Saida, the mother of late Afrobeat singer Afeez Adeshina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has disclosed the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, saying he passed away after a prolonged battle with a medical condition that caused recurrent seizures.
Destiny Boy, who gained national recognition in 2019 following his Fuji-style cover of Davido’s hit song If, died on Sunday, January 18, 2025, after reportedly battling an illness locally referred to as “Ogu oru.”
Speaking in a video that surfaced online on Monday, Saida explained that the illness had been managed privately for years with the support of family members, medical professionals, traditional healers and clerics.
According to her, the decision to keep the condition away from public attention was deliberate, owing to the singer’s rising fame.
She recounted that the singer’s health deteriorated shortly after the naming ceremony of his child, which took place a few days after the baby’s birth.
“After the naming ceremony, the sickness caught up with him and he collapsed. That was when we rushed him to the hospital,” she said.
Saida disclosed that Destiny Boy was later transferred between medical facilities, with continued support from traditional ruler Oba Edu Ifayomi, whom she described as being closely involved in the singer’s care.
“When we noticed the trend of the sickness, we decided to explore traditional treatment. I was personally involved in administering the remedies given to us. After that, he improved,” she added.
She identified the ailment as “Ogu oru,” a condition she said caused frequent seizures and severely affected his wellbeing.
“The sickness almost ran him mad at some point. We were always there to calm him whenever it happened,” she said.
Saida also dismissed widespread rumours on social media linking her son’s death to money rituals, describing such claims as false and insensitive.
“Destiny Boy was not involved in money rituals. People spreading such stories are only seeking attention,” she stated.
Recalling his final days, she noted that the singer remained active and optimistic despite his health challenges.
“On Saturday, he bought things for people, greeted his fans and talked about a show he had scheduled for Sunday. That same day, the seizure happened again,” she said.
Destiny Boy had recently welcomed his first child in November 2024, a milestone his family described as one of his happiest moments.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the singer’s death are ongoing, adding that further updates will be made available as findings emerge.