Nigerian Afro-gospel singer and songwriter Akinade Ibuoye, popularly known as Gaise Baba, has announced the passing of his father, Prince (Hon.) Ezekiel Gbadebo Ibuoye, the Ààrẹ Apọ́nlẹ́sẹ̀ of Okemesi Ekiti in Ekiti State.

The singer made the heartbreaking announcement on Wednesday through a statement shared on his social media pages, revealing that his father died on Saturday, November 22, at exactly 7:31 p.m.—a time painfully symbolic, as it came seven months and seven days after the death of his mother.

Gaise Baba, known for his soul-lifting songs and faith-driven message, expressed that although the double tragedy has weighed heavily on the family, they remain anchored in unwavering trust in God.

In his emotional statement, he wrote:

“On Saturday night, the 22nd of November, at 7:31pm, my Father – PRINCE (BARR.) EZEKIEL GBADEBO IBUOYE, Ààrẹ Apọ́nlẹ́sẹ̀ of Okemesi Ekiti, went home to be with the Lord, exactly SEVEN(7) months and SEVEN(7) days after his wife, our mother, passed on.
No guilt in life, no fear in death. Even with the pain of physical departure, we YIELD to God, and in all things, we give Him THANKS!”

The heartfelt announcement was signed by the singer on behalf of the Gbadebo Ibuoye family.

Earlier in the year, Gaise Baba had captivated gospel music lovers nationwide after releasing a refreshed version of the timeless Christian song “No Turning Back” featuring Minister Lawrence Oyor—a track that gained wide acceptance and strengthened his presence in the gospel music scene.

Opinion: A Painful Loss, a Powerful Faith

The death of Gaise Baba’s father—coming just months after his mother’s passing—reveals the type of emotional storm many would struggle to survive. For most families, losing one parent is devastating; losing both within such a short timeline can feel like the ground is shifting beneath one’s feet.

Yet, what stands out in Gaise Baba’s response is the remarkable strength of his faith. In a world where grief often leads to silence, confusion, or anger, he instead leans deeper into gratitude and surrender. His declaration, “No fear in death… we yield to God,” reflects a level of spiritual maturity that is both humbling and inspiring.

This moment also reminds us of the quiet burdens carried by public figures. While fans enjoy their music, laughter, or content, we often forget they, too, fight private battles—sometimes heavier than we can imagine.

As Gaise Baba mourns his father while still healing from his mother’s death, one thing is clear:
Faith does not remove pain, but it gives strength to walk through it.

The hope now is that the Ibuoye family finds comfort, unity, and peace during this season of loss—and that Gaise Baba continues to draw strength from the God he boldly proclaims in his music.