Governor Oyebanji, Traditional Rulers Commission Kings 87.9 FM in Iragbiji

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

Iragbiji, the headquarters of Boripe Local Government Area of Osun State, witnessed a historic moment as Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, alongside two prominent traditional rulers—the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi, and the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Toriola—officially commissioned Kings 87.9 FM, a newly established radio station set to transform the media and cultural landscape of the community.

The event, which drew dignitaries, community leaders, and media stakeholders, also featured the presence of the station’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Abimbola Amusan, and the CEO of Vesti fintech hub, Mr. Olusola Amusan, who joined in unveiling the facility that has been described as “a new voice for the people of Iragbiji and Osun State at large.”

Governor Oyebanji’s Message: Private Enterprise as a Driver of Development

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Habibat Adubiaro, underscored the importance of private sector investment in complementing government’s efforts toward sustainable development.

“The launch of Kings FM is a testament to the power of private enterprise in complementing governmental efforts towards community development and information dissemination,” the governor remarked.

He urged the management of the new station to uphold professionalism and ethical broadcasting standards as stipulated by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), noting that accurate information flow and credible reporting are vital to social cohesion, especially in today’s digital and media-driven society.

Traditional Rulers Emphasise Culture, Unity and Responsibility

Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, expressed joy at the establishment of the first radio station in his domain, describing it as a long-awaited development that would serve as a platform for both information sharing and cultural preservation.

“I am glad about the establishment of Kings FM. I want to charge the workforce to adhere to all the basic principles of broadcasting so as to be beneficial to the community and the nation. This is the first radio station in Iragbiji land. I want to charge those who will be running it that the promotion of Yoruba culture is very key and our language, without any mixture, should be encouraged,” the monarch said.

Similarly, Oba Joseph Toriola, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, urged the station to prioritise content that would contribute to peace, education, and economic growth.

“This media outfit should prioritise developmental news content that will advocate for peaceful coexistence and promote technology and agricultural drive in the society. This outfit should promote Yoruba culture, especially the language which is going into extinction,” Oba Toriola emphasised.

Their messages reflected a broader call for the media to not only entertain but also strengthen the fabric of society by instilling values, fostering unity, and preserving indigenous heritage.

The CEO’s Vision: A Decade-Long Dream Comes True

For Mr. Abimbola Amusan, CEO of Kings FM, the commissioning of the station was the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration. According to him, the project was the product of years of planning, perseverance, and determination to overcome regulatory and technical challenges.

“I have had this vision to own my broadcast media station for over a decade. I am grateful that I can launch this media edifice. We have gone through the regulatory and technical hurdles. We are at the stage of the test broadcast to let the world know that we are here to serve them in the best ethical way. In a couple of weeks, we will go into full broadcasting, and we will follow all the NBC guidelines in our operations,” Amusan revealed.

He added that the station would be committed to ethical journalism, inclusivity, and innovation, positioning itself as a hub for community empowerment, knowledge sharing, and cultural promotion.

Community Impact and Expectations

The establishment of Kings 87.9 FM is already generating excitement across Iragbiji and neighbouring communities. Residents and stakeholders believe the station will provide a vital link between the people and government, while also serving as a medium for youth engagement, education, and cultural renaissance.

Analysts note that the presence of a local radio station in Iragbiji will help bridge the information gap in rural communities, amplify grassroots voices, and ensure that critical developmental issues—from agriculture to technology and governance—receive adequate coverage.

The station is also expected to create job opportunities, support local talent, and strengthen the creative economy in Osun State. With a focus on Yoruba culture and language, Kings FM is set to contribute to the preservation of indigenous heritage at a time when many fear traditional languages are gradually losing ground.

A Milestone for Media and Culture in Osun State

The commissioning of Kings 87.9 FM is not just the birth of another media platform; it represents a milestone in the history of Iragbiji, a town with deep cultural roots and strategic importance in Osun State. By bringing together political leaders, traditional rulers, entrepreneurs, and the local community, the event highlighted the shared vision of using media as a tool for growth, unity, and cultural preservation.

As the station transitions from test broadcasts to full operations, all eyes will be on how it balances its commercial objectives with the responsibility of being a voice for the people. For now, the airwaves of Iragbiji are alive with anticipation, and the community is ready to embrace its new beacon of information and culture—Kings FM.

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