Alabi Ogundepo, the renowned Yoruba poet, actor and master of Ìjàlà, has died aged 84, according to a BusinessDay Nigeria report published on 25 August 2026.
Ogundepo was particularly known for his command of Ìjàlà, the traditional hunters’ chant in Yoruba culture. The form placed him within a performance tradition rooted in oral poetry, while his work as an actor extended his presence into another area of cultural expression.
His standing as a master of the chant made him a notable figure in Yoruba poetry and performance. The report identifies the breadth of his work across poetry and acting, although the supplied evidence does not provide details of particular productions, performances, recordings or honours associated with his career.
The circumstances and cause of Ogundepo’s death were not stated in the available report summary. It also did not provide the date or place of his death, comments from his family or associates, or information about funeral arrangements. Further details had not been established from the supplied evidence.