Fire Guts Fresh FM Ibadan, Popular Radio Station Owned by Yinka Ayefele

A late-night inferno has ravaged sections of Fresh 105.9 FM, the popular Ibadan-based radio station founded by gospel singer and broadcaster Dr. Yinka Ayefele (MON).

The incident occurred on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the station’s headquarters in the Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State. Though the immediate cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, eyewitnesses suggested it may have been triggered by an electrical fault.

Officials of the Oyo State Fire Service swiftly mobilized to the scene, battling the blaze to prevent further destruction. Despite their efforts, significant parts of the station’s infrastructure were damaged, disrupting transmissions and leaving thousands of loyal listeners in suspense.

Fresh FM’s Legacy Under Threat

Since its establishment in 2015, Fresh FM Ibadan has grown into one of the most-listened-to radio stations in the South-West, blending contemporary music, Yoruba entertainment programs, and credible news reporting. The station is the flagship of the Fresh FM network, which has expanded to other Nigerian cities including Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Osogbo, Akure, and Lagos.

This is not the first setback for the station. In 2018, the Music House Complex, home to Fresh FM, was partially demolished by the Oyo State Government in a move that sparked public outrage and nationwide solidarity with Ayefele.

Community Shock and Resilience

The fire outbreak has sent shockwaves across Ibadan, where Fresh FM has built a strong connection with listeners through its interactive programming and grassroots influence. Social media was flooded overnight with expressions of concern and solidarity for Ayefele, his staff, and the station.

Authorities have promised a full investigation into the cause of the blaze. Meanwhile, Fresh FM’s management is said to be making urgent efforts to restore broadcast operations, possibly by leveraging its sister stations in other states.

Why It Matters

Fresh FM is more than just a radio station—it has become a cultural hub for music lovers, news followers, and Yoruba-speaking communities across Nigeria. Friday night’s fire is not only a blow to the media house but also to the city of Ibadan, where it has stood as a voice for the people for nearly a decade.

Last updated: Just Now2025-08-16T14:11:31+01:00

Share On:

Music Shoday – Shoday Kilode

Music Magixx – UNLIMITED

Music Smur Lee – Hate On Me ft. Treepz, Stuph Chain

Music Mercy Chinwo – Onyeoma (Good God)

Music 255 – Control ft. Joeboy, Bella Shmurda

Music Chocolate City – Legacy ft. Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Blaqbonez

Music Johnny Drille – Over The Moon ft. Tiwa Savage

Music Danny S – Omo Lile (Refix) ft. Q dot

Music Balloranking – Barcadi

Music Balloranking – Dirty