Yinka Ayefele: The 1997 Accident That Redefined My Life

Gospel singer and broadcaster, Yinka Ayefele, has described the car accident he suffered in 1997, which left him confined to a wheelchair, as the major turning point that transformed his life and career.

Ayefele 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 event was graced by media practitioners, government officials, and members of the public.

Reflecting on his early career, Ayefele recalled working as a jingle producer with Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, before the tragic incident. He said he had bought a Volkswagen Beetle from his earnings, but was involved in a serious accident while travelling to Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 1997.

According to him, that experience became the defining moment that led him to embrace music and broadcasting.

He recounted how his interest in owning a radio station began after he started live-streaming on Facebook, attracting a growing fan base both locally and abroad. Motivated by the positive feedback, he decided to create his own broadcasting platform.

Ayefele revealed that it took him seven years to secure a licence from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing the approval process as highly demanding.

He also revisited the 2018 demolition of his Music House by the Oyo State Government under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, noting that although the event was painful, it eventually brought widespread attention to his brand.

> “I worked at Radio Nigeria Ibadan as a jingle producer. I bought a Beetle car from my savings, but I had a road accident on my way to Abeokuta in 1997. That was my turning point,” he said.

“I began live-streaming on Facebook, and my fans abroad loved it. That inspired me to start a radio station. It took seven years to get my licence. The demolition of Music House was painful, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it brought global attention — and Ajimobi later rebuilt the station.”