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Queen Salawa Abeni: The Life, Family, and Legacy of Waka Music’s Crowned Monarch

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Queen Salawa Abeni Alidu, born on May 5, 1961, in Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria, is one of the most iconic voices in Nigerian traditional music. Hailing from Ijebu Waterside in Ogun State, she rose from a modest background to become the celebrated Queen of Waka Music, carrying Yoruba cultural heritage across generations.

Early Life and Education

Abeni grew up in a polygamous household under difficult circumstances. Her mother struggled with prolonged illness, which meant Salawa had limited maternal guidance during her childhood. Her father, reflecting the beliefs of his time, did not prioritize female education, and as a result, she stopped schooling at the elementary level, around primary six.

As a child, she was sent to live with a guardian and even worked briefly as a housemaid. Despite these struggles, her love for music grew, and by her teenage years, she was already honing her craft in Yoruba traditional chants that would eventually transform into Waka music.

Family

Salawa Abeni has children from two notable relationships:

With Lateef Adepoju: She had her first son, Idris Olanrewaju Adefolajuwon Akanji Adepoju, who sadly died in a road accident on October 2, 2000.

With Alhaji Kollington Ayinla: A prominent Fuji musician and one of Nigeria’s music legends, Kollington fathered three children with Salawa Abeni, including her daughter Aminat Okikiola Ilori and her son popularly known as Big Sheff, who is also making waves in the Nigerian music industry.

Although her relationship with Kollington Ayinla ended, it marked a significant chapter in her personal and musical journey.

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Career

Salawa Abeni’s career took off in 1976, when she released her debut album, Late General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, under Leader Records. The record became the first Yoruba female album to sell over one million copies in Nigeria, a groundbreaking feat that cemented her status as a pioneer.

Her music combined Yoruba cultural traditions and Islamic influences, characterized by deep percussive rhythms and powerful vocal improvisations. Over the decades, she released numerous albums, each reinforcing her place in Nigeria’s musical landscape.

In 1992, her cultural contributions were formally recognized when the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, crowned her the official “Queen of Waka Music.” This title remains synonymous with her name.

Age and Current Status

Born in 1961, Queen Salawa Abeni is 64 years old as of 2025. Despite health challenges and personal losses, she remains alive and continues to be active in the Nigerian entertainment space, performing occasionally and engaging with fans through the media.

Legacy

Queen Salawa Abeni’s life story is one of resilience, talent, and cultural pride. From working as a maid to becoming a household name across Nigeria, she broke barriers for women in traditional music. Her groundbreaking record sales, royal title, and trailblazing career have paved the way for other female musicians in a male-dominated industry.

More than a performer, she is a cultural ambassador whose music reflects Yoruba spirituality, identity, and tradition. Her perseverance in the face of adversity continues to inspire younger generations, making her not just a musician but a living symbol of determination and heritage.

Sources
FabWoman.ng — 13 Things to Know About Salawa Abeni
Heritage News Nigeria — Queen Salawa Abeni: The Housemaid Who Modernized Waka Music

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Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Monday, read a riot act to the politicians in Oyo State, especially in the ancient city, over disrespecting the sacred stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.

CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave this warning in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, amid growing concerns over rising reckless  utterances and conducts in the state by some power-seeking politicians

He said recent actions by some political actors had crossed acceptable boundaries and posed a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

Ajewole stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool, warning further that the CCII would not sit idly by and watch the Olubadan throne desecrated for political gain.

CCII said, “The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times. Any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.”

The PG added that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “All politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of Olubadan and the stool and turning around to tender any apology would not be tolerated any longer. You mess up with that stool, you must be ready to face the consequence(s).

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“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” the council warned.

It also reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state.

The council expressed strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such conduct as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Ajewole, therefore, urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

He called for maturity in political engagement, saying, “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

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Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

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I take full responsibility, Sisi Alagbo’s husband apologises over leaked sex tape

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The husband of popular social media personality Eniola Fagbemi, known as Sisi Alagbo, Adesola Akeem, has issued a public apology over a leaked sex tape involving his wife, himself and another woman.

The video went viral on Monday and has since generated widespread controversy online.

The video, which depicted the trio in an intimate encounter, began circulating on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels before spreading rapidly to gossip blogs, Instagram pages and explicit-content websites.

In the footage, Fagbemi is seen filming Akeem having sexual relations with the third woman while all three were unclothed. It remains unclear how the video made its way online.

Akeem, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, said he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the disappointment the incident had caused.

“I write with a deep sense of responsibility and sincere remorse to extend my heartfelt apologies to my family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, fans, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian public over the recent incident involving a leaked sex scandal.

“I acknowledge the disappointment, embarrassment, and concern this situation has caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.

He added that his conduct had fallen short of the values expected of him by those who had trusted and supported him.

Akeem also directed specific apologies to family members, friends, business associates, and religious bodies.

“To my fans and supporters, I deeply regret letting you down,” he said.

He described the period as one of reflection and said he was committed to making better decisions and rebuilding trust.

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“I am committed to making better decisions, rebuilding trust, and upholding integrity in both my private and public life going forward,” he added.

Sisi Alagbo had on Wednesday also apologised on her verified Facebook account, saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the video emerged.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me,” she wrote.

Fagbemi rose to prominence through her promotion of herbal concoctions and became a social media sensation after a viral video of her kneeling to greet Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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