Insideoyo.com, the No.1 online news portal in Oyo state, has compiled a list of 17 outstanding radio personalities in Ibadan.
The people on this list are from different backgrounds and they have diverse qualities, but what they all have in common is that they’re all exceptional radio personalities.
From respected, trusted, and well known radio personalities to the fast-rising OAPs of today, these are some of the best professionals in the radio personality field in Nigeria as a whole and arguably the gods and goddesses of radio in Ibadan. If you want to answer the question: ‘Who are the Best Ibadan OAPs in 2018’, then you’re in the right place.
Insideoyo.com Criteria for Selecting the Best OAPs in Ibadan 2018
With many OAPs in the Nigerian broadcast media industry, those from Lagos are highly and mostly favoured when listing the best presenters in the country. However, we have noted that there are still some presenters and broadcasters outside the favoured state who are pretty good as, or perhaps better than, their counterparts in Lagos. These presenters have built huge fanbase for themselves and their voices are heard by large number of people. In Ibadan, the best OAPs have for long learned how to insert their exceptional personality into the public consciousness. The best radio personalities in Ibadan this year are the ones who have elevated their voices above their peers. While experience is a great deciding factor for many organizations that rank best radio personalities, we have decided to rank the best OAPs in Ibadan based on a subjective-but-educated determination of talent, creativity, originality, and current impact on both the broadcasting industry and society at large with no or little regards for years of experience because we are not dealing with the Greatest Ibadan OAPs of all time. Current form matters to us!
In no particular order, they are:
1. Edmund Obilo
If you are searching for the most educated OAP in Ibadan and possibly in Nigeria, the first name that comes to mind his Edmund Obilo. The radio wizard holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BEg.) degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree (First Class) in International Relations, Post-Graduate Diploma in Theatre Arts, Master’s degree in Communication and Language Arts and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Political Science. Edmund Obilo attended and participated in the 2014 Global Media Forum in Bonn, Germany in 2014, and he was one of the journalists that covered the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York in 2015.
Obilo started his radio career as a freelance reporter at the Ibadan network station of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN. He joined a private radio station, Splash 105.5FM in 2007 as a sports presenter and later the producer and presenter of Bull’s Eye, Economic Searchlight, Village Square, Eagle’s Eye, and Voices.
The feisty, fearless, dogged, and overtly courageous political broadcaster is known for his love for investigating and exposing the most secretive dealings of traditional rulers, politicians, government officials, and other public office holders. He exposed the most painful and hidden realities on his political programme on Splash FM. Although Edmund was previously axed by Splash FM following the controversies that trailed a particular edition of his radio programme owing to the exposure of some top secrets to the general public, he later resigned in 2016 to join Inspiration FM. Some people believed his influence made Splash FM great while others think otherwise that Splash FM made the now great Edmund Obilo.
After forming his own brand, Bilficom Media, in 2016 and completing his Masters’ study at the premier University of Ibadan, Edmund Obilo bounced back to the radio world with more captivating programmes airing in Lagos, Ibadan, Osun, and online. His interest in good governance and Africa’s development is still very strong and the veteran broadcaster is going all out to achieve this dream without giving any regards to whose toes would be stepped upon for the benefit of the masses and the society in general.
If you are still wondering why Edmund Obilo, who is happily married and blessed with two children, is our first pick, then let’s tell you this: Edmund Obilo is your best OAP’s best OAP.
2. Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa
One of the most regarded and in-demand personality in the electronic media industry is RonkeGiwa-Onafuwa, an English graduate of the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos and alumna of the London Centre of Contemporary Music (LCCM), United Kingdom, where she studied Music Performance and Production. On her return to Nigeria for the mandatory national service of the NYSC, RonkeGiwa-Onafuwa was posted to a tertiary institution in Ibadan that ended up rejecting her because the school had no financial provision for Youth Corp members that year.
She was later reposted to Splash FM where she grew under the tutelage of Edmund Obilo who gave her 5 minutes session on his programme. Today, RonkeGiwa-Onafuwa is a multiple award-winning radio personality based in Ibadan and works at the first private radio station in the city, Splash 105.5 FM. She is gradually breaking the norms in the Nigeria media industry as she had won some national honours such as NBMA Most Popular OAP Awards (2015) and TUSH Awards OAP of the Year (2016). Ronnie G comperes event within and outside Ibadan, she is a motivational speaker, and voice over artiste. Surprisingly, Ronnie G who was initially interested in music, before she fell in love with media, was a contestant on the annual music talent show, MTN Project Fame but she could not make it beyond the first phase owing to her woeful performance which she attributed to her unpreparedness; owing to her outstanding success in the media industry, RonkeGiwa-Onafuwa was invited to be a judge on the music talent show.The Isale-Eko-bred RonkeGiwa happily married her beau in Lagos on June 3rd, 2016.
