Abioro Yakubu; (1930-96), Nigerian music producer, whose TYC Records discovered great acts like Sunny Ade, then known as Sunny Ade and the Green Spot Band; Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, Tunde Nightingale, Idowu Animashaun, Kayode Fashola, Oludunni Decency, Ayinde Bakare, Toye Ajagun, and Pick Peters.
Origin
Yakubu Bolarinwa Abioro was born on August 21, 1930 at Ijofin, Ogun State. His father Sunmoila thereafter moved to Owo, and left him with his mother. Abioro was the second child of his parents. The first born had died at infancy. His mother thereafter had ten children. Nine of which died. His mother left Ijofin and moved to Ipokia where he was left with his Aunty (Mama Isale), his mother’s younger sister.
Childhood
While with his Aunty, Chief Abioro ran away to the welfare school in the area. He would later remark; that was the only way for him to get a western education as the welfare school was being managed by Europeans. His interest in music started during his youthful days. He had a band between 1945 and 1951 in the Ijofin, Ipokia and Republic of Benin area.
Family
Abioro had two wives, eight children and several grandchildren in life. He was a devote muslim.
EXPERIENCE
Although Abioro had no secondary education he taught at the local school and even became the headmaster after his primary education at the welfare school. He ventured into politics and won as member of the opposition party against the party led by Chief Awolowo. He was in the Federal House of Representatives at the age of 28. He supported the idea of a diversified federation and joined the likes of Adegoke Adelabu against Chief Obafemi Awolowo who advocated for a Western Nigeria.
His interest in music progressed into establishing the first indigenous music label and company in Nigeria against such giants as Decca and EMI. He was the Berry Gordy (Motown records) of Nigeria. TYC Records in partnership with DECCA and EMI thereafter started the giant Record Manufacturer of Nigeria Ltd., of which TYC owned the largest share.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Abioro had annual scholarship awards to deserving students of his town-Ipokia. He canvassed for the Local Government Headquarter to be placed at Ipokia. The statute of Chief Abioro is placed close to the town entrance in rememberance following his death in February 28, 1996.
