So, what really happened behind the scenes of this dramatic birthday event? Let’s break it down.
Filmmaker and author, Dr. Oreofe Williams, who facilitated the booking, shed light on what went down.
When the Alabis finally got to the venue, they were shocked to discover that the performance was for Liz Anjorin—someone with whom, according to reports, Tope Alabi has personal reservations.
Feeling blindsided, Tope Alabi made a decision: she wouldn’t perform. She didn’t even leave the car.
Dr. Williams revealed that this wasn’t about animosity toward the actress, but about the fact that the Alabis were denied the "privilege of a choice by conscience."
Despite some online reports claiming ₦3.5 million was paid for the performance, Dr. Williams clarified that the actual amount was ₦2.5 million, paid in three tranches.
At the heart of this controversy lies a powerful message about professional boundaries and integrity.
A Surprise Gone Wrong
What was meant to be a joyful surprise for Nollywood star Liz Anjorin took an unexpected twist when gospel music powerhouse Tope Alabi refused to step out of her car, let alone perform.According to insider sources, the issue wasn’t about money, attitude, or performance—it was about principles.
Tope Alabi, booked through intermediaries, was unaware of the true identity of the celebrant until she arrived at the venue.
Tope Alabi, booked through intermediaries, was unaware of the true identity of the celebrant until she arrived at the venue.
And when she realized it was Liz Anjorin, she reportedly chose to walk away from the gig—literally and figuratively.
But why?
But why?
The Mysterious Booking
Filmmaker and author, Dr. Oreofe Williams, who facilitated the booking, shed light on what went down.
According to him, a filmmaker reached out with a simple request: to surprise someone he “cherishes a lot.” No names were dropped.
No red flags were raised. The assumption was that it might be a close family member or significant other.
Williams, trusting the request, connected the filmmaker with Soji Alabi—Tope Alabi’s husband and manager.
Williams, trusting the request, connected the filmmaker with Soji Alabi—Tope Alabi’s husband and manager.
Despite initial concerns about their tight schedule and the discounted fee, the Alabis agreed to perform, thanks to Williams' intervention.
However, the problem wasn’t about price or availability. It was about transparency and consent.
However, the problem wasn’t about price or availability. It was about transparency and consent.
Identity Concealed Until the Last Minute
When the Alabis finally got to the venue, they were shocked to discover that the performance was for Liz Anjorin—someone with whom, according to reports, Tope Alabi has personal reservations.
Feeling blindsided, Tope Alabi made a decision: she wouldn’t perform. She didn’t even leave the car.
Dr. Williams revealed that this wasn’t about animosity toward the actress, but about the fact that the Alabis were denied the "privilege of a choice by conscience."
In other words, they felt manipulated. And in a business that relies on mutual respect and trust, that’s a deal breaker.
Money Refunded, Drama Ensues
Despite some online reports claiming ₦3.5 million was paid for the performance, Dr. Williams clarified that the actual amount was ₦2.5 million, paid in three tranches.
The money was fully refunded by the Alabis after they declined to go on with the performance.
Liz Anjorin, in response, went online to vent her frustration, sharing receipts and slamming Tope Alabi for backing out.
Liz Anjorin, in response, went online to vent her frustration, sharing receipts and slamming Tope Alabi for backing out.
She insisted that she couldn’t be bullied and felt disrespected by the turn of events.
The Bigger Picture: Respect, Consent, and Integrity
At the heart of this controversy lies a powerful message about professional boundaries and integrity.
No matter how popular or public a figure may be, everyone deserves the right to choose who they associate with—especially when their brand and beliefs are at stake.
Tope Alabi and her team have built a reputation for honoring diverse audiences—Christians, Muslims, and people from different walks of life.
Tope Alabi and her team have built a reputation for honoring diverse audiences—Christians, Muslims, and people from different walks of life.
But in this case, it wasn’t about faith or fame. It was about being misled.
As Dr. Williams aptly put it:
“You don’t ask a singer to ‘surprise’ a public figure only to keep the celebrant anonymous and eventually ‘surprise’ the ‘surpriser’ at the venue.”
Final Thoughts
Tope Alabi’s refusal to perform at Liz Anjorin’s surprise birthday wasn’t a diva move—it was a stand for clarity, honesty, and personal boundaries.
As Dr. Williams aptly put it:
“You don’t ask a singer to ‘surprise’ a public figure only to keep the celebrant anonymous and eventually ‘surprise’ the ‘surpriser’ at the venue.”
Final Thoughts
Tope Alabi’s refusal to perform at Liz Anjorin’s surprise birthday wasn’t a diva move—it was a stand for clarity, honesty, and personal boundaries.
In an industry often driven by hype, this incident reminds us that integrity still matters.
And maybe next time, those planning a surprise might want to be a little less surprising—at least to the performers.
And maybe next time, those planning a surprise might want to be a little less surprising—at least to the performers.
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