The Ibadan-based Fresh FM radio station owned by seasoned singer Yinka Ayefele was engulfed in a fire on Friday evening.
A video circulating online showed people around the scene in a state of confusion as the fire raged.
Samson Akindele, group head of corporate affairs of Fresh FM Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, said the studios of Fresh 105.9 and Blast 98.3, along with nearby offices including the newsroom and transmitter/server room, were badly damaged.
He said efforts to contain the fire using in-house extinguishers failed due to the intensity of the inferno before professional firefighters arrived.
He thanked residents, passers-by, and the Oyo fire service officials for their assistance during the emergency, while noting that the full extent and cause of the damage are still being assessed.
“We are sad to inform the general public that the Head Office of Fresh FM Nigeria, Challenge – Ibadan was razed by a devastating fire incident this evening, August 15, 2025,” the statement reads.
“In the ensuing mishap, the studios of Fresh 105.9 and Blast 98.3 were badly burnt, with proximal offices like the newsroom, the transmitter/server room and several equipment that got razed during active operations.
“All efforts to fight the fire, before the arrival of the professional fire fighters, with our in-house fire extinguishers proved abortive because of the strength of the inferno.”
Samuel Ibukunle, a staff of the radio station, had confirmed the incident on Friday evening via his Facebook page, appealing for the fire service to respond promptly.
“Fresh FM is currently on fire! We urgently need the Fire Service to respond immediately. Please retweet, spread the word and alert the nearest station,” he said.
