Queen Salawa Abeni , the lady waka queen Shared her traumatic experience of paralysis of six years with a front line media personality coupled with the miracle that restored her life
I was ill for about six years. It all began around 2008, and I didn’t fully recover until six years later. During that time, I couldn’t perform or attend any social events—I was completely paralyzed. Walking was impossible, and all I could think about was how to get back on my feet. I prayed to Allah constantly to help me regain what I had lost.
What exactly happened?
It’s hard to describe. The illness came suddenly and left me unable to walk or do anything. It was a severe form of paralysis. Only God knows how I survived it. I thank Almighty Allah every day because many wouldn’t have made it through such an ordeal.
I am deeply grateful to my family, my children, my loyal band members, and to people like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who stepped in to support me, especially after my recovery.
To be away from work as an entertainer for six years is no joke. Yet, my band boys stood by me faithfully—they didn’t leave. That’s not something you see every day.
What was on your mind during those difficult years?
I was filled with questions. Would I ever walk again? Would my life and career end this way? I had worked hard since I was a teenager, and just when I was starting to enjoy the fruits of my labor, everything crumbled. I sold my houses, cars, jewelry—everything—to manage the illness. It was devastating.
Did you reach out for help?
At first, I didn’t. I thought it was a temporary setback. But as the illness worsened, I began to reach out to friends. Some responded, others didn’t—even stopped picking my calls. I was hurt but not bitter. I just kept trusting God.
Do you know what triggered the illness?
I believe it began after I lost my son, Lanre. The shock raised my blood pressure, and soon after, other symptoms developed. My mother, who was still alive at the time, kept praying for me.
