Adebayo Mosobalaje Faleti (26 December 1921 – 23 July 2017) was a pioneering figure in Nigerian broadcasting, theatre, and literature. He made history as Africa’s first newscaster, Nigeria’s first film editor, and the first Yoruba presenter on television and radio. Born in Agbo-Oye, Oyo State, he grew up in Obananko, Kuranga, near Oyo. Despite financial challenges hindering his education, Faleti pursued his passion for drama, founding the successful Oyo Youth Operatic Society in 1949.
Faleti’s educational journey resumed when he worked as a primary school teacher, saving enough to fund his secondary education with support from his father. He later obtained a French Language and Civilization certificate from the University of Dakar in 1966 and an honors degree in Lit-in-English from the University of Ibadan in 1968. In 1971, he earned a certificate in Television Production from the Radio Netherlands Training Center.
Throughout his career, Faleti wrote, produced, and acted in numerous popular Yoruba plays and movies, including “Thunderbolt: Magun” (2001), “Afonja” (2002), “Basorun Gaa” (2004), and “Sawo-Sogberi” (2005). He also translated Nigeria’s National Anthem from English to Yoruba and speeches by notable figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo and General Ibrahim Babangida.
Faleti’s contributions extended to serving as the General Manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) and working at Western Nigerian Television (WNTV), now NTA Ibadan, as a film editor and librarian. He authored a Yoruba names dictionary, reflecting his commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba language and culture.
