Popular Yoruba radio presenter, Kola Olootu, started a controversy on Fuji Tiktok over the weekend when he claimed to have arranged and manipulated the circumstances that saw the late Fuji maestro, Sikiru Ayinde Balogun, popularly known as Barrister, crown Akorede Babatunde “Saheed Osupa” as king of Fuji music in 2008. 

In the viral video, Olootu said late Barrister did not intentionally crown Osupa as the King of Fuji music and the heir to the art that he pioneered over his industry seniors who were close to him. He added that his role in the arrangement is why his relationship with other prominent Fuji musicians remains needlessly strained. 

“We planned it together at my house in Oluyole after Saheed informed me that Baba (Barrister) was coming for his birthday show. I told him to arrange for a crown before Baba arrives and leave the rest of the job to me,” Olootu said. 

The broadcaster said Barrister only gave him a passing response to quickly manoeuvre the episode when asked whether he agreed that Osupa was a good musician that should be crowned King of Fuji music. 

According to the presenter, Barrister admitted, in benign acquiescence rather than conscious intent, that he would crown Osupa as King of Fuji music, not knowing that a crown had already been arranged. 

“When we gave the crown to Baba, he was taken aback and could only exclaim that they had put him in trouble,” he added. 

Osupa’s career grew exponentially after the supposed coronation. In 2009 he released “Mr Music,” an album that sold widely, and had three sequels. He has since released tens of wide-selling albums.

But the success of his career might be called into question by Olootu’s claims that he was not crowned as of Barrister’s gesture but that the late legend was tricked into the well-arranged drama. 

Olootu vented that the Osupa has not reasonably repaid his ardent labour for the success of his career since he hit the limelight. 

“Saheed became popular and made a lot of money after this coronation, he was everywhere, but I, who orchestrated the act, became enemies with everyone.

“My intentions were good, and I love Saheed. Today, he gives people things everywhere, but he never remembers me, who suffered with him when he had nothing,” he added. 

Olootu’s shocking claims provoked a swift but cryptic response from Osupa, who took to the airwaves with a music snippet on Monday morning. 

While Osupa briefly dismissed Olootu’s assertions as an attack on his person, it is anticipated that a more elaborate response will be given in his upcoming track or next outing, in line with his customary approach. 

He did not respond to calls by Peoples Gazette for further comments on how this revelation might affect his legacy and time-honoured authenticity.