Foremost Broadcaster, Frederick Adeleke, Buried Amid Royal Farewell

The remains of a foremost broadcaster and pioneer General Manager of Radio O-Y-O, Chief Frederick Adekunle Adeleke, were on Friday, August 28, 2026, laid to rest in Ibadan, Oyo State, amid tributes, pomp and pageantry.

The burial reception, held at the Sunlight Royal Event Centre, Ibadan, attracted no fewer than 10 traditional rulers, who gathered to honour the late broadcaster, philanthropist and educationist.

Adeleke, who was the founder of NICKDEL Group of Schools, was among the Permanent Secretaries inherited by the newly created Osun State from the old Oyo State in 1991.

He subsequently served briefly under the administration of the first Executive Governor of Osun State, the late Governor Adetunji Isiaka Adeleke, popularly known as Serubawon, before retiring from public service in 1992.

At a tribute night held on Thursday, August 27, at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi, the Owa of Igbajo, Oba Dr Ademola Stephen Kayode, described the deceased as a “God-sent” who had profoundly influenced his life.

The monarch said Adeleke had taken him under his tutelage shortly after secondary school and continued to play a significant role in his life for about four decades.

Several testimonies were also given about the late broadcaster’s impact on the lives of people who passed through him, many of whom later attained prominent positions in society.

One of the beneficiaries, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Justice Kunle Adeigbe (rtd.), recalled the deceased’s contribution to his career development.

Adeigbe disclosed that Adeleke was his first Confidential Secretary when he began his career in 1975 at the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS).

A native of Iragbiji in Osun State, Adeleke held the traditional title of Basorun of Iragbiji, in addition to several other traditional titles conferred on him during his lifetime.

He was also remembered for his commitment to education, philanthropy and mentorship, with several people testifying to the opportunities and support he provided for them.

Adeleke is survived by two children, Dr Mrs Adenike Aina and Mrs Tolulope Okikiolu.

Among the royal fathers who attended the burial reception was Sooko Laekun of Ife, Prince Bimbo Ogunwusi, a close family friend and representative of the Ooni of Ife.

Other traditional rulers in attendance included the Owa of Igbajo, Oba Dr Ademola S.K. Makinde; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji; the Olufon of Ifon, His Imperial Majesty Oba Peter Oluwole Akiyooye; the Aree of Iree, Oba Muritala Omotayo Oyelakin (Oyekun III); the Afaáji of Faji, Oba Moshood Olawale Olaleke (Olaleke II); the Alabere of Abere, Oba Adefemi Mutalib Adelakin; and the Onikoka of Koka, Oba Dr Amos Operinmade Adejumo.

Also present was the Seriki Yoruba Arewa, Alhaji Murtala Adeleke.

The farewell ceremony, organised by the children of the deceased, provided an opportunity for family members, friends, colleagues, traditional rulers and beneficiaries to celebrate the life and legacy of a man widely remembered for his service to broadcasting, education and humanity.

As the curtains closed on the earthly journey of the respected broadcaster, tributes continued to pour in for a man whose influence, particularly through mentorship and service, touched many lives.

Fare thee well, Chief Frederick Adekunle Adeleke, mni.