Nigerian music star Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, has paid an emotional tribute to his late son, Daniel Oyebanjo Jr., expressing his enduring love and the deep sense of loss he continues to feel years after the tragic incident.
In a heartfelt message shared on his X handle on Thursday, the singer reflected on the pain of losing his son, fondly known as Daniel D Third, while expressing gratitude for the strength and healing his family has found over the years.
Daniel Jr., who turned one in May 2018, tragically drowned in a swimming pool at the singer’s residence in Lagos on June 24, 2018. At the time, D’banj was reportedly in Los Angeles, United States, attending a music awards event.
Years after the devastating loss, the singer’s latest tribute offered a glimpse into his grief, his enduring love for his son and the emotional journey his family has undertaken since the tragedy.
In his touching message, D’banj revealed that he misses his son dearly and acknowledged the pain his wife, Daniel’s mother, may have endured.
“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. Thank you… omo baba eh, our family’s star boy,” he wrote.
The singer went on to express his belief that his family, including Daniel’s younger siblings, has found a place of emotional safety and healing despite the painful memories of their loss.
“Since you left, but thank you. I’m in a safe space, and so are your mother and your brother and sister. I’m sure you are proud of us,” he added.
Reflecting on the profound impact his son’s life and passing have had on him, D’banj expressed gratitude for the lessons he had learned through the experience.
“Thank you for showing me what life really is as a whole. Say hi to your Uncle Femi; tell him I miss him too,” the singer wrote.
He concluded the tribute with a powerful declaration of his everlasting affection for his late son, writing, “Daddy loves you specially, physically, spiritually, and powerfully.”
The singer had previously spoken about the emotional challenges he faced following Daniel Jr.’s death, revealing that the love and support he received from his fans played a significant role in helping him navigate the difficult period.
Speaking at the end-of-year party of a real estate company in December 2018, D’banj described the loss as one of the most difficult experiences of his life.
“I have been through tough times, but I believe that’s what makes one a man. You all know what happened to me recently when I lost my son; it was really a tough time for me,” he said.
He credited his fans for standing by him and his family during their darkest moments, acknowledging how much their support meant to him.
“But do you know how I was able to get through it? It was because of you, my fans. You showed me so much love and it really meant a lot to me and my family,” he stated.
Reflecting on the tragedy as a defining moment in his life, the singer added that the experience tested his strength but did not break his spirit.
“It is when certain things happen to you that you will know whether you are a man or not. That incident was a test for me, and I am glad that I’m still standing,” he said.
Through his latest tribute, D’banj has once again offered a deeply personal reminder of a father’s enduring love for his child, showing that even as life moves forward, the memory of a loved one remains forever etched in the heart.
