Popular musician and broadcaster Yinka Ayefele has revealed that he has never dismissed any employee since establishing his radio station, Fresh 105.9 FM, ten years ago.
Ayefele made the disclosure on Wednesday during a press conference held to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the station.
Reflecting on his journey, the music icon recounted how a life-changing accident in 1997 shaped his career path.
“I worked at Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, producing jingles. I used the money I earned to buy a Beetle car, and on my way to Abeokuta in 1997, I had a terrible accident. That incident changed my life completely,” he said.
Ayefele explained that Fresh FM started as a Facebook live-streaming project, which gained popularity among Nigerians in the diaspora before evolving into a licensed radio station.
“I started live streaming on Facebook, and my fans outside Nigeria loved it. That gave me the idea to start a radio station to change the face of broadcasting,” he stated.
The broadcaster also recounted how security agents once stormed his office demanding to see the station’s licence, revealing that it took him seven years to secure official approval.
“It took me seven years to get the licence. If other radio station owners were investigated like I was, many wouldn’t exist today,” he added.
Speaking about his leadership style, Ayefele noted that he has maintained cordial relationships with his staff since inception.
“I have never sacked anyone in the last 10 years. The only time I did something close was advising one person to resign,” he said.
He further reflected on the 2018 demolition of his Music House ordered by the late former Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, describing the event as a turning point.
“The demolition brought global attention. BBC and CNN called me. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise because Ajimobi later rebuilt the station,” he recalled.
Ayefele also appreciated the support of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, in helping him secure the broadcast licence for Fresh FM.