- After a video went viral showing gospel singer Tope Alabi declining to perform at a surprise birthday party for Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin, Nigerian filmmaker Oreofe Williams addressed the controversy
- He clarified that Tope Alabi was paid N2.5 million, not N3.5 million as claimed
- Meanwhile, Lizzy Anjorin criticised her fans for spending money on the failed surprise party instead of supporting her business, insisting that N4 million was paid and providing evidence to back her claim
The controversy over gospel singer Tope Alabi’s refusal to perform at a surprise birthday party for Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Lizzy Anjorin has been addressed by her associate, Nigerian author and filmmaker Oreofe Williams.
On Saturday, April 5, a video surfaced online showing Lizzy Anjorin calling out her fans for spending heavily to bring Tope Alabi to her surprise birthday party, an effort that fell apart when the gospel singer refused to perform.
It was alleged that her fans paid Alabi N3.5 million to perform at the party, however, due to some reasons best known to the artiste and some speculations that the Nollywood actress and entrepreneur have a controversial relationship, the money was refunded.
According to Williams, the actual amount paid to Alabi was N2.5 million, not N3.5 million.
In a detailed explanation, Williams wrote:
"It was N2.5m and not N3.5 m that was paid to the Alabis. - The cost value was reduced by 70% to that amount because Uncle Soji Alabi considered my intervention.
“Some weeks ago, a filmmaker contacted me because he needed Evang. Tope Alabi. The filmmaker told me that he wanted to surprise 'someone he cherishes a lot'. No name was mentioned and I assumed it could be his wife or anybody."
Williams further explained that he contacted Soji Alabi and released his number to the filmmaker, who claimed to be funding the surprise party for a public figure.
However, the identity of the public figure was kept hidden, which raised suspicions.
Oreofe Williams explains why Tope Alabi refused to perform
Williams stated that when Alabi arrived at the event and discovered that the birthday girl was Lizzy Anjorin, she declined to perform.
Alabi reportedly felt that if Anjorin had wanted her to perform, she would have invited her personally instead of withholding the information.
With the refusal to perform, he added,
“The Alabis made an instant refund of N2.5m. I had to request for the payment receipts from the Alabis because I feel quite bitter about such manipulations and the grievous mob misinterpretations given to it.”
Williams defended Alabi, stating that she is not biased and has fans across religions and races. He emphasised that Alabi does not discriminate and has performed for people of different faiths and backgrounds.
“You don't ask a singer to 'surprise' a public-figure only to keep the celebrant anonymous and eventually 'surprise' the 'surpriser' at the venue. You will be more surprised!” He concluded.
Lizzy Anjorin reacts to the controversy
Lizzy Anjorin, the birthday girl, later addressed the incident on Instagram, stating that she couldn't blame the Alabis for their decision.
She criticised her fans for spending money on the failed surprise party instead of supporting her business.
“I am happy that aunty Tope Alabi disappointed you. Next time you'll listen to my advice. Yes, we have money but let's spend our money wisely.
“That money was huge, she was paid N3.5 million. If we take the money to the general hospital, do you not know how much people will benefit from it?”
"I don't celebrate birthdays, only a wicked person would claim I do. I'm not in a position to judge their reaction, but if I had invited them myself, I wouldn't have paid them anything," she said.
In another video, Anjorin further called out the gospel singer, stating that the money paid was in fact N4 million, releasing a receipt to support her claim, contrary to the initial report.
Pouring out her heart, she berated Alabi, stating;
“ Aunty Tope, my fans paid you N4 million and I have the evidence with me. Even if you were paid ₦500k, were you not an actress before? In acting, we were taught that if you are to kiss your enemy on a movie set, you must do it.
“When the world rejected you, I stood by you. I even play your songs not because I need them, but to support you. No matter how terrible you think I am, I’m not as bad as Prophet Ajanaku.
