Yinka Ayefele: How The Accident I Had In 1997 Was My Turning Point
Gospel singer Yinka Ayefele has said the car accident he suffered in 1997, which left him confined to a wheelchair, became the event that completely changed his life and career direction.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that the broadcaster shared this on Wednesday during the 10th anniversary celebration of his radio station, Fresh 105.9 FM, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ibadan.
The occasion was attended by media professionals, government representatives, and members of the public.
Recalling his early days, Ayefele explained that before the accident, he worked as a jingle producer with Radio Nigeria, Ibadan.
He had purchased a Volkswagen Beetle from his earnings, but tragedy struck on his way to Abeokuta in Ogun State in 1997.
That incident, he said, became the turning point in his life, pushing him toward music and broadcasting.
Ayefele stated that his idea to establish a radio station started when he began live-streaming on Facebook, which attracted a growing audience both within and outside Nigeria.
Encouraged by this response, he decided to create a platform that would connect people through his own radio station.
The broadcaster revealed that it took him seven years to obtain a licence from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing the process as extremely challenging.
He also remembered the 2018 demolition of his Music House by the Oyo State Government under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
According to him, the incident later brought positive attention to his brand, as the building was eventually reconstructed.
He said: “I worked at Radio Nigeria Ibadan. I was into jingle production. I bought a beetle car from the money I realised. I had a road accident on my way to Abeokuta in Ogun State in 1997 with the car. It was in the road accident I had in 1997.
“I know that many people know about the story, so that was my turning point. It was on Facebook that I started live streaming. I realised that my fans outside Nigeria appreciate it. After that, I thought I could have a radio station and change the narrative.
“If they investigate owners of radio stations the same way I was investigated for seven years, I don’t think most of these stations will exist today. The demolition brought global attention. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because Ajimobi later rebuilt the station.”
