1.
The morning the news of the death of Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun popularly known as Dagrin broke out, I was on the coarse soil of the Gidan Kwano campus of the Federal University of Minna. I was at 300 Level. We had an examination to write but apart from the seriousness of the atmosphere, something else had happened, an overwhelming dark theme was suspended above our heads. Heavy. As we filed out in groups into the stadia overlooking the senate building, I saw many of my colleagues in different shades of green, wearing long faces and having mournful conversation. I didn’t know what that was for. I didn’t know who the chap who died was but I soon knew. He was the indigenous rap genius that was becoming a sensation among young folks around that time. He was involved in a car accident in Lagos a week earlier (his car collided with a stationary truck at Mushin, Lagos) and succumbed to the injuries he sustained from that accident at Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH) . He died on 22 April 2010 at 25, full of vigour, strength and deeply promising. He was alone in that car. He was coming from a party, he was probably tired and tipsy.
September 1, 2025, another news broke. This time the news came with the dismissal of a joke. I was on facebook and I read the first post, “Sanku had died.” Sanku was a comedian so it had better be a joke, I searched a little and some social commentators said it was a publicity stunt. I forgot about it and went about my business. By the third day, we all knew Sanku was not pranking his audience. He was involved in a car accident on the Ogbomoso–Oyo Road in Ibadan, Nigeria. He was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
He started creating comedy skits in 2021 and gained widespread attention in 2024 after some of his videos became viral. Known for relatable comedy, everyday situations, storytelling, pranks, and distinctive digital content. He had about 1.9 million Tiktok followers. His humorous skits struck a chord with especially younger audiences. I loved watching Raji Samad Adetola popularly known as Sanku, he was spontaneous and effortlessly funny and his demise felt like a sharp punch. I have not recovered till today. He died at 25.
2.
Born on 8 June 1996 Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba popularly known as Mohbad was a phenomenal talent breakout from the heart of Lagos, Nigeria. He was one of the leading street-hop artists of his generation, alongside Zinoleesky, Bella Shmurda, and Seyi Vibez with many hit songs. 12 September 2023, Mohbad passed under the most unclear circumstances as the cause of his death has not been ascertained including several legal baggage surrounding the paternity of his son, record label disputes and alleged use of drugs and many others.
3.
You are not prepared for these gloomy stories, I know. But talents lose their lives due to lack of proper management. The numbers are jaw-dropping. These kinds of deaths, disparities and loss happen everyday and are largely avoidable. That is the reason I am writing to you. The path to stardom is lined with the obituaries and candle nights of youngsters who should have been here today, in circular and religious circles. Young folks tend to run out of their coverings when they hit the limelight. They have no parents in sight. No guide, no mentor, no system to manage the sparks of their possibilities. And no, they are not entirely reckless. These guys undergo some of the most rigorous processes that test their talent, resolve and doggedness. Their work ethic is incredible, they work round the clock to write and produce songs, create content/skits, whatever their line of endeavour is, they earn every right to clinch all the records and recognition that is mentioned with their names. But,
The Counsel
Dear friend, stay within the camp. Don’t follow the trail of light when your season arrives. Make your sleepless nights, days of waiting and incredible talent count. The street is not as safe as it looks. I understand that you left home to feed home. I also understand that you got everything you have on the street, but don’t stay there. Do not pitch your tent among strangers. Don’t trust your life, wealth and family with them. Do not overuse your freedom. The death of Sanku hit me so hard that I had to write this piece. You might not know him, he might not practice your religion, you might not be a fan because he is secular, but he represents the population of youngsters we lose every year to indiscretion. When I was a younger man on campus, I saw young people’s creative indiscretions. They risk their lives, conduct wild parties, roam at night and take all sorts of substances. When they go to congresses and one of them drives, they speed with little caution. I immediately sacked myself from such explorations. The year I graduated, some students in my university and other universities drowned in pools while they were celebrating their graduation. Yes, people die everyday even with the best care, but certain deaths are avoidable and that is the purpose of this letter. You will be wildly successful and when you are, stay within the camp.
You would think that this only happens to entertainers and people with wild lifestyles, no. I have spoken with gospel singers who travel at night to attend shows and concerts to create systems that protect them. Put your safety first. Let your friends know where you are ministering, use registered cabs, share your location with whoever should know, arrive early before dusk to locations you are not familiar with and do not agree to such places when it is too late to plan. If you put yourself in harms way, ministry will continue. Your talent, star and effort is worth protecting. Share this with friends and young stars in your network. The future is worth waiting for.
Stay protected and breakthrough from within
©Abiola Iyiola, 2025
