The reasons why well-known gospel singer Tope Alabi allegedly refused to perform at the birthday celebration of Nigerian actress Lizzy Anjorin have come to light.
According to Oreofe Williams a filmmaker and author with knowledge of the situation, Ministers Soji and Tope Alabi, along with their team, were denied the basic privilege of a conscience-based choice regarding the deal.
The Nation reported that when the singer realized that Anjorin was the celebrant, she refused to get out of her car. Additionally, it was discovered that Anjorin supporters hired Alabi to work in the diaspora.
Dr. Williams said: “Some weeks ago, a filmmaker contacted me because he needed Evang. Tope Alabi. The filmmaker told me that he wanted to surprise ‘someone he cherishes a lot’. No name was mentioned and I assumed it could be his wife or anybody.
“This conjecture is not far-fetched as he did create an impression that he was personally funding the surprise. No impression was given that it was a joint contribution by any team. Of course, I would not have doubted him because I’m not unaware that this filmmaker is rich enough to fund the surprise.
“I contacted Uncle Soji Alabi and after that, released his number to the filmmaker. It was supposed to be the birthday surprise of a public figure and I still marvel till tomorrow about why her name was conspicuously hidden by the filmmaker who contacted me.
“Uncle Soji informed me that day would be very busy and I pleaded with him to attend having considered any possibility for a rescheduling. He also mentioned the amount was low for a birthday surprise but I prevailed on Uncle Soji and he eventually honoured my plea to receive the agreed amount (after giving a 70% price reduction due to my intervention). However, the requirement of N2.5m was met for the birthday ‘SURPRISE’. Nonetheless, the identity remained hidden until they got to the venue.
“The main question is: Why was the celebrant’s identity hidden? And for what reason?
“It was at this moment I received a call from Uncle Soji who had already made up his mind to leave the venue. Sincerely speaking, I would never have spent the next 15 seconds there if I was in his position. Nobody loves to be manipulated. I can tell you authoritatively that he is the President of Gospel Vibes and he takes decisions.
“He told me on phone he was leaving. I also wondered why someone would keep a public figure anonymous even for me whose name he used to have such an access to the Alabis and reduce the amount to be paid.
“The reason they returned the money and left was not particularly because of the celebrant or anyone around the venue as I have read in some articles. They felt deceived and were not given the endeared privilege of a choice by conscience.
“Ministers Soji and Tope Alabi and their team have, on several occasions, honoured christians and moslems, as their fans cut across multiple languages and religions.
“Please note the sum received was N2.5m which was paid to the Alabis in three tranches and NOT N3.5m. The inflated price published by some writers is erroneous.
“The Alabis made an instant refund of N2.5m. I had to request for the payment receipts from the Alabis because I feel quite bitter about such manipulations and the grievous mob misinterpretations given to it.
“It is expedient to note that Integrity, transparency and accountability will always serve as the bedrocks to sustain healthy business relationships.
“You don’t ask a singer to ‘surprise’ a public-figure only to keep the celebrant anonymous and eventually ‘surprise’ the ‘surpriser’ at the venue. You will be more surprised!”
