Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has mourned the death of celebrated juju musician, Yekini Ajao, describing him as both a personal friend and one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s music scene.
Ajao, who was said to have died after undergoing multiple surgical procedures in India, passed away after a long and impactful musical journey that lasted several decades.
In a condolence message released on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, and shared on X, the governor paid tribute to the late artiste, praising his contributions to the evolution of Juju Makosa music and recalling their close relationship.
“I lost a very close friend, Y.K. We prayed for him to survive but God ruled otherwise. “I commiserate with his family and our circle of friends, notably Shina Peters and others. His memories remain evergreen. He was a true music legend,” he said.
Adeleke also reflected on Ajao’s presence at a landmark moment in the state’s political history, noting that he performed during the inauguration of the governor’s late brother, Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, who served as Osun State’s first executive governor.
“When my late brother assumed office, he performed at the inauguration ceremony at our country home.
“My late friend is a colossal musical figure,” he said.
Born in Iseyin, Oyo State, Ajao began his music career at the age of nine and later became widely recognised as a pioneer of Juju Makosa, a fusion of traditional juju music and makossa rhythms.
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In a 2013 interview, he credited his early inspiration to legendary musician I.K. Dairo.
Before fully embracing music, Ajao had trained as a fashion designer and also worked briefly as a nurse in Iseyin. He eventually left both professions to pursue a career in music.
He relocated to Lagos in 1971, where he joined the band of Captain R. Ade. After gaining experience, he went on to establish his own musical group in December 1973.
His first album, Soromi Dayo, brought him limited recognition, but he achieved nationwide fame with Macossa Series 1.
Over the years, he released several popular works including Makosa Series 2, Vigilante, Akoni Mamu Gege, and Oro NEPA, earning acclaim for his energetic performances and distinctive sound.
Ajao’s passing has been widely described as the end of an era in juju music, with tributes pouring in for a musician regarded as a pioneer and innovator in the genre.
Governor Adeleke’s tribute further highlighted the enduring bond between them and the lasting legacy Ajao leaves behind in Nigeria’s cultural landscape.