3. Yemi Sonde
Yemi Sonde is an OAP with Splash FM. He anchors YSLive, a weekly News and Current Affairs programme where National issues are discussed.
4. Wale Ozolua
Wale Ozolua is born and bred in Surulere/Mushin area of Lagos State where he spent most of his times while growing up as a child. The Masters’ degree holder is a graduate of Abia State University where he bagged his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.
He is known both on radio and on the Ibadan entertainment scene. On June 10, 2016, Wale Ozolua was promoted to become the Director of Programmes at Beat 97.9FM, Ibadan where he co-hosts ‘Morning Rush’ on Mondays to Fridays from 6AM to 11AM and on Sundays from 6AM to 12PM. As at the time of compiling this list, Wale –a social media enthusiast, public relations expert, and digital marketer – who manages his personal but verified Twitter account has 63% Twitter Influence on the social media network. As a hype man, Ozolua is famous for pulling the biggest stunts on different stages, concerts, and shows. Most of the major shows and entertainment events that are held in Ibadan, more often than not, are discussed with Wale Ozolua for his media support and personal assistance. Although he is cute and urbane, this Beat FM radio juggernaut is still single and not rushing to get married.
5. Mayor Isaac Brown
Mayor Isaac Brown is an OAP with Fresh FM. He crossed over to political programmes on getting to Fresh FM. The Mayor, as he is fondly called, anchors two programmes on Fresh FM as an independent broadcaster. They are Political Circuit, Saturdays and Crossfire, Sundays.
Before his latest move, Isaac Brown has been on Impact Business Radio(IBR), Star FM and MiTV, all in Ibadan.
Isaac Brown, for many years, anchored several TV and beauty shows, including the popular Gotham City on Galaxy TV.
6. Josephine Odion Amiegbe
Josephine OdionAmiegbe, who is ancestrally from Edo State, was born and bred in Lagos State. She currently works at Beat FM, Ibadan where she joined in 2015. Her unflinching love for broadcasting and her interest in electronic media was unmistakably comprehendible by her parents and neighbours right from her early days but as fate would have it, Josephine was admitted to the prestigious University of Benin to study Sociology and Anthropology. While studying at the University of Benin, Josephine applied for different freelance/part-time radio jobs, but she was always turned down and her luck didn’t come until 2012 when she got an opportunity to work with Raypower, Benin City where she hosted and presented different radio programmes.
Josephine decided to continue her career in the media world with no regards for her years of burning the midnight candles trying to become one of the best graduates of Sociology and Anthropology. Although her university certificate earned her good jobs, Josephine never worked as a sociologist or anthropologist. Now with Beat FM, the fulfilled Josephine co-hosts ‘Morning Rush’ with Wale Ozolua; her voice is not only mesmerizing and mellifluous, it is one of the sweetest and smoothest you can hear on radio. Her ability to use the English language clearly and effectively is one of Josephine’s strongest points, which makes it very easy for her to communicate with her audience in flowing and eloquent manner.
7. Oluwafemi Alliu
OluwafemiAlliu, popularly known as Femi Germann developed a strong passion for journalism when he was sports and entertainment news correspondent for one of his school’s editorial unit. Since he joined Naija FM 102.7 in 2012, Femi Germann has grown to become a media force to reckon with both in and outside the ancient city of Ibadan.
He has presented, produced, and analysed sports related shows on some of the biggest electronic media stations in Nigeria which include but not limited to Radio Continental 102.3 FM, City 105.1 FM, Star 101.5 FM, Naija FM 102.7, Cool 96.9 FM, Hi TV, and Classic 97.3 FM. What differentiates OluwafemiAlliu from other OAPs in Ibadan is his enthusiastic, energetic, and positive spirit. The Lagos born broadcaster exceptionally knows how to captivate and engage his audience with latest gist, news and trends which helps his audience to connect with him. You can be sure that whatever he says on radio was well researched and accurate. Another edge OluwafemiAlliu has is his brilliant ability to paint pictures with words. In a very simple word, OluwafemiAlliu is authentic and reputable.
