DSP Ishola Adeyinka, AKA AskariFuji 1, Set to Retire from Police Force After 35 Years to Focus on Fuji Music
A senior officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Ishola Adeyinka—popularly known by his stage name AskariFuji 1—is preparing to retire after 35 years of service, pivoting fully into a career in Fuji music.
Adeyinka, who currently holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), will formally retire on April 11, 2026, concluding a policing career that began with his enlistment at the Police College in Ikeja on April 1, 1991. His departure marks the end of a long tenure in law enforcement and the beginning of a full-time journey in the entertainment industry, where he has maintained a parallel presence as a Fuji performer for years.
Dual Career Path
Throughout his tenure in the police force, Adeyinka actively performed Fuji music, earning recognition as one of the first serving police officers to maintain a professional music career. Fuji, a genre deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, has allowed him to balance law enforcement duties with cultural expression. Additionally, he holds the traditional title of Mogaji in Ibadan, placing him at a unique intersection of cultural leadership and artistic influence.
Public Announcement
Adeyinka announced his post-retirement plans during a live performance at The City Pulse Lounge in Ikeja on March 20, 2026, as part of the “Itunu-Awe Dance Carnival.” The event served as both a musical showcase and a platform for unveiling his full-time transition into music. Attendees—including cultural figures and Fuji community stakeholders—witnessed what many described as a symbolic shift from public service to artistry.
Retirement Ceremony
The officer’s official retirement ceremony will take place at the Police College, Ikeja, where colleagues and associates will celebrate his decades of service. Adeyinka is also slated to perform at the event, blending his outgoing career in law enforcement with his incoming path in music.
Cultural Significance
His transition highlights a rare career shift within the structured environment of the police force. Observers note that his background may influence his artistic direction, potentially introducing themes shaped by discipline, public service, and personal experience. For the Fuji genre, Adeyinka’s move represents an expansion of its narrative scope, as performers from unconventional backgrounds continue to shape its evolution.
Adeyinka’s journey exemplifies the broader theme of reinvention, demonstrating that major career transitions are possible even after decades in public service.