Look, when you hear that deep, resonant voice speaking perfect Yoruba proverbs on radio or YouTube, you’re listening to Kola Olootu – a man who’s been shaping Yoruba broadcasting for over 40 years, who created the legendary “Agbala Eto” call-in show that became a cultural phenomenon, who helped Yinka Ayefele turn his accident story into the iconic “Bitter Experience” album, and who at 82 years old is still producing content, confirming breaking news (like Baba Ijesha’s prison release), and serving as Mogaji Adesun with a direct pathway to potentially becoming Olubadan of Ibadan. That’s not just a career. That’s a living legacy.
I’m going to walk you through the complete story of Chief Dhikrulaah Adekola Olootu – from his 1943 birth in Ibadan’s Ogo Compound, through his pioneering work at Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service and NTA creating shows that blended folklore with moral teaching, his 2020 chieftaincy title that put him in line for the Olubadan throne, the traumatic kidnapping of his twin children, his current YouTube success reaching new generations, and why this 82-year-old broadcaster remains one of the most influential voices in Yoruba media. This is his story.
November 16, 1943: Born in the Heart of Ibadan
Chief Dhikrulaah Adekola Olootu (commonly known as Kola Olootu) was born on November 16, 1943, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He hails from the Ogo Compound in the Oje area of Ibadan – a detail that became significant in 2020 when he was nominated as Mogaji.
His name “Dhikrulaah” has Arabic origins meaning “remembrance of Allah,” indicating his Islamic faith – common among Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria. This religious identity would later inform his approach to broadcasting, blending Islamic values with Yoruba cultural wisdom.
Growing up in 1940s and 1950s Ibadan meant witnessing Nigeria’s transition from British colonial rule to independence. Ibadan, as the largest indigenous city in West Africa and capital of Western Region, was a cultural and political hub. Young Kola absorbed the rich Yoruba traditions, proverbs, and oral storytelling that would define his broadcasting career.
The Broadcasting Pioneer: 40+ Years Shaping Yoruba Media
Kola Olootu’s broadcasting career spans more than four decades, earning him recognition as one of the most influential voices in Yoruba-language media.
Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (Early 1970s):
He began his professional career in the early 1970s at the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS) in Ibadan, where he developed his skills as a presenter and producer of cultural and educational programs.
His deep, resonant voice combined with exceptional command of Yoruba proverbs and storytelling quickly made him a household name. Through programs that blended folklore, moral teachings, and community interaction, he built a loyal audience that followed him for years.
What made Olootu special wasn’t just his voice – it was his ability to make ancient Yoruba wisdom relevant to contemporary issues. He could take a centuries-old proverb and apply it to modern family disputes, business ethics, or social problems. That bridge between tradition and modernity became his signature.
Nigerian Television Authority Ibadan (1980s):
In the 1980s, Olootu joined the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Ibadan, where he created and anchored his most famous program: “Agbala Eto” (The Court of Rights).
The “Agbala Eto” Phenomenon:
This was a groundbreaking live call-in program where listeners phoned in to seek guidance on family issues, legal disputes, and social dilemmas. Olootu’s thoughtful advice – delivered with empathy, humor, and impeccable Yoruba oratory – turned the show into a cultural landmark.
Think about what this program represented: before social media, before online advice columns, there was Agbala Eto. People across Yorubaland tuned in religiously, waiting to hear Baba Olootu dispense wisdom using proverbs their grandparents had taught them.
The show format was simple but powerful:
- Caller presents their problem
- Olootu listens carefully
- He asks clarifying questions
- He delivers advice using Yoruba proverbs, Islamic teachings, and practical wisdom
- Often includes relevant folklore or historical examples
His advice wasn’t just platitudes – it was actionable, culturally grounded, and delivered with such authority that people actually followed it.
Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (1985-Present):
According to some sources, Olootu started as a freelancer in 1985 at the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) Ile Akede, Orita Bashorun Ibadan. He went through many stages of learning the art in the industry.
Today, he holds the title “Baasooro of Yorubaland” – given in appreciation of his milestone contributions to radio broadcasting in Yoruba media. This isn’t just honorary – it’s recognition that Kola Olootu is THE voice of Yoruba radio broadcasting.
The Yinka Ayefele Connection: Creating “Bitter Experience”
One of Kola Olootu’s most lasting impacts came from a single act of compassion that changed Nigerian gospel music forever.
After Yinka Ayefele’s devastating car accident in 1997 that left him paralyzed from the waist down, Olootu visited him. Rather than just offering sympathy, Olootu saw potential.
He helped Yinka put his road accident story into song, encouraging him to channel his pain and recovery journey into music. This culminated in the album “Bitter and Sweet Experience” – which became one of Nigerian gospel music’s most iconic albums and fully kickstarted Ayefele’s entry into commercial gospel singing.
Think about that. Without Kola Olootu’s encouragement and guidance, we might not have the Yinka Ayefele we know today. One broadcaster’s compassion and creative vision changed the trajectory of gospel music in Nigeria.
