Ace musician and Chairman of Fresh FM Group, Dr Yinka Ayefele, has recalled how the partial demolition of Music House housing Fresh FM Ibadan by the late Abiola Ajimobi-led government brought the station to global recognition.
Ayefele narrated this at a press conference marking the station’s 10th anniversary on Wednesday, held at the Dapo Aderogba Hall, Oyo NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The musician, who dubbed a broadcaster, said though it was painful that the then governor approved the partial demolition of Music House to pave the way for road expansion, the backlash from the station’s lovers and his own fans, sounded Fresh FM at several corners of the world.
However, Ayefele said he was grateful to the late former governor for the partial demolition. He added that the action made Fresh FM to become more popular globally.
“I want to appreciate the former governor of Oyo State, the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. He was one of the people who exposed Fresh FM to the whole world.
“Yes, ire wa ninu ibi, ibi wa ninu ire (there is good in bad and there is bad in good). I have never seen anybody that has a radio station nitori wipe won wo ile o.
“Ti Ajimobi ko ba wo ile mi, Fresh FM ko ni wa ni ibi to wa loni (if Ajimobi had not demolished my house, Fresh FM would not have been where it is today.
“The day it happened, it was painful but I didn’t know it was a blessing in disguise. BCC London invited me. I went to CNN nitori pé wọn wo ile mi. Ṣé wọn ṣẹṣẹ nṣe titi ti wọn n wole èèyàn ni (I went to CNN all because they demolished my house. Have they just started demolishing because they are constructing roads)?
To cap it all, Ajimobi tun wa tun ile yẹn ko funrare e (Ajimobi rebuilt the building by himself). He rebuilt Fresh FM. I think that speaks volume. I really want to appreciate him and pray to God to continue to rest him in peace.”
He said that the late Ajimobi later sponsored the rebuilding of the structure.
Ayefele also commended Governor Seyi Makinde, who he said had been a good friend before becoming governor. He said Makinde has been supporting the station, stressing that both governors have played an important role in Fresh FM’s success.
Ayefele also clarified insinuations that he is using his radio station to favour a particular political party, declaring that he is not a politician, but is only doing his job professionally.
Ayefele explained that he established the radio station to change the face of radio broadcasting in Nigeria, stressing that he was glad to realise that vision.
“My vision is to change the face of broadcasting in Nigeria. And I think I have achieved that aim,” he said.
According to him, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) investigated him for seven years before the Fresh FM licence was issued.
He also expressed gratitude to former President Goodluck Jonathan for approving the Fresh FM licence in the last few months of his administration.
In his welcome address, Alhaji Abolade Salami, General Manager of Fresh FM, said the journey began modestly but has evolved into a broadcasting powerhouse in the Southwest.
“We inaugurated the planning committee in April 2025. We promised pomp, and we are delivering it. This celebration reflects our growth and the support of our loyal listeners,” Salami stated.
Fresh FM at 10 celebration line-up as follows: Oct 23: Italawa Carnival Tour (Ibadan); Oct 24: Jumat Service and Asun/Suya Night; Oct 26: Thanksgiving Service (Christ Revival Miracle Center); Oct 27: Endowment Day and UCH Visit; Oct 29: Raffle Draw (Liberty Stadium) – Bungalow, cars, bikes, electronics; Oct 30: Medical Outreach; Oct 31: Novelty Match (Lekan Salami Stadium); and the grand finale on December 2 will feature performances by 10 A-list musicians.
