Abuja—The Nigerian gospel community was rocked on Sunday, Jan. 12, when rising gospel singer and fitness enthusiast Timileyin Ajayi was apprehended near a church in Orozo, Abuja. Ajayi, who is also a TikTok content creator, was allegedly caught carrying a black nylon bag containing the remains of his girlfriend. Eyewitnesses reported that flies were seen trailing the bag, leading to his arrest.
The news has sparked outrage and sorrow among fans and colleagues, with many struggling to reconcile the gruesome act with Ajayi’s public persona as a singer and fitness influencer. Fellow gospel artist Cyude shared his thoughts on the shocking incident, revealing a complex backstory of Ajayi’s struggles with faith and morality.
“A Tragic Journey”
In a heartfelt statement, Cyude expressed dismay at Ajayi’s downfall, describing him as someone who was “always on the wrong side of his strategies.” According to Cyude, Ajayi declared himself an atheist at one point before returning to Christianity and producing gospel songs. However, his life took a dark turn, culminating in the alleged murder of his girlfriend.
Cyude’s statement also touched on broader societal issues, calling for reflection on the moral decay in modern Nigeria. He raised concerns about the normalization of materialism and ritualistic practices in both religious and secular spaces.
A Warning to Society
Cyude outlined key points for Nigerians to consider in light of the tragedy:
Materialism Over Morality: He warned against placing wealth above character, emphasizing how this leads to younger generations idolizing destructive behavior.
Victimhood of Innocence: Cyude challenged stereotypes surrounding victims of ritual killings, asserting that not all victims are involved in transactional relationships. The deceased, he noted, was a young woman who supported and believed in Ajayi’s potential.
Ritualism in Religious Circles: He alleged that ritualistic practices are prevalent within certain Christian communities in Nigeria, implicating some pastors and gospel singers in these hidden acts.
Cultural Blindness: Cyude criticized modern attitudes toward wealth and materialism, highlighting how Nigerian films from the 1990s warned against such behavior, while contemporary culture celebrates it
