Lord Of Ajasa Becomes US Citizen, Declares Allegiance To New Country

Veteran Nigerian rapper Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, has attracted renewed attention to his music career after announcing that he has become a United States citizen.

The rapper shared the development with fans in videos and photographs posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, showing him displaying his US citizenship certificate alongside the American flag.

In one of the videos, the 44-year-old artiste declared that he was now a citizen of the United States, describing it as his new country.

“My fans, I’m now a US citizen; you all should know. This is my new country’s flag. I’m now fighting for my new country,” he said.

His wife, Funmi, was also present as he celebrated the milestone, which attracted congratulatory messages from fans and entertainment personalities.

Music producer Olumide Ogunade, popularly known as ID Cabasa, and singer 9ice were among those who congratulated the rapper on the development.

Beyond the citizenship announcement, the development has brought fresh attention to Lord of Ajasa’s contribution to the evolution of indigenous-language hip-hop in Nigeria.

The Ondo State-born musician rose to prominence in the early 2000s with songs such as “Ma Yi Lo” and “Le Fenu So”, earning recognition as one of the early artistes who helped popularise Yoruba rap among mainstream Nigerian music audiences.

He also worked with prominent musicians, including 9ice, Olamide and the late Da Grin, during his career.

Although he reduced his full-time musical activities around 2019 while dealing with health challenges, he continued to make occasional stage appearances.

His frequent travels to the United States for performances and other engagements had also maintained his connection with the country before the latest announcement.