Popular gospel musician and broadcaster, Dr. Yinka Ayefele (MON), has revealed that he was subjected to years of intense scrutiny by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) before he was finally granted a licence to operate Fresh FM, one of the most successful private radio networks in the Southwest.
Speaking at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, to commence activities marking Fresh FM’s 10th anniversary, Ayefele said the process of obtaining the broadcast licence lasted seven years and involved extensive background checks on his personal life.
“The NBC investigated me for seven years. The DSS even went to my parents, my schools, and my church to ask questions about me,” Ayefele said. “If licence seekers today go through that kind of scrutiny, many wouldn’t own radio stations.”
The multiple award-winning artiste, who began his career as a jingle producer with Radio Nigeria in the late 1980s, said his journey into broadcasting was born out of passion and perseverance — despite the accident that left him confined to a wheelchair in 1997.
“I was one of the best jingle producers then. I bought a Beetle from the money I made, but a ghastly accident on December 12, 1997, while travelling to Abeokuta changed my life completely,” he recounted.
Ayefele explained that after venturing into online broadcasting, he gained a large following which inspired him to establish a terrestrial radio station. However, his early enthusiasm was cut short when security and regulatory agencies stormed his home after he purchased a transmitter from London.
“I didn’t even know I needed a licence. It was Ranti Akerele, former Ondo Information Commissioner, who bought the licence form for me. Baba Sanya Oyinsan, a retired Zonal Director at Radio Nigeria, also helped. The licence was eventually approved in April 2015 after the intervention of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan,” he said.
He noted that although the licence was approved in April, the 10th-anniversary celebration was deliberately scheduled for October 10, 2025, tagged “10-10-10 with 10 Musicians” to mark the station’s decade of growth.
Reflecting on the 2018 demolition of his Music House by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, Ayefele described the painful episode as a “blessing in disguise.”
“It was a painful experience, but it gave Fresh FM global attention. BBC and CNN invited me afterwards,” he said.
Ayefele also expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde, describing him as a long-time friend while maintaining that he remains apolitical.
“Governor Makinde has always been my friend, even before he became governor. I am not a politician. What matters to me is content and professionalism,” he said.
He also noted with pride that in Fresh FM’s decade of operations, no staff member had ever been sacked.
“I don’t sack people. I only advise them to resign to protect their CVs,” he added, drawing laughter from journalists.
Representing the NBC, Alhaja Koro described Fresh FM as a “tree we planted and nurtured into many branches,” commending Ayefele for his professionalism and expansion drive.
“We expect more Fresh FM stations in the East, North, and other parts of the country. Dr. Ayefele is a seasoned broadcaster with a clear vision,” she said.
Similarly, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Media Adviser to Governor Makinde, praised Ayefele’s determination and creativity, saying his “doggedness and vision have kept Fresh FM relevant and growing.”
In his remarks, Alhaji Abolade Salami, General Manager of Fresh FM, said the journey started modestly but has now evolved into a major broadcasting brand in the region.
“We inaugurated the planning committee in April 2025. We promised pomp, and we are delivering it. This celebration reflects our growth and the support of our loyal listeners,” he said.
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