entertainment

Veteran Poet Alabi Ogundepo Dies at 84

Published

2 months ago

August 25, 2026

Veteran Nigerian poet Alabi Ogundepo has died at 84, leaving family, colleagues and literary circles mourning a respected voice in Nigerian poetry

Veteran Nigerian poet Chief Alabi Ogundepo, a respected literary figure from Saki, Oyo State, has died at the age of 84, with his family announcing his passing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following his death on Monday.

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The news has sent a wave of sorrow through literary circles, with family members, friends, colleagues and admirers mourning a poet whose contribution to Nigerian literature earned him lasting recognition.

Dupe Ogundepo-Falana announced the death on behalf of the family, describing Ogundepo as an icon whose literary contributions would continue to inspire future generations.

The family said it was deeply saddened by his passing and was taking time to come to terms with the loss.

Ogundepo was regarded as an important figure within Nigeria’s literary community, particularly for his contribution to poetry and the broader appreciation of creative writing in the country.

His work formed part of a generation of Nigerian literary voices that helped preserve and promote the country’s rich tradition of written expression.

The circumstances surrounding his death were not disclosed by the family.

The family has appealed to friends, colleagues, associates and members of the public to respect its privacy as relatives mourn the veteran poet.

It also requested prayers for Ogundepo and his loved ones during the difficult period.

Funeral arrangements and other details concerning his burial will be announced by the family in due course.

Ogundepo’s death represents a poignant loss for Nigeria’s literary community, particularly among those who encountered his work and followed his contribution to poetry over the years.

At 84, he leaves behind a literary legacy that the family and admirers hope will continue to inspire conversations about Nigerian poetry, culture and creative expression.

Also read: Sanusi eyes €10m Al-Qadsiah move from Porto

Further details about his life, literary career and funeral arrangements are expected to emerge as the family makes additional announcements.

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I Bleached My Skin to Get Movie Roles — Nollywood Actress Habibat Jinadu

Published

7 hours ago

October 30, 2026

Mariam Balogun

Nollywood actress Habibat Jinadu has revealed that she bleached her skin in order to secure movie roles, saying dark-skinned and slim actresses often struggled to get opportunities in the industry.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Yoruba, Jinadu explained that she felt compelled to change her appearance to advance her career.

“I bleached my skin because if you were dark-skinned, then you would not get a role. Also, if you were not chubby but slim, you would not get a role. So, I went ahead, bleached my skin and started expecting to get roles. And indeed, I started getting roles,” she said.

She added that the change in her complexion made it difficult for people to recognise her outside film sets.

“But people could not recognise me any longer. If I stepped out to buy something, people would go like, ‘You look familiar,’ ‘You look like an actress,’ and all sorts. I was not happy with it, but I kept on pushing,” she said.

Jinadu further disclosed that she began sustaining injuries and skin tears from minor bruises while working on movie sets. She eventually stopped bleaching her skin after becoming pregnant in 2023.

Her comments have reignited discussions about colourism and beauty standards in Nollywood.