Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Tope Alabi has come under serious fire and scrutiny after a certain video of her ministration went viral.
In the video, Tope Alabi could be seen using a certain word ‘iyalaya’ in what seemed she was simply giving honour to veteran Gospel singer Bola Are, stating that Mama is an elder to her as she also an elder to some people in the industry.
The award-winning singer continue using the word ‘iyalaya’ which is a popular phrase associated with touts.
She called on her listeners to give respect to Are prowess and creativity noting that the ace gospel singer has done a lot to merit the honour.
Tope who spoke in Yoruba language said, “If you see Mummy Bola Are and I’m there all you need to do is to face me and say that is your ‘iyalaya’ I know she is my ‘Iyalaya’ and any young artist who does not recognize me as her ‘iyalay’ is on her own.”
While reacting to the video, teeto_olayemi said this is the second time I get an embarrassment whenever she does thing like this. Like just Minister and go ma.
@nikelgrace said thank God for salvation, thug ni Anty yi.
@Sohigh_xy also reacted that “Iyalaya here and there. Though that was an abuse in Yoruba language.
However, @ato_ayinke who did not see anything wrong in what she was doing noted that, “You people have wahala…there is absolute nothing wrong with this video or what she said…she was simply giving respect to Bola Are and stating that Mama is an elder to her…the same way she is an elder to some new artists….she was simy asking for honour to be given to who itbis due…you people really need to refucr this wokeness.
Though this is not the first time Tope Alabi would be involved in viral video controversies.
In one of her ministration, the award-winning singer had used the word ‘aboru aboye’, which is a popular phrase used by a particular sect of traditional worshippers to greet each other.
The term had led traditional worshippers vibing to it and asking the gospel singer to identify with them.
This incident also drew backlash from social media users.
The ‘Logan Ti Ode’ crooner had also faced fierce criticism in June 2023, when she slammed popular gospel song ‘Oniduro Mi’, My Guarantor, I’m Grateful, by sensational gospel minister, Adeyinka Alaseyori.
While criticizing the term a Alaseyori used in praising God, Alabi said God is not her guarantor.
Adeyinka referred to God as ‘Oniduro’ in one of her songs but she found fault with this and publicly criticized the song and the singer, saying that the Holy Spirit did not approve of the term ‘Oniduro’ being used to describe God.
Alabi cited that when she tried singing the song, the Holy Spirit cautioned her, adding that if Adeyinka Alaseyori had sung the song from the Holy Spirit’s leading, she would understand that God is more than a guarantor and will not say such a word.
In February 2020, Tope Alabi was also seen in a viral video dancing ‘gbese’ during her father’s burial.
A social media user identified as Ephraim Akanji, while reacting to the viral video had noted that the gospel singer had derailed from the way of the Lord.
He wrote, “Tope Alabi is not displaying the glory of God as at before with her current lifestyle, ungodly dressing and dancing. Money is now controlling her not the Holy Spirit. Tope ti wonu aiye patapata.
