The nation’s music industry was thrown into mourning on Friday following the demise of veteran juju musician Yekini Kolawole Ajao, popularly known as Professor Y.K Ajao.

He was aged 72.

His death was announced by the Ajegunle Juju Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (AJUMN), Lagos State chapter on Friday.

The association in a message signed by Segun Genesis described the late musician’s passing as “a great loss to the juju music family and the entire AJUMN community.”

It added that that burial arrangements would be announced later.

“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Legendary Yekini Kolawole Ajao, popularly known as Professor Y.K Ajao. This is a great loss to the Juju music family and the entire AJUMN community. Details regarding his burial arrangements and other important information will be communicated as soon as they are made available to us. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the message read.

Veteran juju musician Shina Peters paid a tribute on his Instagram page to the late actor.

“Still hard to believe… You weren’t just a friend, you were my brother. Prof Y.K Ajao, your sound, your spirit, your presence; unforgettable. Thank you for everything. I’ll carry the memories always. Rest well, my brother. Your legacy lives on, your music lives on, and you will never be forgotten,” Mr Peters said.

Mr Ajao born in Iseyin, Oyo State was from a respected family of baales (traditional chiefs), but his early interest in music was opposed by his parents, who viewed entertainers as people of lowly life.

He apprenticed as a tailor and later trained briefly in nursing, and was always inspired by juju legend I. K. Dairo.

His pursuit of music reportedly caused a fallout with his father, Ibraheem Oyetoro Ajeigbe, who forbade him from using the family name.

Mr Ajao instead adopted his initials, forming the Y.K Ajao Professional Brothers Band in 1973.

He earned the “Professor” title in 1974 during a performance at NTA Lagos, where Nigerian TV producer Art Alade, impressed by the audience’s reaction, declared him a “professor of music.”

His family reconciled in 1978, when his father witnessed the large crowd at his send-off for a UK trip.

Mr Ajao was known for his project “Makosa Series 1,” following his earlier releases such as “Akoni Mamu,” “Gege” and “Oro NEPA.”

He was crowned a “National Juju King” by King Sunny Adé during a Cokeson promotion event in Lagos in the 1970’s.