Ibadan drummer whose photo sold for ₦2M as NFT passes away

The popular Ibadan drummer, whose image became an internet sensation after being sold as an NFT for ₦2 million, has passed away.

The elderly drummer gained recognition in 2022 after photographer Adisa Olashile captured and sold his portrait as a digital asset. Olashile had shared how the man regularly played for corps members during their Community Development Service (CDS) in Ibadan. In a show of kindness, he gave the drummer half of the proceeds from the NFT sale.

Announcing the sad news on social media, Olashile expressed his grief, writing:

“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un, Baba Onilu has gone back to his creator May Almighty grant him Aljanatul Firdaus Help me send a prayer to him ”

His passing has sparked an outpouring of emotions online, with many paying tribute to the legendary drummer and praying for his soul.

Read some netizens’ reactions below;

COCKTAIL VENDOR in IBADAN/LAG: “Remember this man during my Nysc at egbeda local government. May God grant him eternal rest.”

Betty: “This Baba beat drum for us at Egbeda secretariat during my service year in Ibadan. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

Royal priesthood: “Secretariat Egbeda local government in Ibadan. Then I took pics with him and gave him money. Immediately I saw this post had to go and check our pics together. RIP baba.”

Military Nurse: “I also made snap with this Man when I was still serving and passing out at Ibadan North NYSC Secretariat thennn…Rest in peace Legend.”

@YeyeOba001: “May his soul rest in the warmth of God’s embrace. Thank you for putting a lasting smile on his face.”