Saida, the mother of late Afrobeat singer Afeez Adeshina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has spoken publicly about the circumstances surrounding her son’s death.
Destiny Boy, who gained nationwide attention in 2019 after releasing a Fuji-style cover of Davido’s hit song If, died on Sunday, January 18, 2025, following a prolonged battle with a mysterious illness locally referred to as “Ogu oru,” a condition that reportedly triggered frequent seizures.
In a video that surfaced online on Monday, Saida explained that the singer’s health struggles had been known only to close family members, traditional healers, and clerics.
According to her, the decision to keep the illness away from public attention was influenced by her son’s growing fame.
She revealed that the sickness became severe shortly after Destiny Boy welcomed his first child.
“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.”
She explained that he was rushed to the hospital immediately and later transferred to other medical facilities as efforts were made to stabilise him.
“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.”
Saida said that when the illness persisted, the family explored traditional treatment options with the guidance of Oba Edu Ifayomi.
“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.”
She identified the ailment as “Ogu oru,” noting that it often led to seizures and extreme behavioural episodes.
“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.”
Addressing speculations circulating online, Saida firmly denied claims that her son was involved in money rituals.
“Destiny Boy was not involved in money rituals. Those spreading such misinformation are just seeking attention from his death.”
She also recalled his activities shortly before his passing, describing him as active and hopeful despite his health challenges.
“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.”
Destiny Boy had celebrated the birth of his first child in November 2024.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that investigations into the singer’s death are ongoing, assuring the public that further updates will be communicated as the inquiry progresses.
