Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest feud rocks social media - Newstrends
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Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest feud rocks social media

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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

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‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention

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Nigerian content creator and social media star Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller
Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller

‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention

Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator Habeeb Hamzat, widely known as Peller, has opened up about his experience in police custody, alleging that he spent nearly four days in detention without food or access to a bath following his arrest by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.

The social media influencer made the claims in a series of posts shared on his Snapchat account shortly after regaining his freedom, describing the experience as the most difficult ordeal of his life.

According to Peller, the conditions in detention left him physically exhausted and emotionally shaken, adding that he had never experienced anything similar before.

“I am ugly now. I can’t show my face yet. Omo, I sleep cell for almost four days. It has never happened to me before in my life,” he wrote.

Peller and his associate, Bello Oladipo, were arrested on July 2, 2026, along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road in the Lekki area of Lagos after police officers intercepted their vehicle, which allegedly had no registration number plate.

The encounter reportedly escalated when Peller began recording the interaction with his mobile phone. He later alleged that one of the officers pulled his shirt and pointed a gun at him during the incident.

However, the Lagos State Police Command disputed the allegation, insisting that the duo obstructed officers who were carrying out their lawful duties during a routine operation.

The command subsequently charged Peller and Oladipo before a Lagos Magistrate Court on July 7 on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy to resist public officers, obstructing police officers in the discharge of their lawful duties, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace by allegedly threatening and filming police officers during the operation.

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Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their arraignment, the court granted each defendant ₦500,000 bail with two sureties. The magistrate directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relative, while both sureties are required to present tax clearance certificates covering the previous two years. The case was adjourned until August 11, 2026, for further hearing.

Reflecting on his days in detention, Peller claimed he neither ate nor bathed throughout the period, saying fellow inmates jokingly referred to him as their “001” shortly after he was brought into the cell.

“As dey put me for cell, people wey dey cell talk say, ‘You be our 001 now.’ Omo, I burst laugh once. I no follow anybody talk till I comot.

“001 wey una wan give water beans.

“I no chop for four good days. I no bath,” he wrote.

His account has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many users expressing sympathy over his alleged experience, while others urged that the legal process be allowed to run its course.

The incident has also reignited public debate about police-citizen encounters, the treatment of suspects in detention, and the growing role of smartphones and social media in documenting interactions between law enforcement officers and members of the public.

As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not publicly responded to Peller’s latest allegations regarding the conditions of his detention. His claims remain personal allegations that have not been independently verified, while the criminal charges against him and his co-defendant are still before the court.

The case is expected to resume on August 11, when the court will continue hearing the charges against the two defendants.

‘I didn’t eat or bathe for four days,’ Peller says after police detention

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Nollywood actress appeals for support as recurring cancer spreads to bones

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Nollywood actress appeals for support as recurring cancer spreads to bones
Nollywood actress Cynthia Anijekwu

Nollywood actress appeals for support as recurring cancer spreads to bones

Nollywood actress Cynthia Anijekwu has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians and well-wishers for financial assistance after revealing that she is battling cancer for the second time, with the disease now spreading to her bones.

In a video shared on social media on Tuesday, the actress disclosed that she was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023. She said she underwent surgery and chemotherapy after the diagnosis, and although the treatment initially appeared successful, the disease later returned.

According to Anijekwu, recent medical examinations revealed that the cancer has spread to her bones, making her condition more complex and significantly increasing the cost of treatment.

She explained that doctors have recommended radiation therapy and another surgery as part of her ongoing treatment, adding that the monthly cost of her medical care is now about ₦600,000.

Speaking emotionally in the video, the actress said she has spent several months moving in and out of hospitals as she continues her fight against the illness.

“I had cancer in 2023. I did my surgery and took chemotherapy, but later it came back again. I’ve been in and out of the hospital. The doctor recently told me it has reached my bones, and the treatment is now much more expensive,” she said.

