DR SIKIRU AYINDE BARRISTER: A FUJI MUSIC ICON'S FIGHT FOR LIFE.

On the 28th of July 2010, rumours hovered around Nigeria that Fuji Music icon, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, popularly known as Alhaji Agba, had passed away. The news spread like wild fire and many of his fans in Europe and North America worked the phones to verify if the depressing story was true. In a matter of hours, Barrister's family issued a press statement refuting the story and evidence that the musician was alive was presented to the media. The legend was indeed still with us as he tried to recuperate on a hospital bed in a private hospital in Surulere, Lagos.

However, it is clear that unless urgent steps are taken by Nigerians and the Federal Government to see that Barrister receives first class treatment, Alhaji Agba might soon be lowered into his grave. RV's investigation has lifted the cover off a pot of information that will make you cry. According to our sources, Barry Wonder has been in and out of hospitals in the last three years. He is said to be suffering from a heart condition due to his weight and other related complications. After being flown to a respected hospital in India where he was operated upon without his sickness abating, Barrister is back in Nigeria to continue his battle to be healthy again. We've received information that Barrister left the Indian hospital because the bills were accumulating while his health was not improving. It is important to note that Barrister denied reports that he had visited Prophet Temitope Joshua's Synagogue Church of All Nations for succour in 2008. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister said he remained a Muslim and would not let his faith down by seeking healing in a church.

So what is Barrister's current state of health? According to our trusted sources, the Fuji exponent's condition is not really improving. Barry Wonder cannot sit or stand up without assistance from people. He also finds it difficult to recognize visitors who have been allowed access to him. Until recently, Barrister found it difficult to defecate but the situation has been arrested by the doctors treating him. Barrister's ailment has elements of hypertension and diabetes. He is said to have developed hypertension after his house was gutted by fire in 1996. Shortly after, his weight led to his being diabetic. RV has confirmed that Barrister sustained a leg injury in 1968 while he was serving as a soldier in the Nigerian Army during the civil war. The injury has troubled the Fuji star since then and the pains he feels has aggravated his bad state of health. Barrister has not featured on the Nigerian Music scene in recent times, and has only been able to perform while seated in the few live shows he honoured.

Though there are plans to fly him abroad for the second time for proper treatment, RV feels it is time for Nigerians and especially the Federal Government to rise to the occasion and ensure Barrister does not die unnecessarily. Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister is an ex-soldier who fought to make sure Nigeria remained one during the civil war ( July 6, 1967-January 15, 1970 ). He sustained his leg injury which has contributed to his present predicament as a serviceman. This is why President Goodluck Jonathan should intervene in this matter. Barrister is a National Hero and should be treated as such. It won't be out of place if the Presidency funds his treatment abroad and makes sure he is flown out immediately. The Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria ( FUMAN ) should go beyond asking for prayers from Nigerians and start a fundraising campaign to help one of their own. Nigerians at home and in diaspora can also write to Newspapers and Magazines calling for the FG's Intervention on this issue, and also help raise cash for Alhaji Agba's treatment. RV wishes Dr Sikiru Ayinde Barrister a quick recovery and more years of thrilling us with his brand of Fuji Music.

Sources: www.naijarules.com, nigeriafilms.com, artistdirect.com
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