Another Popular Nigerian Singer Dies After Battle With Stroke: "End of Era"

Another Popular Nigerian Singer Dies After Battle With Stroke: "End of Era"

  • Veteran Urhobo music icon Johnson Adjan has passed away at the age of 82 after a remarkable career spanning over five decades
  • The revered musician was celebrated for preserving Urhobo culture through philosophical songs rich in proverbs, myths, and indigenous wisdom
  • Tributes continue to pour in as fans remember the man many described as a living encyclopedia of Urhobo history and tradition

Legendary Nigerian musician Professor Johnson Adjan has died at the age of 82 after a music career spanning more than five decades.

Widely known as Ogburine, meaning "song warrior," the iconic entertainer had battled several health challenges, including stroke-related complications and a prostate condition, PM News reports on Monday, June 15.

Johnson Adjan, Singer, Nigeria dead, Urhobo
Johnson Adjan passes away at the age of 82 after a remarkable career spanning over five decades. Photos: Johnson Adjan.
Source: Instagram

Concerned friends, family members, and admirers rallied around him, with a fundraising campaign organised to support his treatment.

In May 2025, his family released a statement assuring supporters that his health was improving and expressing gratitude for the overwhelming show of love.

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At the time, many hoped the music legend would continue to enjoy more years with his family and fans.

Born Johnson Ositejivwore Oyiborode Adjan on January 2, 1944, in Afiesere, Delta State, the late music icon spent much of his life promoting Urhobo culture through music.

In his touching tribute, Professor Sunny Awhefeada, Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, recalled how the singer's music dominated homes across Urhobo communities during the 1980s.

According to him, while children initially danced to the beats, adulthood revealed the profound wisdom hidden within the lyrics.

He described Adjan's music as a guide that helped many understand the philosophical integrity of the Urhobo worldview.

Gunmen kill rising singer in Lagos

Legit.ng recalls that in May, a fast-rising Afro-pop singer, Sabi, was killed in Lagos.

The artist, whose real name was Sabinus Chukwuebuka Nelson Obi, was reportedly killed in a late-night attack at a hotel in Lagos State.

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According to his younger brother, Kingsley, the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night, March 24.

He claimed that a group of unidentified young men stormed the hotel where the singer was lodged and opened fire.

Before his death, Sabi had begun carving a space for himself in Nigeria’s competitive music industry.

He gained attention in the early 2010s with his catchy Afro-pop sound, particularly with Show Your Style, a track that resonated with fans and later earned a remix featuring Oritse Femi.

Actor Patrick Okoye dies

In another development, Legit.ng earlier reported the death of veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Okoye, popularly known as Energy.

According to reports, the actor, who was also a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, died in the early hours of May 29.

The first announcement of his passing surfaced on the late actor’s official Instagram page around 11 am.

Nollywood, actor, Patrick Okoye, is dead
Actor Patrick Okoye dies on May 29. Photos: Patrick Okoye.
Source: Instagram

Actress Bukky Mountain dies in Ibadan

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Yoruba movie industry was once again thrown into mourning following the reported death of actress Bukky Mountain under sketchy circumstances.

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IK Ogbonna, Others Storm Abia State in Preparation for Alexx Ekubo's Funeral, Photo Evokes Emotions

According to emerging reports, the actress passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and was buried shortly after in line with Islamic rites.

While details surrounding her death remain unclear, a video capturing moments from her burial has made its way online.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Olaniyi Apanpa avatar

Olaniyi Apanpa (Entertainment Editor) Olaniyi Apanpa is a seasoned journalist with over 6 years of experience in sports, metro, politics, and entertainment reporting. He has written for renowned platforms such as Opera News, Scooper News, The PUNCH, and currently works as a Senior Entertainment Editor at Legit.ng. A graduate of English Education from the University of Lagos. He is also a trained Digital Marketer from the Digital Marketing Institute, Lagos. Contact: olaniyi.apanpa@corp.legit.ng.