In Yoruba culture they must remove any foreign material on a dead person before his burial - Omotoye Shirley Remi

A troubling post recently circulated online about the late singer Destiny Boy, alleging that instead of proceeding with his burial, his family was focused on removing his gold teeth. The claim sparked outrage, with many users accusing the family of disrespecting the dead and prioritizing material value over dignity and proper rites.

Amid the backlash, one controversial comment attempted to justify the act on cultural grounds: “In Yoruba culture they must remove any foreign material on a dead person before his burial, because they believe in recanation.”

While some defended this explanation as a cultural practice, others criticized it as misinformation and a convenient excuse for what looked like exploitation. The debate quickly shifted from grief and respect for the deceased to arguments about culture, tradition, and ethics. The incident highlights how sensitive moments of loss can be derailed by speculation, cultural misrepresentation, and distrust, deepening public outrage rather than fostering understanding.