Beautiful Nubia calls out BBO, Yinka Ayefele over ‘melody theft’ of his song ‘Seven Lifes’

The folk star, whose real name is Segun Akinlolu, took to his X account on Thursday to voice his frustration, alleging that both artistes lifted the melody from his 1997 hit without permission or credit.

Yinka Ayefele
In the tweet, Beautiful Nubia specifically called out Yinka Ayefele’s 2012 track ‘My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti),’ and a 2026 song titled ‘Amin’ by singer Bakare Boluwatife Oluwatobi, known as BBO.

He argued that both songs derived their core melodies from his original work ‘Seven Lifes’.

He further questioned when Nigerian musicians, particularly gospel artistes, would begin to respect copyright laws.

“There was Yinka Ayefele with “My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)” in 2012 and now someone called BBO with “Amin” this year. Both stole their melodies from our original song “Seven Lifes”,” he wrote.

“When will Nigerians (especially the so-called gospel musicians) learn to respect copyright?”

There was Yinka Ayefele with “My Faith in God (Igbagbo Ireti)” in 2012 and now someone called BBO with “Amin” this year. Both stole their melodies from our original song “Seven Lifes”. When will Nigerians (especially the so-called gospel musicians) learn to respect copyright?

—Beautiful Nubia (@Beautiful_Nubia) February 19, 2026

As of the time of this report, neither Ayefele nor BBO has issued a public response to the allegations.

Singer Bakare Boluwatife Oluwatobi, known as BBO.
The dispute adds to the list of copyright clashes in the Nigerian gospel scene. In a prominent 2024 case, gospel singer Sinach was sued by music producer Michael Oluwole (Maye), who claimed co-authorship of her international hit ‘Way Maker’.

Sinach defended herself, asserting she was the sole author of the track, which had gained global recognition prior to the producer’s involvement.

Listen to the songs below:

‘Seven Lifes’ by Beautiful Nubia

‘Amin’ by BBO

‘Igbagbo Ireti’ by Yinka Ayefele