The renowned music minister, known for her powerful indigenous soul-stirring lyrics, recently performed in a yet-to-be-identified church.
In a video of the performance that surfaced online, the congregation can be seen dancing and singing praises to God as Tope Alabi and her backup singers performed.
However, a word she used in one of the songs has sparked a debate and backlash on social media.
Tope Alabi used the word ‘Aboru Aboye,’ which is a greeting language among traditional worshippers.
Reacting to the video, social media users criticized her for using such words in a church, while others questioned her spirituality.
One Instagram user, @Ccmoney, wrote,
“Why are people defending what they can’t? The greeting is limited to only the idol worshippers, most especially the Ogboni confraternity. Aboru Aboye; then the recipient would answer Aboye Bosise. If you’re still doubting this as a Yoruba person, please try to greet your parents by saying Aboru Aboye then come back to give me feedback.”
Another user, Olaxie, wrote, “She’s not supposed to use that word, but if you think she is right, then why are we not saying ‘ase’ in church instead of ‘Amen’?”
Meanwhile, some traditionalists have also reacted to the video. A popular traditionalist identified as obaelaifa on TikTok claimed that the singer was a part of their community and expressed joy that she used the slang, which, according to him, meant she was finally identifying with them.
Another group of traditionalists shared a video of themselves dancing to the song as they worshipped in their shrine.
Watch the video of Tope Alabi that caused a stir below,
Watch the traditionalists’ reactions below,
