The saxophonist for Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, Olawale Adekoya, has publicly apologised over a stage performance that generated widespread criticism online, insisting the singer had no role in the controversial chant that accompanied the performance.
In a video posted on his TikTok page on Sunday, Adekoya accepted responsibility for interpreting a traditional drum rhythm known as alujo, explaining that the timing of the performance, amid allegations involving K1, led to the public backlash.
The controversy followed a viral video in which K1 appeared to sing about “unnecessary pregnancy” during a live performance.
The clip surfaced shortly after a woman, Ogechi Eleana, alleged in an interview that the Fuji star had abandoned her and their 12-year-old daughter.
Although the performance came after the allegations became public, K1 never explicitly stated that the lyrics were connected to the woman’s claims.
Explaining what transpired, Adekoya said he was the one who interpreted the rhythm being played by the percussionists and acknowledged that the incident occurred at an unfortunate time.
“I will start by taking full responsibility for whatever happened on stage on that particular day because I was the one who interpreted the alujo to Alhaji when the percussionists were playing the beats.
“And I think where everything went bad was the fact that it happened at a very sensitive period, which I take full responsibility and accountability for,” he said.
He further revealed that the rhythm was originally created by percussionist Ayokunle Ayolowo after rejoining the band and had since become one of K1’s favourite alujo beats.
According to Adekoya, the rhythm initially carried no specific meaning until members of the band began jokingly attaching different interpretations to it during a backstage conversation several months before the current controversy.
“This particular beat that caused the whole issue is not new, and we’ve been using this beat for a very long time now, since Mr Ayokunle Ayolowo rejoined the band. He was the one who originated the beat.
“But as at that time, it had no meaning, it had no interpretation, and it has become one of Alhaji’s favourite alujo so far. He’s always excited whenever he hears the beat,” Adekoya said.
He maintained that the phrase now attracting criticism was simply one of several humorous interpretations the band had developed long before the paternity allegations involving K1 emerged.
Adekoya stressed that the Fuji musician neither suggested nor participated in creating the interpretation.
“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, he didn’t put any words to our mouth.
That was why he was really shocked that, ‘Ah! So you guys eventually found a meaning to this rhythm?’”
He also dismissed claims that the performance was intended to ridicule the woman or her daughter.
“We were all excited that day. We were not laughing because of the mother and the daughter. We were not referring to anybody. It was just a fun moment. That’s all. It was totally harmless and not intentional,” he said.
Adekoya extended an apology on behalf of the band’s percussionists and the entire team, admitting that the performance took place at the wrong time.
“Whatever reactions we are getting online now is 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, very sorry about it. And to everyone who was hurt, disappointed, please, please, please, we are very, very sorry.”
He concluded by saying his apology was made willingly and without external pressure.
“I’m not doing this video out of threat or pressure because I wasn’t pressured to do any video. I’m doing this with all honesty and sincerity.
“We had different versions to this alujo, but we accept the fact that it came at the very wrong time. Please, we are sorry.”