“You saw the goodness of God in my life when you were outside my place. You called me your sister. No matter how much they paid you, you should not have reacted that way. If you judge me, you are not God,”
She continued,
"I am holier than you, Aunty mi Tope. If we are to ask what is your impact in the society? I am holier than you. I have impacted lives than you, I have empowered lives than you. If you say you have empowered people, they are people who fed off you, not people in the society.
“I have done more good, I have added more value to the society than you, Aunty mi, If I should count them all, it will take more than a year. I have done beautifully well, I am pure. If you judge me, I am thankful that God does not judge me."
Reactions trail Lizzy Anjorin and Tope Alabi's controversy
Netizens have reacted to the controversy, with some finding it suspicious that the identity of the birthday girl was withheld from the artiste.
Others have defended Alabi, citing her reputation as a respected gospel artiste.
Here are some reactions below compiles by TheRadar;
@omolade__a wrote: “The would have drag her if she had sang with her When you pray please pray for spirit of Discernment.”
@oj_ojutohjawo_jewelries_89 wrote: “Iya Oní Ya Japa She Curse Children Like Babalawo And U Want Gospel Singer Anointed Of God To Sing For You, Tope Alabi Got There And The Spirit Asked Her To Turn Back, Esin Yen Ti Poju......”
@gloryaderonke9 wrote: “Is the spirit of discernment, not every Minister had it, am glad she returned bher money instantly.”
@emmieoluwa wrote: “Thank God she don return money.”
@godstempleglobal_ wrote: “Tope Alabi is a woman of Integrity, I'm sure she did not know it was Lizzy and I'm also sure she would have returned their money. I'm not saying Lizzy is evil or diabolic but A matured Christian who is Holy Spirit might not want to be associated with her. Let's even put religion aside, as an ordinary person there are some people you will meet and your spirit will not connect with them, you will not hate them but you will not like them either. God bless both women.”
@fearless_lion wrote: “What is he typing??? That still doesn't justify their actions.. God don say na inside church judgement go start.. Nonsense.”
@adoyen wrote: “2.5M is low for birthday surprise?? Now I know why the Pastors are screaming everyday about over charging..”
@ebony__tv wrote: “Why are they hiding the person name in the first place, “
@nana_hawwy wrote: “What does he even mean by they didn't mention her name? Didn't they mention that the person is a "public figure"? The fact that Aunty Tope's team didn't insist on knowing the exact person means they don't mind whoever it is.. so tell me what the issue is here? Isn't the person a public figure has stated? See I know Aunty Lizzy too do sometimes oo, but in this case Na Aunty Tope & her team F'ed up sha... Dem don refund make everybody move on.”
@bisolaoluyemi wrote: “I dnt think i will even wish to listen to her song or sing them anymore, she had prove to be more of mere body dan d body of christ that she is using has a coverup, same in her case with Alaseyori, igberaga ni gbera shanle, she had just one assignment truely if she is of Christ, use your platform to win her soul.simple.”
@lareto24 wrote: “I knew she was going to set ring light for her… today is just the first of many more days of dragging with sprinkle of Tope Alabi’s life story and Epe.”
@aretheyniyi wrote: “Doesn’t she not find it hypocritical to preach the gospel of God for cash, then failed to sing a short melody at the event? We can always be grateful that mankind is not all-powerful 🙏🏾🙏🏾.”
@BimbolaDan11032 wrote: “This wan pain lizozo 😂😂 no be by force to sing for you. Sebi you sabi fight the whole world. 😀 continue.”
@OyinNAdun wrote: “I no say the drama wey go follow this stunt no go be here… wetin aunty Tope Dey avoid go still happen… with Lizzy problem no Dey finish🤦🏽♀️😎.”
Alleged Harassment: Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo calls out colleague Liz Anjorin
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the dispute between actresses Iyabo Ojo and Liz Anjorin has been going on for quite a while.
In a new development, Iyabo has called out Liz for consistent cyberstalking and harassment.
She called on appropriate authorities to intervene in the matter.