Anijekwu also disclosed that the disease has affected both of her breasts and caused swelling in one of her hands, making her health challenges even more difficult.

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Appealing directly to members of the public, she pleaded for financial assistance to enable her continue treatment.

“I need to live. I need to survive. I’m asking Nigerians to please help me. Anyone that can help, please, I need help.

“Even my hands have swollen. The cancer has affected both breasts. I need to live. Please help me. I need to survive.

“Your one naira and your two naira can add up to something reasonable for me to get the proper treatment for this cancer. I’m begging you, please help me,” she said.

The actress noted that the financial burden of managing the illness has become overwhelming for her family, prompting her decision to seek public support.

Before her health challenges became public, Anijekwu built a career in Nollywood, featuring in a number of English- and Igbo-language productions.

While there is no widely documented record of her appearing in major blockbuster productions, she has remained active in the industry and is now receiving public attention following her emotional appeal for support.

Her story has drawn sympathy from fans and members of the public, with many expressing hope that she will receive the financial assistance needed to continue her treatment and recover.

Nollywood actress appeals for support as recurring cancer spreads to bones

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Baba Ijesha Receives Chieftaincy Title, Brand-New Car from Ooni of Ife

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Baba Ijesha Receives Chieftaincy Title, Brand-New Car from Ooni of Ife

Baba Ijesha Receives Chieftaincy Title, Brand-New Car from Ooni of Ife

Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has announced that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, conferred a chieftaincy title on him and presented him with a brand-new car during a recent visit to the monarch’s palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The actor disclosed the development in a Facebook post on Thursday, where he expressed gratitude to the revered traditional ruler for what he described as a warm royal reception, fatherly support and generous gifts extended to him and his wife, Afolashade Omiyinka, popularly known as Luminee.

According to Baba Ijesha, the Ooni bestowed on him the traditional title of “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa,” a recognition he described as a significant milestone in his life.

Sharing photographs from the palace visit, the actor thanked the monarch for the honour and the confidence reposed in him and his family.

“My deepest gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife. Baba, thank you for the royal welcome, fatherly love and the confidence you gave my wife and me. For the luxurious gifts you blessed us with, including the brand-new car, I am truly humbled.

“As a son of the soil, I am honoured by the chieftaincy title of Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile-Ife, Ile Oodua, and all the chiefs and citizens, thank you.”

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As of the time of filing this report, the Ooni’s Palace had not issued an official statement confirming the conferment of the title or the presentation of the vehicle. The announcement is based on Baba Ijesha’s public statement and photographs shared from the palace visit.

The reported royal recognition comes just weeks after the actor and his wife welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named King Kagar Omiyinka.

Baba Ijesha announced the birth on social media, thanking God for the new addition to his family and describing the child as a divine blessing. The couple later held a naming ceremony that attracted attention on social media after the cost of the Aso Ebi fabric generated mixed reactions among Nigerians.

The actor’s latest announcement has equally sparked widespread reactions online.

While many fans and well-wishers congratulated Baba Ijesha on receiving what they described as a prestigious traditional honour, others questioned the decision in light of his previous conviction.

In July 2022, Baba Ijesha was convicted by a Lagos Special Offences Court on charges relating to the sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment.

However, following a review of the applicable sentencing provisions and credit for time already spent in custody, he was released in November 2025 after serving more than three years in prison.

Since regaining his freedom, the actor has gradually returned to public life, frequently sharing updates about his family and expressing gratitude for what he describes as a second chance.

The reported honour from the Ooni has reignited public debate, with supporters describing it as an act of cultural recognition and encouragement, while critics argue that public honours should take into account the broader societal implications of celebrating individuals with criminal convictions.

The development has once again placed Baba Ijesha, the Ooni of Ife, and the conversation around traditional honours and public accountability at the centre of public discourse.

Baba Ijesha Receives Chieftaincy Title, Brand-New Car from Ooni of Ife

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