Nigerian music star Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has shared an emotional tribute to his late son, Daniel Oyebanjo III, reflecting on the pain of losing the child and the journey his family has taken towards healing.
The singer’s heartfelt message, shared on social media, offered a rare glimpse into the personal grief he and his family have continued to carry since the tragic death of their son in 2018.
In the tribute, D’banj expressed how deeply he misses Daniel, whom he affectionately described as his family’s star boy. He also acknowledged the emotional burden his wife, Lineo Kilgrow, may have endured following the heartbreaking loss.
“I miss you Daniel D3rd, my son, and trust me, I can’t imagine how your mother feels, but we are in a safe space now,” the singer wrote.
D’banj went on to express gratitude for the strength his family has found over the years, noting that he, his wife and their other children have continued to move forward despite the painful experience.
He said he believed his late son would be proud of the family and the progress they had made since his passing.
The award-winning entertainer also reflected on how the tragedy had changed his understanding of life, suggesting that the experience had taught him lessons that went beyond words.
“Thank you for showing me what life really is as a whole,” he added.
In another touching part of the message, D’banj remembered his late uncle, Femi, whom he also misses. He asked his son to convey his greetings, adding a deeply personal and spiritual dimension to the tribute.
The singer concluded by reaffirming his enduring love for Daniel, declaring that his affection for his son remained strong physically, spiritually and powerfully.
Daniel died on June 24, 2018, at the age of 13 months, following a drowning incident in a swimming pool at the family’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. The tragedy shocked fans and the wider entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of sympathy for the singer and his family.
At the time, D’banj was reportedly in Los Angeles, United States, attending a music-related event when the incident occurred.
The loss was a devastating moment for the family, and the singer has spoken in the past about the difficulty of coping with the tragedy and the support he received from fans.
His latest tribute has once again drawn attention to the lasting impact of child loss and the deeply personal nature of grief, even for public figures whose lives often appear glamorous from the outside.
For D’banj, the message was more than a remembrance of his son. It was also an expression of gratitude for the strength to keep going, an acknowledgement of his family’s journey and a declaration that the bond between a father and his child endures beyond death.
Fans have continued to share messages of sympathy and encouragement as the singer remembers Daniel and reflects on the years since his passing.
