Abimbola Olawuyi, the widow of late investigative broadcaster and journalist Kola Olawuyi, has died, bringing another wave of grief to a family that has lived with the loss of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated media figures for nearly two decades.
Abimbola Olawuyi, the widow of late investigative broadcaster and journalist Kola Olawuyi, has died, bringing another wave of grief to a family that has lived with the loss of one of Nigeria’s most celebrated media figures for nearly two decades.
PM News learnt that Abimbola died on Monday morning after a brief illness.
A member of the Olawuyi family, who confirmed the development to PM News on condition of anonymity, said she passed away peacefully after falling ill.
Her death comes 19 years after the passing of her husband, Kola Olawuyi, the pioneering investigative journalist whose fearless reporting transformed crime and investigative broadcasting in Southwest Nigeria.
Widely regarded as one of the region’s most influential broadcasters, Kola Olawuyi became a household name through his popular radio and television programmes, Iriri Aye (translated as Experiences of Life) and Nnkan Nbe, which exposed criminal activities, ritual killings, fraud, and other social vices. His bold style of journalism earned him widespread respect and established him as a trusted voice for justice and accountability.
Following his death, Abimbola largely stayed away from the public spotlight, dedicating herself to raising their four children and preserving the family through years of personal sacrifice.
According to the family source, she remained the backbone of the household, carrying the responsibilities left behind after the death of her husband.
“Abimbola has been a pillar of strength for the family. Her death is really painful. She has been taking care of the family and the four children left by her husband, Kola Olawuyi, and now the children are orphans. Only God knows what lies ahead for them. I am deeply pained,” the family member told PM News.
The source described her as a devoted mother whose resilience, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment kept the family together despite the enormous challenges that followed the death of the veteran journalist.
Family members said her passing has left relatives, friends and well-wishers devastated, as many regarded her as the steady force that sustained the Olawuyi family over the past 19 years.
The family said burial arrangements will be announced in due course.
Kola Olawuyi remains one of the pioneers of investigative broadcasting in Southwest Nigeria. Through Iriri Aye and Nnkan Nbe, he used storytelling and investigative journalism to highlight crime, social injustice, and other issues affecting society, earning a lasting place in the history of Nigerian broadcasting.
With Abimbola’s death, the Olawuyi family has suffered yet another profound loss, closing another chapter in the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most respected broadcasting families.