Exclusive: Gospel Icon Mama Deborah Fasoyin Alive — Family Debunks Death Rumours!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan, Editor‑in‑chief | Journalist at Sele Media Africa

In a swift response to swirling online speculation, veteran Yoruba gospel singer Deborah Adebola Fasoyin — affectionately known across Nigeria as Mama Fasoyin and widely celebrated for the perennial Christmastime hymn “Odun n lo Sopin” — is alive and well, family members have affirmed. Viral reports on social media claiming her death triggered widespread anxiety among fans and church communities, but authoritative statements from her son and multiple credible news outlets confirm the rumours are unfounded.

The death misinformation first gained traction on social platforms early Monday, March 16, 2026, where posts bearing her image alongside “RIP” messages circulated broadly, prompting condolences from well‑wishers and religious music followers. However, Korede Fasoyin, her son, issued an unequivocal statement to The PUNCH and other media outlets dismissing the trending narrative as false. He confirmed his mother is alive and that the family is preparing a video in which Mama Fasoyin herself will address the rumours directly.

“My mother is alive. The news of her death is fake. We are already doing a video for her to speak,” Korede told reporters, emphasizing that the family has been inundated with enquiries from both within Nigeria and the diaspora since the false claims began circulating.

Social media posts amplifying the unverified claim have been countered by multiple clarifications across platforms. Various online users and community pages highlighted that Mama Fasoyin’s death reports are baseless and urged the public to disregard them.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Born on March 1, 1940, in Oyo Town, Oyo State, Mrs. Deborah Adebola Fasoyin has been a pillar of gospel music ministry in Nigeria for more than five decades. Her life and career reflect a deeply rooted spiritual journey, crossing denominational lines and embedding Christian music within cultural celebrations. Through her leadership of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Good Women Choir in Ibadan, she helped popularize “Odun n lo Sopin”, which has become a fixture of worship and festivity across Yoruba‑speaking communities each year.

While some social chatter mistakenly credited her with composing the beloved song, Mama Fasoyin has, in past interviews, clarified that the chorus of “Odun n lo Sopin” predated her recording; it was a part of long‑held church revival traditions before being arranged and performed by her choir. Regardless, her rendition helped cement the piece in the national gospel canon.

Despite her advanced age — she recently celebrated her 86th birthday — Mama Fasoyin remains a respected figure within Nigerian gospel circles. Her contributions transcended entertainment, serving both spiritual inspiration and cultural continuity. Countless worshipers and music lovers associate her voice with faith, reflection, and the closing chapter of another year.

Broader Impact of False Rumours

The rapid ascent of this death hoax underscores the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital era, especially concerning figures whose legacies span generations. In Nigeria’s vibrant media ecosystem, celebrities and cultural icons frequently become targets of unverified narratives, often before official confirmation or denial emerges. In this case, prompt family communication and reporting from established outlets were instrumental in quelling public concern.

As of this writing, no credible news organisation has reported the death of Deborah Fasoyin; instead, reputable media sources — including The PUNCH, PM News Nigeria, Legit.ng, QED.NG, and Blueprint Nigeria — have published consistent updates affirming her health and the falsity of online rumours.

Looking Ahead

With the family’s planned video statement expected to provide further assurance, the public and gospel music community continue to rally around Mama Fasoyin with prayers and well‑wishes. Her life’s work has left an indelible imprint on Nigeria’s faith and music landscape — a legacy now underscored by a swift and transparent corrective to online misinformation.

Sources:

• PUNCH — ‘Odun n lo sopin’ singer Fasoyin alive, son dismisses death rumour (March 16, 2026)
• PM News Nigeria — Deborah Fasoyin not dead — son (March 16, 2026)
• Legit.ng — Odun n lo sopin singer reacts to death rumour (March 16, 2026)
• QED.NG — Deborah Fasoyin not dead, son dismisses viral rumour (March 16, 2026)
• Social media clarifications on rumour circulation (Facebook public posts)

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

www.selemedia.org