Entertainment

Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest feud rocks social media

Published

2 years ago

January 5, 2025

Cubana Chief Priest, Burna Boy

Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest feud rocks social media

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a stern warning to Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy over alleged uncharitable and divisive remarks perceived to target the Igbo race during his ongoing social media spat with celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest.

A statement signed by HURIWA National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Sunday cautioned Burna Boy to steer clear of tribal undertones in his disputes and avoid comments that could foster disunity or perpetuate ethnic stereotypes.

“The feud between Burna Boy and Cubana Chief Priest reportedly erupted when the singer referred to the businessman as “Owerri Rick Ross” in a social media post, which many interpreted as a jab.

” Cubana Chief Priest responded by accusing Burna Boy of owing money for jewelry purchases, escalating the altercation into a public spectacle. However, what has drawn significant attention and condemnation is Burna Boy’s apparent attempt to drag the Igbo identity into the fray,” HURIWA said, describing the move HURIWA as unwarranted and offensive.

The rights group emphasized that while public figures are entitled to disagreements, introducing ethnic sentiments into personal disputes is a dangerous precedent that could undermine national unity.

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The association decried Burna Boy’s mention of “Igbo voice” and his insinuations regarding the Igbo community as a reckless and unjustifiable attack on an entire ethnic group.

“HURIWA is deeply disappointed by Burna Boy’s comments during his altercation with Cubana Chief Priest. While he has every right to defend himself against allegations, resorting to veiled ethnic attacks is a troubling manifestation of Igbo phobia, which must not be tolerated. The Igbo people are a great race with a rich history of resilience, enterprise, and unity. Dragging their identity into a personal spat is not only disrespectful but also dangerously divisive,” the statement read.

HURIWA urged Burna Boy to focus on addressing the specific issues raised by Cubana Chief Priest without resorting to language or sentiments that could alienate or offend any ethnic group.

The group reminded the singer of his influential status and the responsibility that comes with being a global cultural ambassador for Nigeria.

“As an internationally celebrated artist, Burna Boy represents not just himself but the entirety of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage. His words carry weight and have the potential to influence millions of fans across the globe. It is therefore imperative that he conducts himself in a manner that promotes unity and respect for all ethnic groups,” HURIWA stated.

The association expressed concern over the growing trend of public figures using tribal references to score points in personal disputes, warning that such actions could exacerbate tensions and foster distrust among Nigeria’s ethnic groups. HURIWA called on all Nigerians, especially those in the public eye, to refrain from actions or comments that could sow discord.

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“Burna Boy’s remarks are a stark reminder of the need for caution in public discourse. Nigeria is a nation of diverse cultures and ethnicities, and it is incumbent upon every citizen, particularly public figures, to uphold the principles of mutual respect and unity. We urge Burna Boy to retract his statements and issue an apology to the Igbo community for his uncharitable remarks,” HURIWA said.

While addressing Burna Boy, HURIWA also advised Cubana Chief Priest to ensure that his responses remain focused on the matter at hand and devoid of any rhetoric that could escalate the situation further. The association urged both parties to prioritize constructive dialogue over inflammatory exchanges.

“Cubana Chief Priest, like Burna Boy, holds a position of influence and should be mindful of his words and actions. The ongoing feud should serve as a moment for reflection rather than escalation. Both parties have a responsibility to their followers to model behavior that fosters understanding and respect,” the group stated.

HURIWA called on Nigerian artists and influencers to use their platforms to promote unity and national cohesion. The group stressed the importance of leveraging their reach and influence to address critical issues affecting the nation, rather than engaging in actions that could deepen divisions.

“As Nigeria grapples with numerous challenges, from economic hardship to insecurity, it is essential for public figures to unite in championing causes that uplift the nation. Feuds laced with ethnic undertones only serve to distract from these pressing issues and erode the trust and unity needed to address them,” HURIWA concluded.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, justice, and human rights in Nigeria and pledged to continue holding public figures accountable for actions and statements that undermine national unity.

Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest feud rocks social media

Related Topics:Burna Boy Cubana Chief Priest

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Poco Lee to face UK court September 15 over alleged rape and assault charges

Published

1 day ago

August 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian dancer and performer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee

Poco Lee to face UK court September 15 over alleged rape and assault charges

Nigerian dancer and performer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, is scheduled to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on September 15, 2026, over allegations involving serious sexual offences.

