Saidat Adeshina, the mother of late Nigerian Fuji artist Destiny Boy, has shared details about the illness that claimed her son’s life.
Speaking in a recent interview, Saidat explained that the musician, born Afeez Adeshina, first showed symptoms of illness two years ago while preparing for his first child’s naming ceremony.
“He began experiencing seizures at that time,” she recalled.
The family pursued various treatment options, consulting both medical professionals and traditional healers in their search for answers.
They eventually sought help from Ifa priest Edun Ifayomi, who had developed a close relationship with the young artist and had contributed a cow for the child’s naming ceremony. Saidat said the priest provided financial support for medical expenses and took a personal interest in Destiny Boy’s recovery.
“This started about two years ago. The Ifa priest didn’t initially know about the situation. We informed him later that Destiny Boy was unwell. He insisted that nothing should happen to him,” she explained.
“He sent us money for hospital bills while we sought treatment. When we realized conventional medicine wasn’t helping, we asked Oba Edun if we could bring him for traditional care. He gave me a special soap for bathing, which seemed to help temporarily.”
The condition, which Saidat identified as ‘Oku oro,’ caused episodes where Destiny Boy would become rigid, similar to epileptic seizures, followed by periods of disorientation. The family kept his health struggles confidential to protect his public image.
“The illness is called ‘Oku oro.’ During episodes, he would stiffen like someone having a seizure, then afterward act confused,” she said.
“We kept this private because he was a public figure. We tried everything—churches, traditional healers—but nothing provided a lasting solution. One reason he felt comfortable with Oba Edun was their easy rapport.”
Saidat described the events leading to her son’s death two weeks ago. After returning from Ayetoro, Destiny Boy was taken to Ifayomi’s residence for treatment.
“Two weeks ago, after returning from Ayetoro, they brought him to Ifayomi’s house for care,” she said.
“His father called asking me to come, but I couldn’t leave my shop unattended. I kept checking by phone, and they assured me he was stable. Five days ago, my call went unanswered. Three days ago, I had his sister send greetings. Two days ago, they called saying the seizures had returned.
“They said he’d been fine before the episode started. Ifayomi wasn’t home initially; when he returned and his treatments didn’t work, they rushed him to hospital. When I arrived, they told me he was gone. My son never engaged in money rituals.”
Destiny Boy launched his music career at T2 Boys Studios in Agege, initially performing as a backup dancer for Fuji legend Pasuma. He gained widespread recognition in 2019 with a Fuji rendition of Davido’s hit song ‘If,’ and went on to create popular interpretations of tracks by Tekno, 2Baba, and other artists. His original songs, including ‘Lamba,’ ‘Gbese,’ and ‘Lowkey,’ established him as a rising voice in Nigeria’s Fuji music landscape.
He leaves behind his partner, Iremide, and their infant child, born in November 2024.
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