Legal Luminary Babalakin and Others Bid Farewell to Broadcasting Icon Agbaje-Williams in Ibadan

Ibadan, Oyo State – The ancient city of Ibadan came to a standstill on Friday as the remains of the distinguished ace broadcaster, Chief Anike Agbaje-Williams, were interred. A galaxy of dignitaries, led by eminent legal practitioner, Chief Wale Babalakin (SAN), gathered to pay their final respects to the media icon.

The solemn memorial service took place at All Saints Church, Jericho, Ibadan, drawing mourners from various sectors of society who came to honor the life and legacy of the pioneering broadcaster.

In his poignant sermon titled “How prepared are you to die well,” Venerable Solomon Jolayemi urged the congregation to reflect on their lives and the inevitability of death. He emphasized the importance of leading a mindful life, reminding attendees that “The Day of death is better than the day of birth,” and that opportunities for amendment cease with mortality.

“Death is inevitable, and you must die well. To achieve this, one must prepare well,” the cleric stated, underscoring the transient nature of earthly existence and the need to leave behind a positive legacy. He lauded the late Agbaje-Williams for her Christlike demeanor and her significant contributions to both the church and humanity. “Agbaje-Williams, while alive, was a devout Christian. She will be missed by not only her immediate family but the entire household of God,” Venerable Jolayemi affirmed.

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Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Chief Wale Babalakin (SAN) reminisced about his long-standing relationship with the deceased, describing her as “diligent and the best among equals.” He fondly recalled their shared neighborhood in Ibadan dating back to 1975, highlighting her inspirational presence. “Agbaje-Williams is a mother figure. We lived in the same neighborhood in Ibadan as far back as 1975. She always inspires us,” Babalakin noted. He also extolled her exceptional talent as a broadcaster, emphasizing that “her diction stood her out as an On-Air Personality (OAP).”

Chief Anike Agbaje-Williams, who passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 88, was a trailblazer in the Nigerian broadcasting industry. Born Anike Kuforiji in Abeokuta on October 23, 1936, she made history as the first female face to appear on television in Africa. Her career began in 1955 at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in Lagos. In 1959, she became a pioneer staff member of the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) in Ibadan, the first television station in Nigeria, marking her place in history as the first person to be seen on Nigerian television during its test transmission and official opening on October 31, 1959. Furthermore, her voice was the first to be heard on Africa’s first commercial radio station, the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service (WNBS), earning her the title “Double-First.”

Throughout her illustrious career, Agbaje-Williams rose to the position of producer and director of programmes at WNTV before her retirement in 1986. Her impeccable diction, commanding presence, and dedication to promoting Nigerian culture on television left an indelible mark on the industry. She was widely recognized as a mentor and an inspiration to generations of broadcasters.

Her contributions were acknowledged with several awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nigerian Broadcasters Awards in 2011 and the Rockcity Golden Voice Award in 2014. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a condolence statement, also lauded her pioneering role and the inspiration she provided to media professionals.

As the remains of Chief Anike Agbaje-Williams were committed to the earth, the outpouring of tributes underscored the profound impact she had on Nigerian media and the lives she touched. Her legacy as a broadcasting icon and a remarkable individual will undoubtedly endure for years to come.