Fire Outbreak Guts Fresh 105.9 FM Ibadan, Owned by Yinka Ayefele

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Fresh 105.9 FM, a prominent radio station in Ibadan, Oyo State, founded and owned by renowned gospel musician Mr Yinka Ayefele, was engulfed by fire on Friday night, sparking panic and widespread concern across the city.

The station, strategically located in the Challenge area of the state capital, came under attack from raging flames that eyewitnesses described as “intense and destructive.” The incident, which occurred late in the evening, quickly drew the attention of residents and sympathisers who rushed to the scene to offer help while calling on emergency responders for urgent intervention.

Eyewitness Accounts Raise Alarm

One of the first eyewitnesses at the scene, Mr Samuel Ibikunle, raised a desperate alarm in a message that circulated widely across social media platforms. In his words:
“Fresh FM is currently on fire! We urgently need the Fire Service to respond immediately. Please spread the word and alert the nearest station.”

His plea highlighted the urgency of the situation, as thick smoke and flames threatened to consume the multi-million-naira media facility that has served as one of the leading private radio stations in the South-West.

Fire Service Response

Confirming the development, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Hon Maroof Akinwande, said that fire service operatives had already been deployed to the scene.
“We are already there,” Akinwande assured, adding that efforts were in top gear to curtail the spread of the fire and minimise damage to the property.

While the full extent of the destruction is yet to be determined, sources revealed that parts of the building, including the transmission studios, may have been affected before the fire service intervention.

Management Yet to Issue Official Statement

As of the time of filing this report, the management of Fresh FM has not released an official statement regarding the cause of the fire, the level of damage, or whether there were any casualties. However, speculation is rife that an electrical fault may have triggered the outbreak, though authorities are expected to carry out a detailed investigation to ascertain the root cause.

A Blow to Entertainment and Information Broadcasting in Ibadan

Fresh 105.9 FM, since its establishment, has built a reputation as one of the most influential radio platforms in Ibadan and across the South-West. Founded by Mr Yinka Ayefele, a respected gospel singer and broadcaster, the station has become a household name for its unique blend of entertainment, music, news, and socio-political commentary.

The station has also been credited with creating job opportunities for broadcasters and contributing significantly to the vibrancy of Ibadan’s media landscape. The fire outbreak, therefore, represents not just a setback for the station but also a temporary blow to the city’s radio broadcasting ecosystem.

Background: Fresh FM’s Influence and Past Challenges

This is not the first time Yinka Ayefele’s Fresh FM has faced major challenges. In 2018, the Ibadan headquarters of the station came under heavy controversy when part of the building was demolished by the Oyo State Government under late Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, sparking public outrage and sympathy for Ayefele. The resilience of the station and its eventual recovery earned it even greater popularity among listeners.

Now, with the fresh tragedy of a fire outbreak, many observers have expressed hope that Ayefele and his team will once again rise above adversity to restore the iconic station.

Public Reactions and Outpour of Support

Already, tributes and messages of concern have begun to pour in from fans, listeners, and well-wishers across the country. Social media platforms have been flooded with hashtags calling for support and solidarity with Yinka Ayefele and his staff.

Many have expressed gratitude that the fire service intervened promptly, while others prayed against loss of life or irreversible damage. Some fans also noted that Fresh FM, having survived previous setbacks, would likely bounce back stronger.

Awaiting Further Updates

As investigations continue and the management prepares an official response, residents of Ibadan and the larger Nigerian audience will be watching closely to see how swiftly Fresh FM can recover from the fire incident.

For now, the priority remains the safety of staff and the prevention of further damage to the station’s facilities.

Akahi News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more details emerge.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org

Update: