Tope Alabi, the renowned Nigerian gospel singer, and her husband, Soji Alabi, recently made headlines when they refused to perform at Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin’s surprise birthday party. Their decision has sparked questions about the arrangement and the reasons behind their walkout.
The Surprise Performance Plan
According to Naija News, Lizzy’s fan club worked with her husband to surprise her with a performance by Tope Alabi. They believed she admired the gospel singer greatly. However, when Tope and Soji Alabi arrived at Lizzy’s clothing store in Lagos, they declined to perform after realizing who the celebrant was.
Lizzy Anjorin Speaks Out
Lizzy Anjorin later shared her frustration in a social media video. She explained that she had paid ₦4 million for the performance. Despite this, the Alabis still refused to perform. She made it clear that she would not tarnish the singer’s reputation, which her husband had built over the years.
The Statement from Oreofe Williams
Oreofe Williams, a Nigerian filmmaker and author with knowledge of the situation, provided insight in a statement titled “Concerning Evang. Tope Alabi and Lizzy Anjorin’s Birthday Surprise: An Unfortunate Conundrum.” Williams clarified that the Alabis received ₦2.5 million, not ₦4 million, for the performance. He also noted that Soji Alabi had reduced the agreed fee by 70%.
The Hidden Identity and Misunderstanding
Williams questioned why Lizzy’s identity had remained a secret. He speculated that the Alabis may have felt deceived when they discovered the surprise was for Lizzy Anjorin. The event had originally been presented as a celebration for an unnamed person. Williams pointed out that no one enjoys being manipulated.
Previous Support for Different Faiths
Williams also highlighted that Tope and Soji Alabi had previously honored requests from both Christians and Muslims, demonstrating their broad support for different faiths and cultures.
Refund and Emphasis on Integrity
Williams confirmed that the Alabis refunded the ₦2.5 million. He emphasized that integrity, transparency, and accountability should remain central to business dealings in the entertainment industry. He also stressed the need for open communication and honesty when arranging such events.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
