In the 1990s and early 2000s, one might wonder why people in southwestern Nigeria gathered every Friday just before 8:00 p.m.
It might also raise questions about why men and women over seventy joined these meetings. However, the reason for these assemblies was not football or any sporting event, but the enthralling Nnkan Nbe program hosted by the late Kolawole Olawuyi.
While the name 'Kolawole Olawuyi' may not generate immediate recognition at the time, the phrase 'Ha, Nnkan Nbe' (meaning strange things are happening) probably will, evoking memories of the must-watch weekly show Nnkan Nbe, which he presented masterfully.
For many Nigerian television fans, the phrase 'Ha, Nnkan Nbe', meaning 'Strange things are happening', serves as a nostalgic reminder of the captivating show that delved into the mysterious and spooky events unfolding in the Nigerian society. time.
The late Olawuyi's opening line and compelling narration made the show a phenomenon, etched in the memories of viewers across the country.
Nnkan Nbe
The show delved into various disturbing and captivating themes, from witches, wizards, and destiny thieves to mysterious objects in strange places.
He also discovered the dark underworld of kidnappers, ritualists, thieves, and notorious landlords known for harming their tenants.
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Launched during rapid industry (media) growth, the program stood out for its originality and quickly became a major topic of public interest.
Each episode was a vibrant tapestry of everyday Nigerian life, addressing pressing social issues while celebrating the country's rich cultural diversity.
Late Kolawale Olawuyi's TV Show 'Nnkan Nbe'
The late Olawuyi's charisma and innovative storytelling enchanted audiences, transforming 'Nnkan Nbe' into a beloved cornerstone of Nigerian television.
Viewers were drawn not only to its gripping stories, but also to the relatable characters, who reflected their own lives and experiences.
the birth
The late Olawuyi's career peaked with 'Nnkan Nbe', but his groundbreaking radio shows such as 'Ìrírí Ayé' and 'Irinkerindo Akolawole' in the 1990s were also essential. These shows offered new perspectives on human challenges, unraveling “strange but true” mysteries that captivated audiences.
The shows attracted a wide audience, especially the episodes covering Okorocha and Malaika Agba. However, they also faced negative reactions and were ultimately not well received at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
This setback led Olawuyi to establish Kolbim Communications, his independent company, where he produced an audio-visual version of 'Nnkan Nbe' for Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) in Abeokuta and later for Galaxy Television in Lagos. He remained dedicated to the program until his death.
Late Kolawale Olawuyi's TV Show 'Nnkan Nbe'
While Olawuyi may not have been seen as a mainstream broadcaster, 'Nkan Nbe' stood out for his unique approach. The program exposed the mysterious and often sinister activities of individuals within society, especially in the Southwest, and was broadcast on numerous radio and television stations.
PREMIUM TIMES once reported that the late Olawuyi published a revealing series on 'Nkan Nbe', which featured testimonies from former backroom employees and members of TB Joshua's Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), who alleged occult and other practices impactful activities within the church. .
mysterious life
Through this groundbreaking programme, the late Olawuyi emerged as a larger-than-life figure, unearthing and investigating cases on a scale that no journalist has matched since his passing.
His courage and confidence, hallmarks of the Ibadan-born broadcaster, set him apart. Many still say, “No one has had that kind of audacity since.”
One of Olawuyi's best-known allegations was the case of Reverend King, whose real name is Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a preacher from Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. In 2006, Reverend King gained nationwide infamy after being convicted of the murder of a church member, Ann Uzoh. The Supreme Court of Nigeria upheld his death sentence on February 26, 2016.
Beyond the Reverend King case, the late Olawuyi brought countless heartbreaking stories to light. These included cases of abused children, people claiming to have supernatural powers to harm others, and the chilling stories of “Aja ile,” or underground killing houses, where kidnappers' hideouts were exposed.
He also covered ritual killings and occult practices in southwestern Nigeria. In particular, he discovered the story of a woman named Malaika, who declared herself a god with the power to control people's lives, until Olawuyi's investigation forced her into the public eye.
The late Olawuyi's fearless approach and relentless pursuit of truth made him admired and feared at the same time. Listening to it was an experience as exciting as it was disturbing.
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Admirers were captivated by his bravery, while others feared for his life. When he died, many could not shake the feeling that his enemies had finally “gotten” him.
At the end of each broadcast, he signed off with his signature phrase: “Aa ma be obe nii besu, atelese a bena wo. Eni ba ni a ma bo nikan lawa o ni de ba nle,” which loosely translates as “We will always set to work, and it is those who wish us harm who will fail in their plans.”
Career
Olawuyi, raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, was born to Williams Inaolaji Olawuyi and Alhaja Olawuyi. He graduated from the Department of Mass Communication, Polytechnic, Ibadan, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in the media.
Olawuyi made his mark at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), where he launched the groundbreaking radio show 'Ìrírí Ayé' in 1992. This show carved a unique niche for itself in Nigerian broadcasting and quickly gained a large following.
Olawuyi, who served as CEO of Kolbims Communications, died on March 4, 2007 at a hospital in Lagos.
At the time of his death, he was about to complete a Master of Communication Arts program at the University of Ibadan.
Late Kolawale Olawuyi's TV Show 'Nnkan Nbe'
He was survived by his elderly parents, his wife, Abimbola Olawuyi, and their children.
Beyond his family, Olawuyi left a lasting legacy, having mentored a new generation of radio and television personalities, including renowned Juju gospel artiste and broadcaster, Yinka Ayefele.
In 1999, while working at Kolbims Communications, Ayefele was on his way to the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) in Abeokuta to assist Olawuyi with the program 'Irinkerindo' when he suffered the accident that left him paralyzed.
In 2015, Ayefele paid tribute to his former mentor by reviving Olawuyi's classic radio show, 'Irinkerindo Akolawole', on his radio station, Fresh FM, in Ibadan.
This resurgence served as a testament to Olawuyi's lasting influence on the Nigerian media.