Nigerians mourn Sammie Okposo

Popular gospel singer, Sammie Okposo, has taken a bow from the world of mortals. He reportedly died on Friday, November 25, in Lagos after he slumped. He was aged 51. The singer is known for his hit song, ‘Wellu-Wellu’ which dominated the airwaves in the early 2000s.

Who is Sammie Okposo?

Born on May 30, 1971, Okposo was known for his energetic style of performing his songs. Gospel music was his forte and where he thrived for over two decades. Before his passing, he was married to his wife, Ozioma. The Delta State-indigene was the Chief Executive Officer of Zamar Entertainment. He performed on several stages nationally and internationally, and also bagged some awards for his works.

Infidelity issue

In January 2022, the singer confessed to cheating on his wife. In a lengthy post on Instagram, Okposo wrote, “Dear Friends, I need to bring a very unfortunate incident to your attention as I am not proud of it but know that this is the right thing to do.

“On my recent trip to the USA (late 2021), I got intimately involved with a lady, knowing that this was not appropriate as a married man and a minister of the gospel. I am ashamed and regret my actions as it has caused a lot of pain to my dear wife, Ozioma, my family and I.

“As I work in making peace with God, repenting and asking His forgiveness, I am suspending myself from all ministry work until full restoration as this is what is proper and what I know I owe God and His people.

“To my wife, Ozioma, I am sincerely sorry I put you through this shameful and embarrassing situation. I broke your trust and disappointed you. Your forgiveness of my moral failure and poor judgement is important to me. I pray I will eventually be able to build back the trust and confidence every single day forth.

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“I want to take this moment and apologise to all fathers and mothers of the faith and ministers of the gospel for my behavior and moral failure. Hence, I won’t be here if not for your investment and belief in what God has called me to do. I sincerely apologize for this embarrassing situation…”

A call to redemption

After the singer broke the news of his infidelity, he deactivated his social media accounts. After some days, he returned to social media, announcing that he is now a redeemed person.

He said, “I am free from the power of sin. I am no longer bound by the fear of men I am the righteousness of God in Christ. I am born of God, the life of God is in me; Christ in me the hope of glory I am free from the law, from the power of sin. Also, I am no longer bound by the fear of men.

“God’s grace is available, sufficient and working for me. Jesus already saved me not because of any works of righteousness that I have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”

Tributes for Sammie Okposo

The news of Okposo’s death was a shock to many persons Some of his fans and colleagues have taken to social media to pay their tributes to him.

A gospel singer, Tosin Bee, wrote, “Wow! I still can’t believe this. Just last night, we were talking about reaching out to you today that it is time to release this project that you love so much. You poured yourself into it, and constantly following up on the status. Just when we are about to release this project!”

Another gospel singer, Frank Edwards said, “What did I just hear? Uncle Sammie.” On his part, Comedian Woli Arole wrote, “May the Lord comfort the Okposo family. Rest in peace, Sammie Okposo.”