‘Ha, Nnkan Nbe,’ The Story Of The Sleuth They Called Kolawole Olawuyi, By Adeola Yusuf

Iriri Aye, Irinkerindo to Nkan nbe! – life and times of the ‘strange but true’ mystery tales’ merchant and investigative journalist who kept listeners glued to radio in the 90s + his widely-known exposè on Reverend King—real name Chukwuemeka Ezeugo—a preacher from Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria, among others.

Kóláwole Oláwuyi was an investigative journalist, broadcaster, and storyteller. Olawuyi, raised in Ibadan, Oyo State, was born to Williams Inaolaji Olawuyi and Alhaja Olawuyi. He graduated from the Department of Mass Communication at the Polytechnic of Ibadan. He was survived by his elderly parents, his wife, Abimbola Olawuyi, and his children.

Career

Olawuyi began his media career at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), where he introduced the groundbreaking radio program Ìrírí Ayé, Irinkerindo Akolawole in 1992. The show explored human stories and challenges, delving into “strange but true” mystery tales that captivated audiences with its unique perspective.

Despite its wide popularity, the program faced backlash and eventually became unaccepted at FRCN.

Undeterred, Olawuyi founded Kolbim Communications, an independent media company. Through this platform, he created Nnkan Nbe, an audio-visual adaptation of his earlier program. The show aired on the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) in Abeokuta and later on Galaxy Television in Lagos.

The Nnkan Nbe Programme

Nnkan Nbe means “Strange things are happening.”

Nnkan Nbe was a television program that explored eerie and unusual occurrences within Nigerian society. It delved into tales of witches, wizards, destiny stealers, and mysterious objects found in odd locations. The show also uncovered chilling revelations about kidnappers, ritualists, robbers, and malevolent landlords notorious for harming their tenants.

According to Premium Times, one of Olawuyi’s most widely-known exposes was the case of Reverend King—real name Chukwuemeka Ezeugo—a preacher from Anambra State in southeastern Nigeria. In 2006, Reverend King gained nationwide infamy after being convicted for the murder of a church member, Ann Uzoh. Nigeria’s Supreme Court upheld his death sentence on 26 February 2016.

He uncovered the story of a woman named Malaika, who declared herself a god with the power to control people’s lives—until Olawuyi’s investigation forced her into the public eye.

Death

There are differing opinions regarding the true cause of Olawuyi’s death. Some believe he fell ill three months before his passing, while others suggest his death was linked to a story he uncovered about a ghost town in the Benin Republic.

He was about to wrap up his Masters program in Communication Arts at the University of Ibadan before his death.

Last line

Due to his bold actions in exposing men with malicious intentions, many believed Olawuyi was a member of a powerful cult. However, he has consistently denied these claims, asserting that he possesses no extraordinary powers.