By Ayodele Lawal
On Monday, November 11, the residents of Ibadan, Oyo State woke up to the sad news of the death of Ewi exponent, Chief Olanrewaju Adepoju, who died the previous day at his residence in Idi Orogbo, off Ring Road, Ibadan.
Though, his official age could not be ascertained, a reliable family source disclosed that the lyrical poet died after a brief illness at the age of 82.
In his lifetime, Adepoju composed several poems and released a number of albums that dwelled on education, enlightenment and morals. He became more popular when he waxed some poems against military adventure in politics, especially against the regime of former military dictator, Sani Abacha, for which he was haunted.
However, since Adepoju’s death and burial, entertainers have been paying glowing tributes to him. Here are excerpts:
He came, he saw, he conquered!
-Sir Shina Akanni Sorpido, fuji artiste
Pa Lanrewaju Adepoju will be remembered for being a great and talented musician; his kind of Ewi (poetry) was second to none. He came, he saw and he conquered. May his soul rest in peace.
He’s controversial for always putting government in checks
-Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, fuji artiste
Lanrewaju Adepoju was a legend whose brand of Ewi was very educative and informative. Though, he was a bit controversial, he will be remembered for always putting the government in checks, with some of his hit albums like Ilu le, Iku Awolowo and others. May Allah grant him Aljanah.
Famous but humble
-Musiliu Haruna Ishola, musician
I met him (Olanrewaju Adepoju) when he came to record at my late dad’s studio in 1976. Despite being a popular artiste, he was very nice and humble. With his death, Nigeria has lost a multi-talented artiste. May his soul rest in peace.
We worked together on three occasions
-Dele Abioodun, juju musician
With the death of Lanrewaju Adepoju, Nigeria and the entire world have lost a very talented musician. We worked together on three occasions at the recording studio of the then Olumo Records. During the recording sessions, he exhibited talents and humility. We will really miss him.
The brave one has gone
-Kolington Ayinla, fuji artiste
Hmmm… ‘Oro lo’ (the word has departed).
With the death of Lanrewaju Adepoju, we have lost a brave Ewi exponent, a nice person, who says things as they are. He does not hide his feelings. Akoni ti lo (the brave one has gone). May his soul rest in peace.