The family of late Fuji-Afrobeats singer Afeez Adeshina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has finally spoken out on what led to his sudden death.
In a viral video that surfaced online, Saida, the singer’s mother, revealed that her son died after battling a long-term illness known as “Ogu oru,” a condition she said often caused seizures. According to her, the illness had been managed quietly for years away from public attention.
Destiny Boy, who rose to fame in 2019 with his Fuji-inspired cover of Davido’s hit song If, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2025, shocking fans across the country.
Speaking emotionally, Saida explained that the family deliberately kept her son’s health condition private because of his growing status in the music industry.
She said the illness had nearly consumed him on several occasions, but the family, with the help of medical care, traditional healers, and clerics, worked tirelessly to keep him stable.
“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 said.
Recalling the events that led to his final collapse, Saida revealed that Destiny Boy fell ill shortly after celebrating his child’s naming ceremony.
“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,” she explained.
She added that the traditional ruler had a close relationship with the singer and even supported his treatment financially.
“It was then that the sickness caught up with him, causing him to fall. We took him to the hospital… He kept sending us money even when he was transferred to about two other hospitals.”
Saida disclosed that when the illness persisted, the family decided to explore traditional treatment based on advice they received.
“When we saw the trend of the sickness, we said we should go traditional… I was the one he even gave the soap to bathe him. We returned, and he was fine.”
She confirmed that the condition he battled was “Ogu oru,” a sickness associated with seizures.
Addressing widespread speculation online, Saida firmly dismissed 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 stated.
According to his mother, Destiny Boy appeared active and hopeful just a day before his death.
“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.”
The singer had recently welcomed his first child in November 2024, making his death even more heartbreaking for fans and loved ones.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that investigations into Destiny Boy’s death are ongoing, promising to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
As tributes continue to pour in, many fans are remembering Destiny Boy not just for his talent, but for the brief, impactful mark he left on Nigerian music.