Ayangbenle, popularly known as ‘Baba Onilu,’ the skilled elderly drummer from Ibadan, has passed away, leaving behind a remarkable cultural legacy.
known for his captivating performances during the Osun Osogbo festival as a special drummer for Osun, Baba Onilu was a native of Ede town in Osun State.
The tragic news of his demise was confirmed by his son, who stated, “Baba Onilu has passed away overnight.”
He said: “Baba Onilu has passed away overnight. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Fidarus”.
“Baba Onilu last word is “La Ilaaha Ila lahu”.
The late drummer’s talent and dedication to his craft earned him widespread recognition and respect within the community, making his loss a significant blow to the cultural landscape of the region.
Ayangbenle ‘Baba Onilu’ will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ibadan and Osun State through his mesmerizing drumming skills
His drumming prowess also found a special place in the hearts of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Ibadan, as he frequently performed for them during their service year
He was a regular presence at University of Ibadan convocations, where his rhythmic beats entertained students and added vibrancy to the ceremonies.
Ayangbenle ‘Baba Onilu’ experienced an unexpected turn in his life when photos captured by Adisa Olashile, a phone photographer and corps member, went viral on Twitter in April 2022.
The striking images of the elderly drummer resonated with social media users, prompting Olashile to mint two of the pictures as NFTs.
These digital artworks found quick success, selling on OpenSea for a total of approximately one million naira.
True to his word, Olashile presented Baba Onilu with 50% of the proceeds, amounting to 500,000 naira. Additionally, Olashile collected an extra 100,000 naira in donations, further honoring the talented drummer.
As a heartfelt gesture, Baba Onilu was also given a framed portrait of his viral image, capturing the essence of his passion for drumming.
Reflecting on his journey in a later interview, Ayangbenle revealed that he inherited his exceptional drumming skills from his father and did not receive any formal training.
He said: “Drumming is the profession of my paternal grandmother’s lineage. I started drumming in Ibadan.”
