The children of veteran Nigerian Juju and Highlife musician Iyun Janet Ajilore, popularly known as Saint Janet, have said she complained of chest pain and had difficulty breathing shortly before her death.
The family disclosed this in an interview with Alore TV published on YouTube on Tuesday, August 12, 2026.
According to her daughter, Omowunmi, the singer performed at a show in Sango, Ogun State, on the night before her death and showed no sign of illness.
She said Saint Janet completed the overnight performance, returned home and slept, adding that the audience had applauded and celebrated her during the event.
Omowunmi explained that the singer went to the market the following day and returned home around 6 p.m., after which she insisted on cooking her own meal.
She said she later noticed her mother holding her chest and complaining that she felt as if something was pressing heavily on it, while her breathing became irregular.
According to her, Saint Janet then requested to be taken to the hospital.
Omowunmi said their uncle and three of her siblings took the musician to the hospital, where she was admitted and placed on oxygen within about 10 minutes of arrival.
Her son, Orinayo, said the singer was attended to immediately but later lost her pulse.
He stated that doctors were trying to check her pulse when she passed away.
Another daughter, Fola, said she arrived at the hospital only to be informed that her mother had died.
Fola added that Saint Janet had not been known to be ill and described her as a caring mother who always looked after the people around her.
The singer’s manager, who worked with her for several years, also said she showed no sign of illness during her final performance in Sango.
He explained that after performing, she returned to sit among the audience and spoke with the event organiser, adding that she sang well and appeared healthy.
The manager further revealed that Saint Janet called him on the day of her death and said she was preparing soup and would call him back later.
The family has set up a committee to oversee burial arrangements.
A nine-day prayer and thanksgiving programme has begun, while the funeral has been scheduled for August 25 and 26, 2026.
Saint Janet’s death was announced on Sunday, August 10, 2026, by publisher and socialite Otunba Femi Davies in a Facebook post.
He described her as a popular Juju and Highlife musician known for her energetic stage performances, vibrant live shows and distinctive party-oriented style.
The veteran singer was widely respected within Nigeria’s Juju music community and had built a loyal following over the years through her dynamic performances and unique musical identity.