The court has confirmed that the case is listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15. James Baker, an administrative team lead at the court, confirmed the listing in correspondence with TheCable Lifestyle.

“I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026,” Baker said.

According to the court information reported by TheCable Lifestyle, Poco Lee faces five charges — attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

The court has stressed that the allegations remain unproven. Poco Lee is presumed innocent and can only be found guilty if the allegations are established through the legal process.

The September 15 hearing is expected to focus on plea and trial preparation, marking a significant procedural stage in the case. Further details about the proceedings, including the eventual trial arrangements, will be determined by the court.

The case emerged publicly after reports circulated online that Poco Lee had been arrested in the United Kingdom over alleged sexual offences. The reports quickly attracted attention in Nigeria, particularly among members of the entertainment industry.

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Several of Poco Lee’s colleagues and associates have since reacted to the development. Filmmaker TG Omori expressed concern over the reports, describing the dancer as one of the “purest souls” he had encountered.

“It breaks my heart to hear Poco Lee in this sort of mess. That’s the purest soul I have ever met. The devil really works overtime,” Omori wrote in a social media post.

Dancer Rahman Jago also reacted to the development as discussions surrounding the case intensified online.

Poco Lee’s management has meanwhile urged the public to distinguish between the formal allegations before the court and claims circulating on social media.

The management specifically disputed reports that drink spiking was part of the case. In a statement signed by Adedoyin Faleye on behalf of the management, the team said the claim was not contained in the charges before the UK court.

The management also warned against the circulation of unverified narratives, stressing that the case should be allowed to proceed through the appropriate legal channels rather than being decided through public opinion.

The clarification comes amid widespread discussion online, where different accounts of the allegations have circulated without independent verification. Details concerning the complainant and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences have not been fully disclosed publicly.

Poco Lee has not publicly commented on the specific allegations or the court’s confirmation of the September 15 hearing.

The entertainer has established himself as one of Nigeria’s prominent dancers and performers, gaining widespread recognition through dance performances, music collaborations and appearances within the Nigerian entertainment industry.

His legal case in the UK has now attracted significant public attention, but the court process remains at a preliminary stage.

The September 15 hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court is expected to provide the next major development in the case as the court considers the plea and preparations required ahead of any trial.

Until the case is determined, the allegations against Poco Lee remain unproven, and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing.

Poco Lee to face UK court September 15 over alleged rape and assault charges

Entertainment

Ogogo’s First Wife Opens Up: Why He Asked Me to Quit Acting After Marriage

Published

2 days ago

August 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Late veteran Yoruba actor, Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo and First Wife, Ajoke Taiwo

Ogogo’s First Wife Opens Up: Why He Asked Me to Quit Acting After Marriage

Ajoke Taiwo, the first wife of late Nollywood veteran Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has opened up about their 30-year marriage and revealed why the late actor asked her to leave the movie industry after they got married, sharing that she was already an actress before Ogogo joined their theatre group.

Ajoke Taiwo, the first wife of late veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has opened up about their marriage and revealed why she stopped acting after they got married . Ajoke, who spoke following the death of the veteran actor in a viral video, said she was already an actress before Ogogo joined their acting group . According to her, the late actor later asked her to leave acting after their marriage and focus on raising their children .

“We used to act together, in fact, I started before him, before he joined our group then. However, when we got married, he asked me to stop acting and focus on raising the kids,” Ajoke said .

Following her exit from the movie industry, Ajoke took up hairdressing, a profession she has continued to pursue ever since . She later became known within her community as “Iya Jesu,” a nickname reflecting her devout Christian faith . Notably, while Ogogo remained a devout Muslim throughout his life, Ajoke practised Christianity, with the couple maintaining their individual faiths within their household . Together, Ajoke and Ogogo raised two daughters, Halima Taiwo and Shakira Taiwo, whose names reflect the blended religious and cultural identity of their upbringing . Ogogo would later marry a second wife, a family structure common within certain Nigerian cultural and religious contexts, particularly among devout Muslim households of his generation .

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Speaking about Ogogo, Ajoke described him as a caring and loving husband, saying his death had left a huge void in her life . “My husband was a good person, a caring husband. He loved me so much. After him, it is God. His death is a big loss to me,” she said . Describing the depth of their bond, she added: “He was like a father and mother to me. He stood by me during the times of trial. He was my everything” .

