Oyetola, ex-justice honour late veteran broadcaster in Oyo

Late veteran broadcaster, Chief Adekunle Adeleke

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and former Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, and retired High Court Judge, Justice Kunle Adeigbe, on Friday paid tributes to the late veteran broadcaster, Chief Adekunle Adeleke.

They described him as an icon, mentor and accomplished professional who left an enduring legacy in broadcasting and public service.

The tributes were contained in messages delivered at the funeral service of Adeleke, the Basorun of Iragbiji in Osun State, held at All Saints’ Church, Jericho, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Oyetola, in his tribute to Adeleke, who died at the age of 82, described him as an “icon, uncle and veteran broadcaster,” while Adeigbe recalled the deceased’s immense contribution to his career and personal development.

Oyetola said Adeleke’s remarkable career in broadcasting, dignity and commitment to his community earned him a special place in the hearts of the people and the history of Iragbiji.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

He said, “The news of the passing of Chief Kunle Adeleke, the Basorun of Iragbiji, at the ripe age of 82, has left us mourning the death of this distinguished son, accomplished professional, reverend educationist and great philanthropist.

“Adeleke was a distinguished voice whose presence and personality commanded admiration and respect, particularly among those who grew up in Iragbiji.

“I recall that the deceased was a veteran broadcaster during the heyday of the Western Nigeria Television and Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service, where he distinguished himself through professionalism, eloquence and dedication to journalism.

“Adeleke belonged to a generation of broadcasters who understood the power of the spoken word and used it with dignity and responsibility. The late broadcaster’s death was not merely the loss of a respected professional but also the departure of a cherished figure and proud son of Iragbiji.

“Adieu, Uncle Kunle. Thank you for the inspiration, the dignity and the legacy you left behind.”

In his tribute, Justice Kunle Adeigbe described Adeleke as “the pioneer broadcaster, the administrator and the mentor of men,” recalling his personal relationship with the deceased and the role he played in shaping his career.

Adeigbe said, “I had the privilege of serving as his Confidential Secretary in 1975, when the late broadcaster was appointed the first Director of News and Current Affairs of WNTV/WNBS.

“Adeleke was already an accomplished broadcast newscaster and personality interviewer before his appointment and later rose to serve as General Manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Permanent Secretary in the old Oyo State and Pioneer Director-General of the newly created Osun State in 1991.”

Adeigbe said Adeleke’s influence on his life extended beyond professional mentorship, recalling how the deceased encouraged him to pursue further education and supported his journey from broadcasting into law.

“He did not only encourage me, he saw me through every step,” he said.

According to Adeigbe, “Adeleke encouraged me to enrol at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1977 for my professional diploma and later at the University of Ibadan in 1979 to study Language Arts and Communication.

“Adeleke subsequently supported my career progression in broadcasting, private legal practice, Law School, Call to Bar and eventual appointment to the Bench.”

Describing the deceased as a confidant who celebrated his successes and counselled him during difficult periods, Adeigbe said Adeleke demonstrated that true leadership was about raising others.

He said, “Chief Kunle Adeleke set the professional standard for broadcasting in Africa and the administrative standard for public service in Nigeria. He demanded accuracy, integrity and excellence.”

Cleric urges preparation for death

In his sermon at the funeral service, the Rt Revd Titus Olayinka, speaking from Hebrews 9:27 under the theme, “The Inescapable Appointment,” reminded the congregation of the inevitability of death.

Olayinka said death was “an unavoidable reality for every human being, stressing that its timing remained uncertain and that neither age, wealth, position nor influence could prevent it.”

The cleric described death as “a great equaliser” and urged people to prepare adequately for it while alive.

He also called on Nigerians to resolve disputes peacefully, noting that quarrels could be settled without resorting to violence.