Governor Adeleke Mourns Makosa King, Prof. Y.K. Ajao

OSOGBO – 21/04/2026 – osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed deep sorrow at the exit of his long time friend and legendary Juju Makosa King, Prof. Yekini Ajao whose sad exit occurred after multiple surgeries at an Indian hospital.

The governor who recalled his years of close personal relationship with the deceased, described him as one of the biggest names in juju music, calling him an innovator, an entertainer and music legend with unique style.

“I lost a very close friend, Y.K. We prayed for him to survive but God ruled otherwise. I commiserate with his family and our circle of friends notably Sir Shina Peters and others. His memories remain ever green. He was a true music legend.

“When my late brother, the first executive governor of Osun state, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke assumed office, he performed at the inauguration ceremony at the country home. My late friend is a colossal musical figure”, the governor fondly noted.

The late singer was born in Iseyin, Oyo State, and began playing music at the age of nine. He was widely regarded as the creator of Juju Macosa and, in a 2013 interview with the Nation newspaper, he said his musical journey had been inspired by listening to the late I.K. Dairo.
He explained that after listening to Dairo’s songs, he decided to pursue a music career.

Y.K. Ajao trained as a fashion designer under Josy Ade in Iseyin and as a nurse under Gbolahan, also in Iseyin. He later quit both professions and relocated to Lagos in 1971, where he joined a band led by Captain R. Ade. After leaving the band, he formed his own group, Y.K. Ajao, in December 1973.

His first album, “Soromi Dayo”, gained modest attention, but he rose to prominence with “Macossa Series 1.” He was also known for songs such as “Makosa Series 2” and “Vigilante”, “Akoni Mamu Gege”, and “Oro NEPA”, among others.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.