A book written in memory of foremost entertainment journalist and former Editor of The Entertainer, Olu Makinde, who died in 2015, will be formally unveiled at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, on February 16, 2025.
A statement issued by the planning committee of the book launch led by Ambassador (Dr) Yemi Farounbi, revealed that top personalities including the late Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (III), late Arisekola Alao-Azeez, late Adeseun Ogundoyin and late Akanni Aluko would be post-humously honoured at the event.
Written by the late Makinde’s journalist son, Tade, the book, ‘Olu Makinde: Master of His Game’ contains details of how a music competition completely altered the trajectory of King Sunny Ade’s life for good.
Recall that Otunba Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as Sunny Ade, was crowned as the King of Juju Music in Ibadan, Oyo State in 1977.
And Yemi Farounbi, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, was instrumental in ensuring that the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where he was then the manager, broadcast the show live to over 30 million viewers. So, the book launch is coming almost 50 years after the epoch making event.
Meanwhile, aside unveiling a foundation for the late journalist, those who contributed to the 174-page book will also be honoured, while honourary awards would be given to some individuals at the launch.