8. Folakemi Arowolo
FolakemiArowolo is a Mass Communication and Media Technology graduate of Lead City University, Ibadan. She was a secondary school teacher in Ibadan before joining one of the best radio stations in Southwest Nigeria, Naija FM.
From a relatively unknown teacher to a radio goddess largely respected by her fans and peers in the media industry, FolakemiArolowo has paid her dues and she is enjoying her hard-earned stardom. From her days as a school teacher to her time as a regular radio presenter, and now to one of the best names in the industry, FolakemiArowolo has so many feathers we cannot count and her influence on radio and off-air is impressive, grand, and captivating. She knows how to keep her fans glued to the radio all day whenever she is on air bursting listeners’ brain with her sweet and enchanting voice.
9. Demola Adediji
Demola Adediji, popularly known as Demosha is a 2008 graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State where he bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Botany. He started his media career when he joined Sporting Champion as freelance writer.
He also wrote different articles for a political magazine, The Politico, which focuses on socio-political, economic, and developmental issues. DemolaAdediji was privileged to have presented some Sports Shows on Star FM, UNILAG FM, Wazobia FM, Lagos and Naija FM Lagos. Presently with Naija FM, DemolaAdediji has the ability to generate original ideas and knows how to bring his shows to life with the power of storytelling to engage and inspire his audience. When communicating with his audience, DemolaAdediji do so in a knowledgeable, intelligent, articulate, and engaging way.
10. Collins TekeEzima
Collins TekeEzima, popularly known as Black the Microphone Heavyweight, started his media career with the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ibadan where he was honoured and awarded for his brilliance, outstanding contribution to the station’s success and his exceptional presentation skills. Collins Teke, who speaks French, English and some other languages so well joined Inspiration 100.5 FM, Ibadan in 2015 where he presently heads the station’s production unit. He is respected by his fans and his peers in the media industry for his husky voice, his sui generis, charismatic and eclectic personality. In less than 5 years, Collins Teke warmed his way into the hearts of listeners within and outside Ibadan, making his shows a hit with large fanbase.
11. Obadare Oladosu
ObadareOladosu is one of the most followed On Air Personalities in Ibadan. Popularly known as ObaSports (Oba gbogbo won), Obadare presents sports news in Yoruba Language and owing to the fact that majority of his fans love the reverberation of his presentation, the humorous but sometimes exaggerated style of disseminating accurate sports news and his adroit ability to give the audience the gist they want to hear as it relates to the latest happenings in the sporting world, sports lovers within and outside Ibadan always stay glued to their radio to listen to his programme.
Before joining Naija FM, Ibadan, Oladosu had worked with Paramount FM, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Diamond FM, Ibadan; Ray Power FM, Ibadan, and Inspiration FM, Ibadan. Without much rhetoric, ObaSports is one of the most popular, acclaimed and regarded media personality in Ibadan. His years of experience, spontaneity, and consistency has given him an edge over other presenters working in this cycle. Should INEC restrict the qualification to contest the presidential elections to presenter of Sports programmes in Southwest Nigeria, ObaSport would probably become Nigeria’s next president.
12. Rolake Bello
Rolake Bello is a lively, peachy, super, prizewinning, and gilt-edged radio personality with a soothing voice that captivates her audience and keeps them glued to Fresh FM Ibadan where she works. Rolake Bello, who has won several accolades and national laurels in recent years such as the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards as the most Outstanding Radio Program Presenter, combines incredible warmth, special charm, irresistible appeal, expertise and her good voice rhythm to attract and magnetize the attention of radio lovers to her shows. Rolake Bello has a musicality that appeals to the listening ears and brain of her audience. She is incredibly natural and arguably the Duchess of radio in Ibadan with an incredible reach beyond Oyo State.
Her show ‘Drive Time’ is well listened to and she caps her excellence on radio with nice personality. Rolake Bello has continued to bring out the juice, spice and flavour in radio broadcasting by acting as a role model and mentor to newcomers in the industry as her finesse in broadcasting is everything to be envious about. This media heavyweight hosts concerts and some entertainment events in Ibadan whenever sheis off air.
13. Andrea Odu-Obi
Andrea Odu-Obi, an International Relations graduate of ESPAM FORMATION UNIVERSITY, COTONU, BENIN REPUBLIC, is an amazing and multi-talented radio presenter with 32FM, Ibadan where she hosts an inspiration programme, ‘Moonlight’. She has good experience in television, radio and live events, having been involved in the electronic media and entertainment scene for years. Andrea has previously worked with the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) before joining Star FM, Ibadan during her mandatory youth service of the NYSC. Her biting wit, spontaneity, and eloquence is incomparable.
