The Nigerian music scene is in mourning following the sudden death of 22-year-old Afrofuji sensation Destiny Boy (Afeez Adeshina). On Monday, January 19, 2026, his mother, Saida, released a heart-wrenching video clarifying the circumstances surrounding his passing and dispelling rumors of “money rituals.”
According to the family, the singer—who recently celebrated the birth of his first son in late 2024—passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after a long-term battle with a recurring illness.
The Secret Battle: “Ogu Oru”
Saida revealed that Destiny Boy had been suffering from a condition known locally as “Ogu Oru” (nocturnal warfare/mysterious seizures) for nearly two years.
- The Symptoms: The illness caused him to become stiff like someone with epilepsy. During recovery phases, he would reportedly act erratically, and the family had to work hard to keep him safe and calm.
- The “Superstar” Burden: The family deliberately kept the illness secret to protect his public image as a rising star.
- Treatment History: They explored medical, traditional, and spiritual avenues, including frequent visits to a spiritual father figure, Oba Edu Ifayomi, who assisted with both traditional remedies and hospital bills.
The Final Moments
Saida recounted that the singer suffered a fatal seizure on Sunday while at the residence of Oba Edu Ifayomi in Ogun State.
“On Saturday, he still bought things for people and greeted his fans. He said he had a show on Sunday. Even then, the seizure caught him again,” she said.
Police Investigation: One Suspect in Custody
The Ogun State Police Command has officially waded into the matter.
- The Arrest: On Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the singer’s death.
- Homicide Probe: The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Homicide Section, for a thorough investigation to determine if there was any foul play or if the death was purely natural.
Tributes from the Industry
Afrobeats star Ruger led the tributes online, while expressing frustration over the lack of immediate information:
“Bruh people will just post that someone has died and everyone will move on… No autopsy, NOTHING!!!! My God RIP Destiny Boy,” Ruger wrote on X.
Destiny Boy rose to fame as a teenager in 2017 with his Fuji cover of Davido’s “If” and had since carved a unique niche by blending Fuji sounds with contemporary Afrobeats.
