This blog post aims to provide an overview of some of the most controversial Nigerian celebrities and the scandals they have been involved in.
The purpose of this post is not to promote or condone negative behavior but to shed light on the importance of holding public figures accountable for their actions and the impact their controversies can have on society.
By highlighting these celebrities’ activities and controversies, readers can gain insight into the entertainment industry’s dynamics in Nigeria and its relationship with societal norms and expectations.
1. Naira Marley
Naira Marley, born Azeez Fashola, is a Nigerian musician, rapper, and songwriter. He rose to fame with his hit song “Issa Goal” in 2017 and has since gained a massive following in Nigeria and beyond. His style of music, which he describes as “AfroBashment,” is a fusion of Afrobeats, bashment, and hip-hop.
Controversial activities:
Despite his success, Naira Marley has been involved in several controversial activities that have brought him negative attention. Some of his most notable scandals include:
Arrest for internet fraud:
In 2019, Naira Marley was arrested and charged with cybercrime-related offenses by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He spent several weeks in detention before he was granted bail.
Violation of COVID-19 protocols:
In 2020, Naira Marley was among the Nigerian celebrities who were criticized for flouting COVID-19 protocols during the pandemic. He was arrested and charged to court for hosting a concert that violated the government’s ban on large gatherings.
Support for cybercrime:
Naira Marley has been criticized for glorifying internet fraud, also known as “Yahoo Yahoo,” in his songs and on social media. He once tweeted that “Yahoo is not a crime,” which sparked outrage among Nigerians and led to a backlash against him.
Lyrics promoting violence and indecency:
Naira Marley’s lyrics have been criticized for promoting violence, indecency, and other vices. For example, his song “Soapy” was banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for its explicit lyrics and message.
These controversies have earned Naira Marley a reputation as a controversial figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. However, he remains popular among his fans, who see him as a voice for the youth and a symbol of freedom of expression.
2. Tonto Dikeh
Tonto Dikeh is a Nigerian actress, singer, and philanthropist. She rose to fame in Nollywood (the Nigerian film industry) after starring in the movie “Holy Cross” in 2007. Since then, she has appeared in several other movies and TV shows and has also released a few music singles.
Controversial activities:
Tonto Dikeh has been involved in several controversies throughout her career, some of which include:
Marriage and divorce:
In 2015, Tonto Dikeh got married to Oladunni Churchill, a Nigerian businessman. The marriage was highly publicized, but it did not last long as the couple got divorced in 2017. The divorce was messy, with both parties accusing each other of infidelity, domestic violence, and other issues.
Substance abuse:
Tonto Dikeh has been open about her struggles with substance abuse, including her addiction to smoking marijuana. In a 2018 interview, she revealed that she had been smoking since the age of 13 and that it had affected her personal and professional life.
Controversial statements and actions:
Tonto Dikeh has made several controversial statements and actions in the past, including insulting other celebrities on social media, posting raunchy photos and videos, and using vulgar language in public. In 2019, she was criticized for promoting a bleaching cream on her Instagram page, which was seen as promoting colorism.
Legal issues:
Tonto Dikeh has also been involved in several legal issues, including a copyright infringement lawsuit filed against her for allegedly using a photographer’s work without permission.
These controversies have earned Tonto Dikeh a reputation as a controversial figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. However, she has also used her platform to advocate for social causes and support charitable initiatives, such as her Tonto Dikeh Foundation, which focuses on supporting underprivileged women and children in Nigeria.
3. Davido
Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, and record producer. He gained popularity in 2011 with his hit single “Dami Duro” and has since become one of the biggest names in the Nigerian music industry. He has won several awards, including BET Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards.
Controversial activities:
Despite his success, Davido has been involved in several controversies that have brought him negative attention. Some of his most notable scandals include:
Paternity drama:
In 2017, Davido was embroiled in a paternity drama after a woman named Ayotomide Labinjo accused him of fathering her child. Davido denied the allegations and even went as far as to take a DNA test, which came back negative.
Assault accusations:
Davido has been accused of assaulting several people, including a taxi driver in 2017 and a bouncer in 2019. The incidents led to legal battles and negative publicity for the musician.
Involvement in political campaigns:
Davido has been involved in several political campaigns in Nigeria, including supporting his uncle’s gubernatorial bid in 2018. However, his involvement has been criticized by some who believe that musicians should stay neutral and not get involved in politics.
Music video controversy:
In 2020, Davido was criticized for his music video “FEM,” which was seen as insensitive to the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria. Many Nigerians felt that the video was released at an inappropriate time and did not address the issues raised by the protests.
These controversies have earned Davido a reputation as a controversial figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. However, he remains popular among his fans, who see him as a talented musician and a voice for the youth.
4. Bobrisky
Bobrisky, born Idris Okuneye, is a Nigerian internet personality and cross-dresser. He gained popularity on social media for his unique appearance, which includes heavy makeup, wigs, and feminine clothing. He has also been known to post controversial content on his social media platforms.
Controversial activities:
Bobrisky has been involved in several controversies, some of which include:
Gender identity:
Bobrisky’s gender identity has been a subject of controversy, with many Nigerians criticizing him for promoting cross-dressing and what they consider to be immoral behavior. Some have even called for him to be arrested and prosecuted for promoting homosexuality, which is illegal in Nigeria.
Skin bleaching:
Bobrisky has also been criticized for promoting skin bleaching, which is seen as promoting colorism. He has been open about his use of skin lightening products and has even advertised them on his social media platforms.
Tonto Dikeh friendship:
Bobrisky’s close friendship with Tonto Dikeh, another controversial Nigerian celebrity, has also raised eyebrows. The two have been seen together on several occasions, and Bobrisky has been known to defend Dikeh during her own controversies.
Legal issues:
Bobrisky has been involved in several legal issues, including an incident in 2019 where he was arrested by Nigerian police for allegedly cross-dressing and promoting homosexuality. He was released on bail but has since continued to court controversy with his social media posts.
These controversies have earned Bobrisky a reputation as a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. While some Nigerians see him as a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community and a symbol of freedom of expression, others see him as a threat to traditional values and a promoter of immoral behavior.
5. Toke Makinwa
Toke Makinwa is a Nigerian radio personality, television host, and author. She is best known for her work as a co-host on “The Morning Drive” on Rhythm 93.7 FM and for her book “On Becoming,” which chronicles her life experiences.
Controversial activities
Toke Makinwa has also been involved in several controversies, some of which include:
Marriage and divorce:
Toke Makinwa’s marriage and subsequent divorce from Maje Ayida, a fitness expert, generated a lot of controversy. Ayida had impregnated another woman while still married to Makinwa, leading to the breakdown of their marriage. Makinwa went on to write about her experiences in her book, which was met with mixed reactions.
Skin bleaching:
Toke Makinwa has also been criticized for promoting skin bleaching, which is seen as promoting colorism. She has been open about her use of skin lightening products and has even advertised them on her social media platforms.
Social media controversies:
Toke Makinwa has also courted controversy with her social media posts, which have been seen as promoting materialism and consumer culture. She has been known to post pictures of expensive clothing and jewelry, which some Nigerians see as promoting a culture of extravagance.
COVID-19 controversy:
In 2020, Toke Makinwa was criticized for suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic was a hoax. Her comments were seen as insensitive and ignorant, given the severity of the pandemic in Nigeria and around the world.
These controversies have earned Toke Makinwa a reputation as a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. While some Nigerians see her as a successful media personality and a role model for young women, others see her as a promoter of immoral behavior and a symbol of materialism.
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