A lot of people may not remember him by his real name but at the mention of Oloye Panther, what comes to mind is his drama group’s signature tune that became a household name back then in Ago-Iwoye, Oru, Awa, Ilaporu, Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Igbo axis between early 80’s and late 90’s majorly to those who were born and bred around that area especially the teenagers who were just catching up with life and happenings around that time.
This was the time black and white television was in vogue and can only be seen in the house of those who could afford it. Watching television to some set of people in the strata of the society means hanging around in the neighbourhood to catch the glimpse of what’s going on in and around the country.
Having black and white television back then in the ’80s was like having premium DStv bouquet and such people were tagged as the ‘Big man’ according to the social strata of Nigeria. So, bringing entertainment live to the doorstep of his people was a big relief and was honourably welcomed with open arms who gave him so much supports needed to succeed.
The man in question was not a push-about when it comes to gauging the entertainment choice of his fans and his well-wishers. He knew quite well when and how to comfortably satisfy them. He was a man loaded with creativity and originality that could best be described as a superstar who ensures he explored every available opportunity at his fingertips at the right time.
“Ile Oloye Panther, l’aago merin irole” is the tune that usually rents the air whenever there’s going to be any show with the ticket going for just 50k, the whole auditorium oftentimes full to its capacity with many more people still wanting to go in to watch the show”.
Chief Abdul Razak Raji popularly known as Oloye Panther was born into a Christian family on September 15th, 1929 in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State in the western region of Nigeria. He grew up like every other kid with burning passion to become a professional teacher. In 1952, his dream became a reality after graduating from teacher training college and started his teaching career immediately at Adegorishen Primary School, Abapanu, one of the villages under Ago-Iwoye metropolis where he had a stint for two years and retired in 1954 to pursue his career in music.
The Ijebu born talented musical act later formed his own band called “Mambo Orchestra Band, a high life band that became the cynosure of all eyes when doing what they like to do best and one the best high life bands to be reckoned with in most of the Ijebu North region particularly Ijebuland.
Oloye Panther and his Mambo Orchestra Band ruled the social scene until the outbreak of civil war which lasted for three years (1964-1967) after which he swapped from high life to Juju music. As a multi-talented individual, he proved to those who care to know the stuff he was made of as he took his fans and music lovers by storm churning out good music with a sonorous voice that led him to wax a record titled “Olorun m’abayo mi je”.
The record enjoyed much more patronage and listening pleasure of many who have ears for good music pushing him far and beyond the border of Ijebuland. Disturbed by his instinct for performing art, he dumped music for his new found love, acting. He gave acting his best shot back and front left and right to establish himself in that regard.
The dark in complexion musician turned actor started his theatre group popularly known as “Oloye Panther theatre group” in the nearly late ’80s with blistering performances that always kept the people of Ago-Iwoye and its environs on their toes every now and then.
He instantly became a colossal acting figure with enchanting ideology as far as the performing act is concerned. He continued to soar higher and higher having to be in the entertainment industry spanning decades that fetched him fame and fortune.
Obviously, his name will continue to ring bell to the youths of that generation who were in the age bracket between the late 30s and above as he remained the only ‘son of the soil’ that engaged in such artistry which did not only put his name on the record in Ogun State but also added his hometown, Ago-Iwoye to the historical context.
Oloye Panther as fondly called contributed his quota to the socio-cultural development of Ago-Iwoye which earned him one of the reputable chieftaincy title being conferred on him by the late Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba David Melonitan Oshiyemi for his contribution.
Chief Abdul Razak Raji belongs to Obabosipo Age-grade society which is one the popular Age-grades among who’s who in Ijebuland and upheld the Christian doctrine until he answered his creator in 2006 at the ripe age of 77 years
Without an iota of doubt, Chief Oloye Panther will forever be remembered as a man of honour and integrity for his role in the socio-cultural development of Ago-Iwoye and its environs through his musical and theatrical work.
