Veteran Fuji musician Alhaji Abdul Azeez Oladeji popularly known as i love azeezdied at the age of 81 after a brief illness, ending a decades-long career in Nigeria’s traditional music industry.
The death of the respected singer was announced by Adekunle Abiodun, the General Secretary of the Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), who disclosed that Love Azeez died on Wednesday night at his residence in Lagos State.
FUMAN confirmed the singer’s death
Abiodun shared the news in a Facebook post, describing the late musician as the oldest Fuji artist and paying tribute to his legacy within the genre.
“So sad that Fujia’s oldest musician, Alhaji Love Azeez Adio Oladeji has passed away this evening after a brief illness at the ripe old age of 81 successful and fulfilling years on the living planet. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest, comfort his families, friends, admirers, professional colleagues and well-wishers to bear the loss due to non-recovery. RIPP Baba Wa Love Azeez L’Agege.”
Abiodun later disclosed that the veteran singer was buried on Thursday in accordance with Islamic rites.
Legacy in Fuji music
Love Azeez is widely regarded as one of the early figures who helped shape Fuji music during its formative years.
The genre emerged in Lagos in the 1960s and later gained national prominence pioneers such as Ayinde Barrister.
Over the years, the singer has remained a household name in the traditional Yoruba music scene, gaining the respect of fellow musicians and generations of fans. His longevity in the industry has made him one of the most recognized elders in Fuji music.
The news of his death caused reactions among music fans and colleagues, many of whom highlighted his contribution to the preservation of the genre.
His death marks the loss of one of the surviving pioneers of a musical style that remains an important part of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
