Akinloye "Akiin" Oreoluwa Tofowomo

It is with profound solemnity and total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing of Akinloye Tofowomo — fondly known as Akiin Shuga, beloved husband, father, son, brother, mentor, and Nigeria’s most celebrated live band leader. He departed on October 30th, 2025, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, at the age of 50.

Born into the distinguished family of Late Honorable Justice S.A. Tofowomo and Pastor Mrs. Juliana Fagbure, Akinloye hailed from Ile-Oluji, Ondo State. At the age of five, he survived polio — a challenge that never defined him, but rather fueled his extraordinary journey of resilience, creativity, and impact.

A Life in Music and Meaning

Akiin Shuga was the Grandmaster of live performance — a visionary who redefined the Nigerian entertainment landscape. As Managing Director of Shuga Entertainment and founder of the iconic Shuga Band, he led with innovation, excellence, and joy for three decades. From “My Lady” and “I Can Walk” (produced by Cobhams Asuquo) to the acclaimed Shuga Coated Album (produced by Dr. Wilson Joel), Akiin’s music celebrated love, resilience, and the vibrant pulse of Nigeria’s live music scene.

He attended Federal Government College Enugu and was a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston. He combined artistry with enterprise, advocating for structured business models in entertainment through his “Melody Trader Series.” His leadership extended beyond the stage — mentoring young artists, elevating standards, and creating platforms for inclusive expression.

Legacy of Advocacy and Humanity

Akiin Shuga was Rotary International’s Celebrity Polio Ambassador and a Paul Harris Fellow. His voice and influence were instrumental in Nigeria’s historic declaration as polio-free by the World Health Organization. In 2009, he founded the Shuga Limb Foundation to empower the physically challenged and underserved — a testament to his belief that no man should be limited by circumstance.

He was honored as Ambassador of Music by the Association of Nigerian Musicologists and the Department of Theatre Arts, Lagos State University, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from City People Music Awards for his remarkable contributions to the growth of the music industry.

In 2024, Akiin Shuga was named to the Top 60 Power List by APPOEMN (Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers of Nigeria), recognized as one of the Most Influential Event Professionals in Nigeria — a testament to his enduring legacy in shaping the sound and soul of the Nigerian event industry.

The Man Behind the Music

Beyond the spotlight, Akiin was a man of deep spirituality, intellect, and warmth. He found joy in chess, meditation, reading, football, and long drives with his family. His greatest happiness came from shared laughter, quiet moments, and the love of those closest to him.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Tofowomo; his children, Adebola and Oludara; his mother; siblings; and a wide circle of friends, live band members, and admirers around the world whose lives he touched with his music and spirit.

His Legacy Lives On

Though he has departed, Akiin’s dream, and music live on. The Shuga Band will continue his legacy of excellence, kindness, and joy will endure in every note played, every life uplifted, and every smile his music brings.

 Memorial Arrangements

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, Saint John, New Brunswick. A series of Tribute & Service of Songs will be held across cities to honor his life and legacy:

Maryland, USA – November 19

Ibadan, Nigeria – November 23

Lagos, Nigeria – November 25

London, UK – November 27

New Brunswick, Canada – November 28 & 29Rivercross Church, 61 Forbes Dr, Saint John, NB

Service of Songs: November 28, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Funeral Service: November 29, 10:00 AM

Interment: Fernhill Cemetery, 200 Westmorland Rd, Saint John, NB

In His Honor

For those who wish, donations in Akiin’s memory may be made to:

War Amps (Canada)

River Cross Church (Canada)

Shuga Limb Foundation (Nigeria)