Saxophonist Takes Responsibility for Viral Controversy
Olawale Adekoya, the saxophonist for Fuji music legend Wasiu 'Kwam 1' Ayinde, has publicly apologised after a song performed at a coronation event sparked widespread outrage. The rhythm, which many interpreted as a derogatory reference to Kwam 1's alleged baby mama, Ogechi Eleana, and their 12-year-old daughter, Azizat, was created and interpreted by band members without the singer's knowledge, Adekoya stated.
How the Controversy Unfolded
The controversy erupted when Kwam 1, during his performance at the 10th coronation anniversary of the Onikate of Ikate, Lateef Adams, described Eleana's pregnancy as an 'unnecessary and free gift.' The 69-year-old singer made the comment while responding to allegations that he had abandoned his parental responsibilities toward Azizat. However, the backlash intensified after the band played a rhythm that seemed to mock the mother and daughter.
In a video apology posted on his TikTok page on Sunday, Adekoya explained that he alone was responsible for interpreting the drum rhythm, known as alujo, which initially had no specific meaning. He insisted that Kwam 1 had no prior knowledge of the interpretation and was shocked when he heard it during the performance.
Adekoya's Full Explanation
'On this particular day that the incident happened, I won't lie to you, from the beginning of that show, Alhaji was in a very good mood with the band. Everybody was happy; he was dashing us money, so everybody was excited. It was an endless fun moment for us when the beats came up again during the exciting moment,' Adekoya said in the video.
'I told Alhaji that this is the interpretation of the beats now. So out of that excitement, he was really shocked, and to be honest, this is why I'm making this video, because Alhaji knew nothing about this. He was not involved in the interpretation; he never told us anything, and he didn't put any words in our mouths. So that was why he was really shocked.'
Rhythm Not Aimed at Anyone, Says Adekoya
The saxophonist also revealed that the rhythm had been part of the band's repertoire for years, created by Kwam 1's drummer, Ayankunle Ayanlowo, after he rejoined the band. It initially carried no specific message. Adekoya stressed that the interpretation emerged spontaneously out of excitement and was never intended to refer to or offend anyone.
'We were not laughing because of the mother and the daughter. We were not referring to anybody. It was just a fun moment. It was totally harmless and not intentional. So that's why I'm making this video to apologise and take full responsibility for whatever happened that day,' he said.
'Whatever reactions we're getting online now are expected because it happened at a very sensitive period, and we are very sorry about it on behalf of the percussionist and the whole band. We are very sorry about it, and to everyone who was also disappointed, please, we are very sorry.'
No Pressure Behind the Apology
Adekoya added that his apology was voluntary and not made under any threat. 'Please, I'm not doing this video out of threat or prayer because I wasn't pressured to do any video. I'm doing this with all honesty. We had different versions of this alujo. We had different versions of it, but we accept the fact that it came at the wrong time,' he stated.
He also prayed that 'God restores peace and happiness to everybody involved' and expressed hope that his explanation would clear up the misunderstanding.
Public Outrage Before Apology
Prior to Adekoya's apology, social media users had heavily criticised Kwam 1 and his band. Legal practitioner Dayo Ajibola, in a Facebook post, described the singer's remarks as irresponsible. 'To ba loyun koyun, Saara ni is a very irresponsible statement for a 70-year-old man to make and even extremely bad as an influencer via his music. Do you know how many young men will tailor their lifestyle after such trash orientation? A 70-year-old man should fear God more,' Ajibola wrote.
Another Facebook user, Oluwakayode Ogundamisi, a commentator on Nigerian and international affairs, expressed unsurprise at the controversy. 'Why is everyone pretending to be surprised by KWAM 1 and his irresponsible song? Men like him are too often given undeserved respect by greedy vultures who will chase wealth at any cost. Worse still, this reflects a deeper cultural malaise,' Ogundamisi said.
'While many parents fight with every fibre of their being to remain involved in their children's lives, this man, who aspired to become the Awujale of Ijebuland, chooses instead to publicly mock his own offspring, a child who is simply a product of his own actions and recklessness.'
