age of 84.
His death on Monday, August 24, 2026, came less than 24 hours after the burial of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, who had died the previous day after a battle with stage-four cancer.
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Ogundepo, born in Saki, Oyo State, was widely respected as one of the most distinctive voices in Yoruba oral literature and traditional performance. He dedicated decades to preserving and promoting Ijala, the poetic tradition of Yoruba hunters, through both stage and screen appearances as well as written works.
In a statement released by the family and signed by his daughter, Mrs Dupe Ogundepo-Falana, the late cultural icon was described as “a remarkable literary voice whose poetry and writings reflected his deep appreciation of Yoruba culture, tradition, language, history and the human experience.”
The family expressed gratitude to the many individuals, institutions, traditional leaders and literary communities who have reached out with condolences and support. They added:
“Funeral arrangements and other details will be announced by the family in due course. The family kindly requests privacy and prayers as we come to terms with this irreparable loss.”
Coming so soon after Ogogo’s passing and burial in Ilaro, Ogun State, the news of Ogundepo’s death has left many in the Yoruba movie and cultural circles feeling the weight of successive losses. Industry watchers and fans have described the timing as particularly painful for an already grieving community.
While no official cause of death has been disclosed, tributes continue to pour in for a man whose voice helped keep vital aspects of Yoruba heritage alive for generations.