By Ghazali Ibrahim
A viral video circulating on TikTok by a blogger, Charismatic Oba has prompted a swift response from individuals familiar with the life and legacy of Saliu Ololade Maja, the renowned Lagos businessman who rose to prominence in the early 1990s and was famously celebrated by Fuji legend KWAM 1.
In the video, a man who hawks soft drinks and water claims to be the late Saliu Maja, sparking confusion and concern among those who knew the real figure behind the name.
However, a source who grew up with the late businessman, Soku Olaribigbe has come forward to refute the claim, labelling the individual in the video as an impersonator.
“It’s important to clarify that the person in this video is not the real Saliu Maja who was famously serenaded by K1 in the early 1990s,” the source stated.
“I had the privilege of growing up alongside Saliu in Isale Eko, and later in Ikorodu, where he moved as a teenager.”
According to the clarification, Saliu Maja was a successful spare parts dealer at Owode Onirin and gained considerable wealth and respect within Lagos business circles.
His sudden death in 1993 left a deep void in the Ikorodu community, where he was widely admired.
The late Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oguntade Oyefusi, was reportedly devastated by Maja’s death, mourning him as a beloved son of the community.
“May the soul of Saliu Maja continue to rest in peace, and may he be remembered fondly by all who loved him,” the source added.
In an interview with BlackBox Nigeria, another source who requested anonymity said that “contrary to the claims of the man in the video, Saliu Maja died even before his father died and he never experience any setback in his business which will made him to be poor”
The source, whose father was a friend to Saliu Maja’s father confirmed this today that his father was conferred with the title ‘Baba Adinni’ in Owode Onirin area where the deceased lived his affluent life
The misleading video has raised concerns over the spread of false information on social media, particularly when it involves the identities of deceased individuals.
People and well-wishers of the deceased and fans of K1’s early work are now urging TikTok and other platforms to verify such claims before allowing them to go viral.
As of now, the impersonator’s motive remains unclear, but those close to the real Saliu Maja are calling for respect for his memory and legacy.
