Tope Alabi Speaks On Controversy Over Song Lyrics, ‘Aboru Aboye’

Popular Nigerian gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has responded to a controversy arising from a viral video.

In this video, Alabi is seen singing in Yoruba, using the phrase ‘Aboru Aboye,’ a greeting common among Ifa initiates.

In her song, Alabi referred to herself as ‘ebo,’ meaning sacrifice in English, and sang, “Abiye ni mi, Oruko mi ni yen. Mo de bo, mo ru, mo ye,” which translates to “I am a sacrifice, that’s my name. I am a sacrifice accepted by God, that’s my name.”

These lyrics sparked mixed reactions from her fans and some Christian leaders who questioned her choice of words.

In a recent video, Alabi, who was ministering in a white garment church, clarified that the phrase “Aboru Aboye” is pure Yoruba and is not solely used by traditionalists.

Further explaining her usage of the language, she referred to the bible and highlighted that her unique application of the language is a characteristic feature of her as a gospel artist.

She said, “It was recorded that David made a sacrifice of faithfulness to God. Why was the word sacrifice not written as the same English word in the Yoruba version of the Bible? It is a Yoruba language. There is no special language for traditionalists. We are all speaking the Yoruba language.

“If some people say they want to use the language in their own style, it is not bad. We have also decided to use it in our own style.”

While reiterating that sacrifices were rendered in the bible, she further queried saying, “Was Abraham’s sacrifice accepted or not? Was it not the same with Isaac?”

In establishing her points with specific reference to a bible passage which is Romans 12:1, she said, “Brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. The word ‘acceptable’ is the ‘Aboru’ while ‘living sacrifice’ is Aboye.”