Veteran Fuji musician Kolawole Ilori, better known as Kollington Ayinla, has shot down rumour that he is dead.
Fears over Kollington’s health heightened on Tuesday following reports that he was critically ill and had been placed on oxygen.
Sources close to the musician revealed that he was rushed to a private hospital in the Alagbado area of Lagos before he was transferred to the Lagos State University (LASUTH).
Although the nature of the illness has not been made public, there are reports that Kollington has been battling diabetes for a while.
A video of the musician in one of the super executive private wards of LASUTH was shared online by Lagos State government officials on Tuesday.
Speaking in a now-viral video, the 75-year-old said he is alive, hale and hearty.
Kollington also expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support and also thanked the hospital management for their care.
“I want to thank Lagosians. I want to thank the government of Lagos State Government and the management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and the team under the leadership of Adetokunbo O. Fabanwo. It is only God that can save life but I want to appreciate him and the team because I would have gone to the great beyond.
“I give it to the LASUTH. They are king for taking care of me. They deserve my salutations. LASUTH, LASUTH, LASUTH, you are king. They said I was dead, but I’m here speaking alive from the LASUTH now,” he said in Yoruba.
Why I didn’t have elaborate birthday party – Kollington Ayinla
Born in August 1949, the Fuji singer hails from Ilota in Kwara State.
He is fondly called General Kollington Ayinla, Baba Alatika, Kebe-n-Kwara and Baba Alagbado among other nicknames.
The Ijo Yoyo singer was formerly married to fellow musician Salawa Abeni.
