Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
Following the controversial statement by gospel singer, Tope Alabi, about Yinka Alaseyori’s song, veteran gospel musician, Timi Osukoya, popularly known as Telemi, has stated that he spoke to both parties about the issue, including the original songwriter, Tolu Adelegan.
He told Saturday Beats, “I have spoken to Tope Alabi and Yinka Alaseyori. I have also spoken to the original writer of the song, Tolu Adelegun, about the need for them to allow peace to reign. Aside from that, I also told Alaseyori not to comment on the issue to anyone, whether privately or publicly.
“That is because they are two sisters involved in the assignment. They should not allow themselves to be used by people who could twist their words and blow them out of proportion. That was why I asked Alaseyori not to talk because whatever she says, people would read meanings to it and it may not be what she meant.
“When I reached out to Tope Alabi, I told her that with the way the issue was going, she should tender an immediate apology on social media to calm the nerves of those saying different things, especially her fans. God has sent them to inspire us, so she should do that.”
The 63-year-old veteran also noted that the manner of approach in criticism is different from individual to individual. He said, “Anybody can condemn any song but the mode of criticism differs.
You can walk up to me and tell me you noticed something in my music. There is no harm there. But, when it has to do with doing it publicly, it could be a bit dangerous. It is not everybody that can accept public correction but when it comes, a lot of things can be done.
“If 10 people receive a song, they will not do the same thing when they get to the studio. The original writer of the song sang it in a different way from the way people are now singing it.
Nobody has a monopoly on the power of God, or the secret of God. Everybody has access to Him, so whether a particular song is wrong or not depends on perspective.”
On the effects the controversy has had on the gospel music industry, Telemi said, “The negative side of it is that a lot of people are disappointed because the story is flying all over social media.
I have heard about two broadcasts now telling our fans not to feel disappointed and discouraged by the issue going on, that all ministers are sorry.”
Though it was not clear if Alabi had heeded Telemi’s advice, a source close to the ‘Angeli Mi’ singer told Saturday Beats that a statement of her apologising to Alaseyori, which went viral on Friday, was not authored by her.
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