Tope Alabi and Liz Anjorin’s Birthday Controversy: A Story of Hidden Identity, Integrity, and Misunderstanding
The recent drama involving renowned gospel singer Tope Alabi and Nollywood actress Liz Anjorin has stirred social media conversations and sparked questions about transparency, personal boundaries, and professional ethics.
The drama began when Tope Alabi was reportedly booked to perform at a surprise birthday party, which unbeknownst to her, was for Liz Anjorin. Upon arriving at the venue and realizing the identity of the celebrant, the gospel singer refused to step out of her car and declined to perform — citing personal reasons. Alabi later returned the ₦2.5 million she had been paid for the engagement.
🔍 What Really Happened?
According to filmmaker and author Dr. Oreofe Williams, who acted as the go-between for the booking, Tope Alabi and her husband, Soji Alabi, were not told who the celebrant was. The engagement was presented as a generic birthday surprise, supposedly funded by a wealthy filmmaker who never revealed that Liz Anjorin was the person in question.
Dr. Williams clarified that:
The Alabis were paid ₦2.5 million, not ₦3.5 million as widely speculated.
The amount had been heavily discounted (by 70%) due to his personal intervention.
The identity of the celebrant was intentionally hidden—even from him—until the very moment the Alabis arrived at the venue.
Upon realizing they had been misled, Tope and Soji Alabi reportedly felt their conscience and principles were compromised, prompting them to politely exit the venue and refund the full amount.
🗣 Liz Anjorin’s Reaction
In a video shared online, Liz Anjorin criticized Tope Alabi for declining to perform at her birthday party, stating she could not be bullied and accusing the gospel minister of acting with pride. She even went as far as posting the payment receipt online, seemingly to add fuel to the ongoing public debate.
💬 Opinion: Who’s Really in the Wrong?
This situation is less about celebrity drama and more about respecting professional boundaries. Artists and performers, especially those in the faith-based space, often hold values that guide their decisions beyond money or fame.
Tope Alabi’s refusal to perform—once she learned who the celebrant was—was not based on hate, pride, or snobbery. It was based on a matter of conscience. In a society where many would have "just performed and moved on," her choice speaks to personal integrity—whether or not one agrees with her reasoning.
On the other hand, the party organizers and intermediaries failed by concealing critical information. Booking a surprise is one thing, but when dealing with public figures who stand for certain convictions, full disclosure is not optional — it’s ethical.
🎯 Takeaway:
The lesson here is simple: Transparency builds trust. Whether in ministry, entertainment, or business, no one likes to be manipulated. Even more importantly, people deserve the right to say “yes” or “no” with full knowledge of what they’re agreeing to.
Tope Alabi may have missed a performance, but she walked away with something more valuable — her conviction intact.