Ajoke revealed that she was married to the veteran actor for more than 30 years . She also shared a touching detail about how her late husband reacted whenever she became extremely angry with him. According to her, Taiwo Hassan would become so emotionally affected that he would eventually require hospital care . “He never wanted me to get angry at him. Whenever I get extremely angry, he used to land at the hospital because he would be so hurt,” she recalled . Speaking about his death, she said the loss had left a deep wound that she believed would never completely heal . “What God took from me is so big and it really hurts me but I can’t question Him. This is a wound that can never heal,” she said .

Ogogo, who died after battling stage-four cancer, was buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown, Ilaro, Ogun State, on August 24, 2026, at the age of 66 . His burial was attended by several Nollywood stars, including Yinka Quadri, Jide Kosoko, Fausat Balogun, Toyosi Adesanya, and Femi Adebayo, along with family members and residents who gathered to bid farewell . Taiwo Hassan, who spent over four decades in Yoruba-language Nollywood, appeared in landmark films from Owo Blow in the 1990s through to Aníkúlápó in more recent years . He came from a family of twins, and his death came days after his daughters made emotional appeals for urgent medical assistance .

Ogogo’s First Wife Opens Up: Why He Asked Me to Quit Acting After Marriage

Entertainment

Veteran Yoruba actor, Ijala master Alabi Ogundepo dies at 84

Published

2 days ago

August 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Veteran Yoruba actor and traditional poet Alabi Ogundepo

Veteran Yoruba actor, Ijala master Alabi Ogundepo dies at 84

Veteran Yoruba actor and traditional poet Alabi Ogundepo, renowned for his mastery of Ijala poetry, has died at the age of 84.

Ogundepo reportedly died on Monday, August 24, 2026, after a lifetime devoted to Yoruba culture, language, literature and traditional arts.

His death was announced by his daughter, Dupe Ogundepo-Falana, in a statement issued on behalf of the family.

The family described Ogundepo as a “remarkable literary voice” whose poetry and writings demonstrated a deep appreciation for Yoruba culture, tradition, history, language and the broader human experience.

The family expressed gratitude to individuals, institutions, traditional leaders and members of the literary community who had contacted them to offer condolences and support following the death.

They also appealed for privacy and prayers as they mourned the veteran performer and cultural custodian.

The family said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.

Born in Saki, Oyo State, Ogundepo established himself as one of the respected voices in Yoruba oral literature, combining acting, poetry and cultural expression throughout his career.

He became particularly recognised for his exceptional command of Ijala, the traditional poetry and chant associated with Yoruba hunters.

Ijala is an important form of Yoruba oral tradition through which performers recount histories, praise individuals, celebrate nature and animals, and express the values, experiences and worldview of the community.

Ogundepo’s mastery of the art helped expose wider audiences to the richness of Yoruba indigenous poetry and contributed to efforts to preserve an important aspect of the culture’s oral heritage.

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His contribution, however, extended beyond Ijala performance. Through his writings, acting and cultural activities, he helped document and promote aspects of Yoruba indigenous knowledge and oral tradition for younger generations.

Over the years, Ogundepo earned recognition as a respected Yoruba cultural figure, using his artistic work to promote the Yoruba language and preserve traditional forms of expression at a time when indigenous oral traditions face increasing pressure from changing cultural and social influences.

As an actor, he also became part of the long tradition of performers who helped bring Yoruba stories, characters, customs and values to wider audiences through theatre and film.

Those who knew him also remembered him for his wisdom, dignity, compassion and willingness to mentor younger people interested in Yoruba literature and cultural expression.

His influence therefore extended beyond his performances, with his counsel, friendship and commitment to cultural preservation touching the lives of artists, writers, scholars and members of his community.

The death of the 84-year-old Yoruba actor and Ijala master represents a significant loss to Nigeria’s indigenous cultural and literary community.

His passing comes with renewed attention to the importance of preserving Yoruba oral literature, particularly traditional art forms such as Ijala that carry generations of history, knowledge and cultural identity.

Through his performances, writings and mentorship, Ogundepo left behind a body of work that is expected to continue inspiring artists, writers, cultural researchers and younger practitioners.

For many admirers of Yoruba traditional poetry, his legacy will remain closely associated with his distinctive contribution to Ijala and his lifelong commitment to keeping indigenous culture alive.

The family has asked the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period and said further information about his burial will be made available in due course.