Saida, the mother of late Afrobeat singer Afeez Adeshina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has opened up on the circumstances that led to her son’s death, revealing that he had battled a prolonged illness that caused recurrent seizures.
Destiny Boy, who gained national attention in 2019 after his Fuji-style rendition of Davido’s hit song If, died on Sunday, January 18, 2025, following complications from an illness locally referred to as “Ogu oru.”
In a video that circulated widely on Monday, Saida explained that the family had managed the condition discreetly with the help of medical professionals, traditional healers, and clerics, choosing not to make it public due to the singer’s rising fame.
She said the illness had severely affected him at different times but was kept away from public attention to protect his image as a star.
Recounting events surrounding a major relapse, Saida said Destiny Boy fell ill shortly after the naming ceremony of his newborn child. According to her, the incident occurred when they visited Oba Edu Ifayomi, a traditional ruler who had a close relationship with the singer and supported the family during his treatment.
She disclosed that Destiny Boy was taken to multiple hospitals and later received traditional care, which temporarily stabilised his condition. She added that the seizures were intense and required constant monitoring to prevent him from harming himself during episodes.
Saida firmly denied widespread rumours linking her son’s death to money rituals, describing such claims as false and insensitive.
She said Destiny Boy remained active and hopeful in his final days, noting that he was seen interacting with fans, buying items for people around him, and even speaking about an upcoming performance shortly before another seizure occurred.
The late singer had welcomed his first child in November 2024, a milestone his family said brought him great joy.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that investigations into the circumstances of Destiny Boy’s death are ongoing, assuring the public that further updates will be provided as inquiries continue.
Destiny Boy’s death has continued to draw emotional reactions from fans and colleagues across Nigeria’s music industry, many of whom remember him as a talented artiste whose journey was cut short.
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