Fatimah Otunsanya
Saida, the mother of the late popular Afrobeat singer Afeez Adeshina, widely known as Destiny Boy, has revealed the circumstances surrounding her son’s death
The singer, who rose to fame in 2019 with his Fuji cover of Davido’s hit song If, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2025, after battling a long-term mysterious illness known as “Ogu oru,” which frequently caused seizures.
Speaking in a video that trended on Monday, Saida explained that her son’s condition had been closely managed by the family, traditional healers, and clerics.
She said the illness had almost taken a severe toll on him, but they kept it hidden from the public due to his superstar status.
“Destiny went to rest. When he gave birth to his child, about four days after the naming, we went to Oba Edu Ifayomi, who initiated him traditionally. The man likes him as his son, so that’s why he told us to come and collect a ram for the baby’s naming ceremony. It was then that the sickness caught up with him, causing him to fall.
It was there that we took him to the hospital. Oba Edu said we should ensure he’s properly treated and that he will take care of himself. He kept sending us money even when he was transferred to about two other hospitals. When we saw the trend of the sickness, we told him that we should go traditional, and he said we should bring him to his place. I was the one he even gave the soap to bathe him.
“We returned, and he was fine. The sickness he battled with was ‘Ogu oru,’ which caused him to have seizures. The sickness had almost run him mad. We were the ones who always ensured that he didn’t run out in the process of calming him.”
She further dismissed rumours linking Destiny Boy to money rituals, saying:
Destiny Boy was not involved in money rituals. Those spreading such misinformation are just seeking attention from his death.”
Recalling his last days, she added:
“On Saturday, he still bought things for people, greeted his fans, and said he had a show on Sunday. Even then, the seizure caught him again.”
Saida also recounted the family’s efforts to seek traditional treatment, including guidance from Oba Edu Ifayomi, who had been closely involved in his care.
The singer had recently celebrated the birth of his first child in November 2024.
Reports by the Ogun State Police Command stated that investigations into his death are ongoing and that further updates will be provided.