Nigerian Police Officer Retires After 35 Years to Sing Fuji

After serving Nigeria for 35 years, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ishola Adeyinka is retiring to chase a dream he's been nurturing in secret: becoming a full-time Fuji musician.

Adeyinka, known on stage as AskariFuji 1, will hang up his uniform on April 11, 2026. He first joined the Nigeria Police Force at the Police College in Ikeja on April 1, 1991, dedicating more than three decades to law enforcement.

But throughout his entire police career, Adeyinka lived a double life. While most of his colleagues clocked out and went home, he was performing Fuji music at venues across Nigeria, becoming one of the first serving police officers to actively pursue the traditional Yoruba genre.

He made his retirement announcement official on March 20, 2026, during a live performance at The City Pulse Lounge in Ikeja. The event, called the "Itunu-Awe Dance Carnival," drew cultural figures and Fuji music fans who witnessed what many called a historic transition from public service to full-time artistry.

Adeyinka's unique journey doesn't stop at music. He also holds the traditional title of Mogaji in Ibadan, placing him at the crossroads of cultural leadership, entertainment, and law enforcement.

His retirement ceremony at the Police College will double as a celebration of both careers. Colleagues will honor his decades of service while Adeyinka performs, blending his past and future in one symbolic moment.

Why This Inspires

Adeyinka's story proves that reinvention knows no age limit. After 35 years in one of Nigeria's most structured institutions, he's showing that it's never too late to pursue what truly moves you.

His transition also brings fresh perspective to Fuji music. Themes of discipline, public service, and lived experience from his police work could reshape how the genre tells its stories.

For anyone who's ever felt stuck in their career path, Adeyinka's leap is a powerful reminder: your second act might be your greatest one yet.