The Filmmaker: Nollywood Productions
Beyond broadcasting, Kola Olootu has contributed to Nollywood as writer and producer:
“Ago kan oru” (2003):
One of his early film productions that showcased Yoruba storytelling traditions
“Rubicon” (2022):
Demonstrating that even in his late 70s, he was still actively producing content
“Orí Rebirth” (2025):
Upcoming project showing he remains creatively active at 82
His filmmaking reflects the same values as his broadcasting – authentic Yoruba culture, moral teachings, and stories that resonate across generations.
November 16, 2020: Mogaji Adesun – On the Path to Olubadan
On his 77th birthday, November 16, 2020, something extraordinary happened. The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Oguguniso 1, installed Kola Olootu as Mogaji Adesun of the Adesun Family Compound of Yemetu, Ibadan.
What This Means:
In Ibadan’s traditional chieftaincy system, Mogaji is the family head. But more significantly, becoming Mogaji puts you in the succession line to potentially become Olubadan – the paramount ruler of Ibadan.
This means Kola Olootu, by succession and ranking order, is now in the league of future Olubadan candidates. At 82, it’s unlikely he’ll ascend to the throne given his age, but the honor itself recognizes his contributions to Ibadan and Yoruba culture.
The installation ceremony was a major event, broadcast live on Facebook, with well-wishers and fans celebrating both his birthday and chieftaincy title.
2020: The Kidnapping Trauma
In 2020, Kola Olootu experienced every parent’s nightmare. His twin children were kidnapped at gunpoint from his home in Ibadan shortly after he left for a recording session.
The kidnappers invaded his home, took his twins, and held them for ransom. Details about the resolution, ransom payment, or how long they were held are not widely available, but the children were eventually returned safely.
This traumatic incident highlighted the security challenges even prominent figures face in Nigeria. A man who spent decades helping others solve problems suddenly faced a crisis he couldn’t talk his way out of with proverbs and wisdom.
The fact that he continued broadcasting and producing content after this trauma shows remarkable resilience. Many would have retreated from public life. Olootu pressed forward.
The Modern Era: YouTube Success
At 82, Kola Olootu has successfully transitioned to digital media, running a popular YouTube podcast where he continues sharing wealth-building insights and cultural wisdom.
His YouTube channel has built a dedicated following among:
- Older Yorubas who grew up listening to him on radio
- Young people discovering Yoruba proverbs and wisdom through him
- Diaspora Yorubas wanting to stay connected to their culture
- Anyone interested in traditional wisdom applied to modern life
His content covers:
- Financial wisdom and wealth-building
- Family relationships and conflict resolution
- Yoruba proverbs and their applications
- Cultural preservation and education
- Moral and religious teachings
The comments on his videos show genuine affection and respect. People call him “Baba,” express gratitude for his wisdom, and credit him with helping them through difficult situations.
November 14, 2025: Confirming Baba Ijesha’s Release
Just this week, Kola Olootu made news by confirming the release of Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha from prison following the Appeal Court’s decision.
On his Facebook page, he shared a picture of Baba Ijesha with the caption: “Baba Ijesha tide o” – meaning “Baba Ijesha has returned.”
This shows that at 82, Olootu remains actively engaged with contemporary Nigerian entertainment, using his platform to share important news with his followers.
The Marriage and Family
Kola Olootu is married to Alhaja Nike Yahaya, a prominent Ibadan socialite. The couple has been together for many years and often appears at social events in southwestern Nigeria.
Beyond the kidnapped twins mentioned in 2020, details about the total number of children, their names, ages, or other family dynamics are not widely available. Olootu has maintained relative privacy about his family despite his public career.
The Net Worth: Four Decades of Broadcasting
As of 2025, estimates place Kola Olootu’s net worth at approximately ₦500 million (approximately $300,000 USD), derived primarily from his four-decade career in radio, television, and Nollywood productions.
Income sources:
- Broadcasting career (40+ years of salaries)
- YouTube monetization (current podcast)
- Film production (writer/producer credits)
- Speaking engagements and appearances
- Chieftaincy-related gifts and honors
For someone who built his career in public broadcasting rather than commercial entertainment, accumulating this level of wealth demonstrates both longevity and smart financial management.
The Legacy: Baasoro of Yorubaland
The title “Baasooro of Yorubaland” isn’t just ceremonial. It recognizes Kola Olootu as the master of Yoruba radio broadcasting – the standard by which others are measured.
His influence extends across generations:
- Trained and mentored countless broadcasters
- Preserved Yoruba proverbs and oral traditions through modern media
- Created broadcasting formats (like Agbala Eto) that others copied
- Demonstrated how to blend tradition with contemporary issues
- Showed that Yoruba language broadcasting could be both entertaining and educational
The Bottom Line: 82 Years of Impact
At 82 years old, turning 82 today (November 16, 2025), Kola Olootu represents something increasingly rare: a living connection to Yoruba broadcasting’s golden age while remaining relevant in the digital era.
From WNBS in the 1970s to YouTube in 2025, he’s adapted while maintaining core values. The voice that counseled families on Agbala Eto still dispenses wisdom, now to a global audience through podcasts.
Chief Dhikrulaah Adekola Olootu, Mogaji Adesun, Baasooro of Yorubaland – these titles tell only part of the story. The real legacy is the generations of Yoruba people who learned their proverbs from him, who sought his advice during crises, who found their way back to cultural roots through his broadcasts.
Happy 82nd birthday, Baba Olootu. The voice of Yorubaland endures.
