IBADAN, Nigeria — A fire on Friday evening gutted the Music House, the business complex of a Gospel musician, in the Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The blaze, which began around 7:30 p.m., spread rapidly through the building, disrupting live broadcasts and other activities hosted by Ayefele’s enterprises.
The complex houses the Merry Makers’ Band, Tiwantiwa Radio, Blast FM, and Fresh FM, one of the state’s most popular stations.
Eyewitnesses said panic gripped staff and residents as the flames intensified. Samuel Ibikunle, who raised the alarm on social media, appealed for urgent intervention.
“Fresh FM is currently on fire! We urgently need the Fire Service to respond immediately. Please spread the word and alert the nearest station,” he wrote.
Fire Service Response
The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Services, Rev. Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident late Friday.
Details of the extent of the damage and possible casualties were not immediately available.
Firefighters were deployed to the scene as calls mounted online for swift action to contain the blaze.
Impact on Broadcasting
The fire disrupted Fresh FM’s live transmission, with broadcasts going off air as the building was evacuated.
The station, founded by Ayefele, has grown into a widely followed broadcaster in Oyo State and beyond, known for its mix of music, news, and talk shows.
Authorities said investigations would be conducted to determine the cause of the outbreak.
Meanwhile, residents gathered outside the complex as fire crews worked into the night to bring the situation under control.
