Sayo Alagbe
LIKE the tragedy of victory, the pains after reflection on what could have been, are definitely features of belated cry. There are many ways in which opportunities come in disguise. Sadly, those who claim to know better, actually know little!
THE above introduction seems like an innuendo, yet, it is close to sarcasm too. As James Hadley Chase classic literature once echoes the same undertone: The Guilty is Always Afraid. Based on this premise, time and time again, the reality-check has shown that humans always repeat mistake, not history.
AMONG the available cliche this writer is familiar to, the most timeless among them is: truth is bitter. But it remains a pill that must be swallowed. This timeless assertion, was once made by Dr. Doyinsola Abiola— the wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, publisher of the defunct Concord Press and globally recognized winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election; best captures the ongoing feud between Evang. Tope Alabi and socialite-actress, Lizzy Anjorin.
Like Oliver Twist, issues within the caucus of the social elites, always go in cycle: to get the good, the bad and the ugly details of the fallouts. News never expires on their heads.
FOR days now and gradually moving to weeks, the media has been awashed with reports of a festering controversy involving the two women. It all began when fans of Lizzy Anjorin reportedly invited the gospel singer, Evangelist Tope Alabi to perform at the actress’s birthday celebration.
LIKE the rendezvous of goddesses, the arrangement, according to reports, included a payment of N2.5 million into Evangelist Tope Alabi’s account through her husband, who also doubles as her band manager. Everything was set—payment made, the date fixed, and expectations high. But hope was dashed!
SHOCKINGLY, neither of the two parties was fully aware of the other’s involvement. The celebrant, Lizzy Anjorin, had no idea who was invited to perform at her birthday, while Tope Alabi her self was in the dark about the person she was expected to serenade. It was only upon arriving at the venue that Evangelist Tope Alabi realized she had been booked to perform for Lizzy Anjorin.
THIS realization led to her abrupt departure from the event and a swift refund of the performance fee. The situation and the scenario cannot but ask questions on professionalism, personal grudges, and ethical conducts of the two strange bedfellows: who was wrong? Whose is at fault the most?
LET us go.
THE sudden and unexpected withdrawal on the part of Evng. Tope Alabi; sparked not only outrage among fans of both sides, but ignited war of words across social media and other online platforms. To many discerning minds, especially those with legal insight, the matter clearly reflects a professional breach of contract. The agreement was simple: Evang. Tope Alabi was paid to perform. Regardless of personal differences, a professional engagement ought to have been fulfilled, especially once payment was received.
MOREOVER, as a gospel artiste and soul-winner, known and loved across the nation, Evang. Tope Alabi was expected to act with the grace and humility befitting her calling. Even if she harbored personal reservations, she could have used the performance as an opportunity—perhaps, a divine one— to minister to someone she might consider her adversary. After all, God often works through unexpected circumstances.
SIGNIFICANTLY, it’s worth noting that human nature is riddled with flaws: envy, pride, and conflicts; are nothing new, but usually dimensional. From the beginning of time, friendships have evolved into enmities and vice versa. But spiritual maturity demands rising above such divisions. After all, it is part of what she uses her musical platform to promote. It is a matter of physician that needs to heal her self first.
FURTHERMORE, Evang. Tope Alabi’s decision to blackout, however sudden and shocking, could have caused severe emotional distress to a more sensitive individual. Fortunately, Lizzy Anjorin displayed resilience and strength, choosing not to let the incident break her spirit. But the damage to Tope Alabi’s reputation, especially among Anjorin’s supporters, is palpable.
SIMILARLY, those who contributed funds to invite her are likely disillusioned, and the incident may have cost her more than just a performance. It has soiled her goodwill, perforated her gospel messages, and eventually shows that she is human after all: not immune to temptation from flesh and blood. Lest we forget, she made wrong history too.
BEYOND our geographical locale, the former American President Jimmy Carter once noted, “No man is a saint. There is a difference between Christianity and religion.” Only God sees the true intentions behind our actions. Evng. Tope Alabi has buttressed Jimmy Carter’s assertion. There is no doubt about that.
WHILE there is no future in the past, it is not out of place to consider the path of honour and genuine repentance on the part of Evang. Tope Alabi to make moves to quickly heal the wounds she has open. Her image is at stake, her messages are at stake, and the public is waiting to see how everything will pan out!
FRANKLY too, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. It is presumed that those who had good intentions towards the duo, actually planned the surprised show to make the two of them walk new lane of life.
HOWEVER, this incident should serve as a lesson for those who like to give surprise birthday, party and performances; that no matter how good intentioned, can go awry when identities and expectations are not clearly communicated. If people wish to surprise their loved ones, it’s safer to do so with tangible gifts or gestures, not surprise appearances that could backfire and spread like wide fire!
LIKE the sun set, at the end of everything in the journey of life, life itself has no permanent friends or enemies. It is my earnest plea that Evang. Tope Alabi and Lizzy Anjorin bury the hatchet, resolve their differences, and create a peaceful atmosphere for the benefit of their fans, and their own peace of mind.
A WORD is enough for the other wise. Time will tell!
You can get every of our news as soon as they drop on WhatsApp ...To get all news updates, Join our WhatsApp Group (Click Here)
