- Children of veteran Juju and Highlife singer Iyun Janet Ajilore, popularly known as Saint Janet, have revealed that the musician suffered sudden chest pain and respiratory distress shortly before her death.
- Relatives and band members confirmed that the energetic performer showed no prior signs of sickness, having delivered a full overnight stage performance in Sango, Ogun State, just hours before falling ill.
- A family-led committee has officially commenced a nine-day period of prayer and thanksgiving, with final funeral rites for the iconic entertainer scheduled for August 25 and 26.
The Nigerian entertainment industry and lovers of indigenous live music continue to mourn the untimely departure of veteran Juju and Highlife singer, Iyun Janet Ajilore, widely recognized by her stage name Saint Janet.
Eko Hot Blog reports that following days of speculation surrounding her sudden demise, the children and close associates of the celebrated musician have broken their silence, recounting the agonizing final moments preceding her passing at a local medical facility.
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Speaking during an emotional interview broadcast, her children disclosed that the energetic performer suffered severe chest pain and acute breathing difficulty shortly after returning from a routine market trip.
Her daughter, Omowunmi, explained that her mother had shown absolutely no physical signs of weakness or ailment during her final live engagement.
According to Omowunmi, Saint Janet delivered an energetic overnight performance at an event in the Sango area of Ogun State, receiving widespread applause from fans before returning home safely to rest.
Omowunmi detailed that after waking up from sleep the following morning, the singer went to the local market to buy food items and returned home around six in the evening.
Insisting on preparing a fresh meal for her household despite her busy schedule, Saint Janet completed her cooking and checked around the residence to ensure domestic chores were completed.
It was shortly after completing her culinary tasks that she suddenly clutched her chest, complaining to her children that she felt an unusual, heavy pressure that made regular breathing nearly impossible.
Realizing the severity of her condition, the family acted swiftly. Saint Janet was immediately transported to a nearby hospital by her brother and three of her children.
Omowunmi recalled that medical personnel admitted the artist within ten minutes of arrival and immediately administered emergency oxygen therapy in an attempt to stabilize her declining vital signs.
Reinforcing his sister’s account, the singer’s son, Orinayo, shared that the medical team moved rapidly to administer treatment upon her arrival at the facility.
However, despite the immediate emergency response and oxygen support, attending health workers were unable to detect a stable pulse shortly after admission, leading to her tragic demise.
Another daughter, Fola, who arrived at the hospital shortly after her mother was rushed inside, expressed profound grief while remembering Saint Janet as a deeply loving, selfless, and protective mother who consistently prioritized the happiness and welfare of everyone around her.
Her long-serving manager also corroborated the family’s statement, emphasizing that the singer was in high spirits throughout her last performance in Sango, where she spent time interacting comfortably with event organizers and fans in the audience after her set.
He added that Saint Janet had called him on the day of her passing to check on him, cheerfully mentioning that she was preparing soup and promised to call him back once finished.
The publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies first broke the news of her passing on social media, describing Saint Janet as an iconic figure whose vibrant stage presence and unfiltered party anthems earned her a unique place in Nigerian music history.
Celebrated as “Mama Yabis” by her devoted fan base, Saint Janet carved out a distinctive niche within the Highlife and Juju genres through her bold lyrical delivery, infectious stage energy, and masterly live band arrangements.
In the wake of her passing, the family has inaugurated a central funeral committee to oversee burial proceedings. A nine-day period of communal prayer and thanksgiving has officially commenced, culminating in final funeral services scheduled to take place on August 25 and 26.
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