Before joining 32FM, her fanbase was large enough to shoot her to the spotlight as she favoured among her peers. Andrea Odu-Obi is presently doing so well in the broadcasting industry and she’s showing no sign of slowing down as one of the best media personalities in Ibadan.
14. Oluwatosin Adeniyi
Oluwatosin Adeniyi, popularly known as Heisha, is a Communication and Language Arts graduate of the most celebrated citadel of learning in Nigeria —the University of Ibadan— where she is currently studying Diaspora and Transnational Studies at the postgraduate level to earn her a Master’s degree from the university’s Institute of African Studies. While growing up, Oluwatosin Adeniyi wanted to become a medical doctor but she ended up jettisoning her childhood dream for broadcasting when she was admitted to the university. Heisha joined the University of Ibadan community radio, Diamond FM, and she grew to become one of the favourite presenters of the station.
Oluwatosin, who is an indigene of Ijebu, Ogun State, was posted to Kwara State for her NYSC to serve her fatherland and there. Heisha made some nice presentations on UNILORIN 89.3FM where she anchored the state’s NYSC broadcast programme. She became one of the most heard voices on radio and this development eventually earned her the opportunity to serve as a media aide to the Kwara State Commissioner for Information and Communications. OluwatosinAdeniyi is presently with R2FM, Ibadan where she co-hosts ‘R2 Lunch Show’ every weekday from 11am to 4pm. Her uniqueness, fervidness, expressiveness, and ability to carry her audience along is a plus for this exceptional radio presenter who is presently making strides in the media and entertainment industry. Heisha is a respected Voice-over artiste and one of the most sought-after show host for corporate gigs and live entertainment events.
15. Telojo Emina
TelojoEmina, popularly known as Tee Jay hails from Delta State but she was born and bred in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. The English graduate of the University of Benin had wanted to study Mass Communication owing to her childhood dream of becoming a broadcaster but as fate would have it, she is presently fulfilling that dream as a radio presenter in Ibadan where she works at the Beat 97.9 FM.
The revered media content provider and OAP extraordinaire is one of the biggest names in the media and entertainment industry in Ibadan. Her shows, ‘The Night Time Show with Tee Jay on Mondays to Thursdays, and ‘The Drive Time Show’ every Friday are two of the best radio programmes with the large following. TelojoEmina, who also works with ScoopNaija to interview iconic and respected celebrities, has continued to grow her fanbase beyond Ibadan as she is presently making waves on air, online, and everywhere else. We cannot forget to add that Telojo is phenomenal, preternatural, and she has a soul of a queen.
16. Perpetua Ebunoluwa Ohacho
Perpetua EbunoluwaOhacho is a Bachelor’s degree holder from Nigeria’s leading ICT university— Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU— which is largely regarded as the most beautiful tertiary institution in Africa owing to its opulent edifices and nice architectural designs. Perpetua is presently with R2 FM, Ibadan where she spiritedly hosts different radio shows to the delight of her fans, in particular, and the audience in general.
Perpetua is no doubt making great moves to becoming one of the queens in the Nigeria media industry but for now, she is one of the presenters dominating the radio in Ibadan since she joined R2 FM with adequate professional experience. Today, Perpetua is now up to par with some of her senior colleagues in the media industry and her ingrained commitment to radio broadcasting has gained her huge fanbase which is unarguably a product of her wonderful presentation skills, her euphonious voice which keeps rocking the airwaves, her brilliant remarks on air and her ability to speak to the minds of the audience.
17. Kola Oladapo
Kola Oladapo is known both at home and abroad. He is incontrovertibly the best indigenous newscaster on radio. Popularly known as Mr. Nice Guy (a household name on radio for as long as we can remember), Kola Oladapo hosts a current affairs programme, ‘Ela Loro’ every Saturdays.
Every Wednesdays morning, Mr. Nice Guy climbs the royal echelon ladder to hold the upper-class position of the grand duke of broadcasting in Ibadan as many listeners would change their dial from other radio stations to listen to His Royal Radio Highness on Lagelu FM 96.7 where he reviews national newspapers on his programme, ‘Edoki’. More so, Kola Oladapo, who is a known master of the craft, is the male voice on the popular ‘GbudugbeIroyin’ programme on Lagelu FM. His fans are scattered across Oyo State and some neighbouring states in Southwest Nigeria. Kola Oladapo is perhaps the best Yoruba presenter of this generation!
