Sadness and Joy for King Sunny Ade as Buhari Condoles With Him on Wife’s Death; Rejoices With Him on His 75th Birthday

From far away New York, President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, commiserated with music legend, King Sunny Ade over the passing of his wife, Risikat Ajoke Adegeye, who was a member of the 6th Lagos State House of Assembly.

Hon. Risikat Ajoke Adegeye died from an undisclosed ailment in the early hours of Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at the age of 62. Her death occurred just a day to the 75^th birthday of her iconic husband, King Sunny Ade. She represented Amuwo Odofin in the 6th Lagos State House of Assembly.

Buhari, according to a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, condoled with the Lagos State Government, members of the state House of Assembly, her friends and political associates, urging trust in God at the very difficult time.

The President, Adesina continued, prayed that “the Almighty God will comfort her husband, family and loved ones, while granting her soul eternal rest.”

Sunny Ade’s 75^th Birthday

Meanwhile, as the Adeyege Family was trying to come to terms with the death of Hon. Risikat Ajoke Adegeye, the President, also on Wednesday, joined the entertainment industry in Nigeria and world over, particularly performing artistes, in celebrating with the legendary juju singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, a.k.a King Sunny Ade, who turned 75 birthday on September 22, 2021.

Adesina, in another release, also disclosed that the President extoled the courage, foresight and innovative spirit of the music artiste, who has since graduated into an authority in the literary and theatrical world, sharing his talent as a visiting Professor of Music at Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, and championing many development causes.

Adesina said: “President Buhari believes King Sunny Ade’s several nominations for the Grammy, being the first Nigerian for such recognition, brought the spotlight on Nigeria’s multi-talented artistes, creating opportunities for many nominations and an eventual win that further boosted the country’s image among comity of nations.

“The President notes the focus, discipline, business and administrative savvy that the guitarist and dancer introduced into the music industry in Nigeria, encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship by setting up a foundation to cater for budding talents.

“As the multi-talented instrumentalist turns 75, President Buhari prays for longer life and God’s blessings on his family.”

Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, a multiple award winner, was born on September 22, 1946). Known professionally as King Sunny Ade, the juju music legend, iconic singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, is considered as one of the first African pop musicians to gain global recognition and international success.

Indeed, he is recognized globally as one of the most influential musicians of all time. He holds the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).