Yinka Alaseyori marks Tope Alabi's birthday, fuelling talk of end to five-year rift
- Yinka Alaseyori posted birthday prayers for Tope Alabi on Instagram on Tuesday evening.
- The two gospel singers fell out in 2021 after Tope Alabi criticised Oniduro Mi.
- Neither singer has confirmed a reconciliation, but fans see the post as a possible thaw.
Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has publicly celebrated her senior colleague Tope Alabi on her birthday, the first such gesture in five years and one that has set fans talking about a possible end to their long silence.
Alaseyori shared a photo of Tope Alabi on Instagram on Tuesday evening with a message praying for grace, strength and mercy in her new year. She addressed her as "Ma L/Evang" and asked God's best for her "this day and beyond".
The two ministers fell out in June 2021 after Tope Alabi said in public that calling God a guarantor, as in Alaseyori's hit song Oniduro Mi, did not fully capture His power. Her comment drew heavy criticism online, with many Christians accusing her of envy. Since then, the two had not been seen together in public or commented on each other's posts.
Why it matters
Oniduro Mi became a worship staple in Nigerian churches and beyond, and the rift divided many gospel music fans. For ordinary Nigerians who follow both singers, Tuesday's post is the first sign in years that the two may be ready to make peace.
However, neither singer has said they have reconciled. Legit.ng reported that Alaseyori's message did not directly address the past quarrel, and that no confirmation has come from either camp. Daily Post said the post followed repeated calls from fans for the two to settle their differences.
Fans reacted warmly to the post. One Instagram user, @official_olamidegospel, thanked Tope Alabi for being a blessing to the body of Christ, while @aduralereadebanjo prayed that she would not fail in her ministry.
Alaseyori has had a busy period. She recently spoke about the challenges she faced with her band after a successful outing at The Experience, a Christian concert in Lagos, disclosing that she had disbanded eight members of her 12-man band two weeks before the show.
What happens next
Whether the birthday message leads to a full reconciliation is still unclear. Fans will be watching for any joint appearance, public comment or collaboration between the two singers.
