Saida, the mother of the late Afrobeat star Afeez Adeshina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has opened up about the circumstances surrounding her son’s passing.
Destiny Boy, who gained fame in 2019 with his Fuji-style cover of Davido’s hit If, died on Sunday, January 18, 2025, after a long battle with a mysterious illness called “Ogu oru,” which frequently triggered seizures.
In a video that went viral on Monday, Saida explained that her son’s condition had been carefully managed by the family, traditional healers, and clerics, and kept largely private due to his celebrity status.
“Destiny went to rest. A few days after his child’s naming ceremony, we visited Oba Edu Ifayomi, who performed traditional rites for him. The sickness caught up with him there, causing him to collapse,” she said.
She added that he was subsequently taken to the hospital, with Oba Edu providing guidance and financial support for his treatment, which included visits to two other hospitals. She noted that the illness, “Ogu oru,” caused severe seizures and had nearly taken a heavy toll on him.
“We were always there to ensure he was calm and didn’t hurt himself. The illness almost drove him mad, but we managed it as best we could,” Saida said.
Addressing circulating rumours, she strongly denied any links between Destiny Boy and money rituals, saying:
“Destiny Boy was not involved in money rituals. Those spreading such stories are just seeking attention following his death.”
Recalling his final days, Saida shared:
“On Saturday, he was still buying things for people, greeting his fans, and saying he had a show on Sunday. Even then, the seizures struck again.”
She also highlighted the family’s reliance on traditional treatment, guided by Oba Edu Ifayomi, who had been closely involved in his care.
Destiny Boy had recently celebrated the birth of his first child in November 2024.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed that investigations into his death are ongoing, with further updates expected.