Meet Saheed Osupa’s Parents: Moshood Ajiwere Layeye and Taibatu Abeni Olatokunbo Adelanwa

Saheed Osupa, born Akorede Babatunde Okunola on August 7, 1969, in the Mosafejo area of Ajegunle, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a legendary Fuji musician, actor, and the originator of the Hip Fuji style.

Crowned the “King of Fuji” by pioneer Ayinde Barrister, Osupa has built a legacy that spans decades, blending Yoruba tradition with modern innovation.

Though born in Lagos, Saheed spent much of his childhood in Ibadan, Oyo State, where Yoruba cultural and musical traditions deeply shaped his upbringing.

His father, Moshood Ajiwere Layeye—a respected Wéré musician and cousin of Fuji icon Ayinde Barrister—passed down his musical passion, while his mother, Taibatu Abeni Olatokunbo Adelanwa, provided the family’s foundation of strength and discipline.

Of Yoruba descent and a practicing Muslim, Saheed grew up in a household where faith and culture were inseparable. His education began at Amuwo Odofin High School in Lagos, where he graduated in 1987.

He later earned a National Diploma in Business Administration from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in 1992. He also studied Networking Operations at American International College. Much later in his career, he obtained a Second Class Upper degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan in 2023.

Now 56 years old, Osupa’s personal life reflects Islamic tradition, as he is known to have multiple wives, including Azeezat Morenikeji Ayinke and Olabisi Muinat Yusuf, with reports of up to four marriages, alongside mentions of an ex-wife, Hajia Bisi Bisimilai.

He is also a proud father of eight children—six sons and two daughters. Among them are Quadri Akanni Olatokunbo Okunola, who joined the U.S. Army in 2025, and Moshood Babajide Okunola, both notable for carrying forward the family’s reputation.

Over the years, Saheed Osupa has released more than 40 albums, earning both critical and commercial success while amassing an estimated net worth of N450 million. His artistry is not limited to Fuji; he has acted in films, experimented with new sounds, and remained an influential figure in the Yoruba entertainment scene.

From the bustling streets of Ajegunle to international recognition, Saheed Osupa’s journey embodies resilience, creativity, and the enduring influence of family.

Moshood Ajiwere Layeye

Moshood Ajiwere Layeye was more than a father—he was a musical beacon whose Wéré artistry laid the foundation for Saheed’s Fuji empire.

A master of Yoruba percussion and call-and-response chants, Moshood filled their Ibadan home with melodies that captivated young Saheed. As the elder cousin of Fuji legend Ayinde Barrister, he connected Saheed to a musical dynasty, sharing tales and techniques that shaped albums like Fuji Fa Disco (1983).

Moshood’s philosophy of music as wisdom—blending proverbs with rhythm—resonates in Saheed’s lyrical depth. Though private about his personal life, Moshood’s influence as a mentor endures, fueling Saheed’s innovative fusions and global tours, a testament to a father’s spark that lit a king’s flame.

Taibatu Abeni Olatokunbo Adelanwa

Taibatu Abeni Olatokunbo Adelanwa was the quiet strength behind the Osupa household, balancing Moshood’s artistic fervor with nurturing stability.

Her role, though less documented, was pivotal in fostering Saheed’s discipline and ambition. From ensuring his education—graduating from Amuwo Odofin High School (1987) and earning a National Diploma in Business Administration (1992)—to supporting his musical dreams, Taibatu’s guidance was unwavering.

Her Yoruba heritage and maternal devotion resonate in Saheed’s songs about family and sacrifice, as well as in his own life as a father of eight. Taibatu’s legacy is the glue that held the family’s aspirations together, grounding Saheed’s rise to stardom with love and resilience.