Reno Omokri Fires Back at Davido Over “Umu Bingo” Comment

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has responded to Afrobeats superstar Davido following a viral social media clash in which the singer allegedly referred to him as “Umu bingo” during an online exchange.

In an open letter posted on social media, Omokri said he was surprised and disappointed by Davido’s response, describing the comment as an unnecessary personal attack rather than a constructive engagement on national issues. He explained that the disagreement stemmed from his earlier remarks defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over allegations raised by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi regarding the repatriation of Nigerian prisoners from Ethiopia, insisting his position was based on national interest and factual clarification.

Omokri stressed that public figures, especially those with large international followings, should avoid insulting language and instead focus on meaningful dialogue when discussing sensitive political or social matters.

The former presidential aide suggested that Davido’s reaction may also be connected to his previous criticism of the singer’s comments on Nigeria’s insecurity situation during global sporting discussions, including FIFA World Cup conversations. He further referenced political reactions to Davido’s earlier statements, noting that Peter Obi had publicly supported the singer’s stance, which he claimed may have influenced the tone of the exchange.

READ ALSO:

• Gunmen Kill Two Soldiers, Police Officer in Plateau Midnight Raid
• Emeka Ike Files N10bn Lawsuit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide Over Voter Data Leak
• Why I Have Not Resumed as Ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri

Defending his position, Omokri argued that discussing terrorism on major global stages could unintentionally amplify the visibility of extremist groups. He contrasted Davido’s approach with that of American content creator IShowSpeed, whom he said used international platforms to promote Nigeria in a positive light. Omokri also cited international examples, including the October 7, 2023 Israel hostage crisis and the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, arguing that excessive global media attention can sometimes complicate security responses and benefit terrorist organizations. He referenced former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s position on limiting publicity for terrorist groups and also pointed to UNESCO guidelines on responsible reporting of terrorism-related incidents.

The exchange comes shortly after Omokri’s appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he addressed claims surrounding his diplomatic appointment and reports alleging rejection by Mexican authorities. He dismissed the reports as politically motivated misinformation and maintained that his delayed resumption was linked to scheduling issues around the ongoing FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.

In his concluding remarks, Omokri urged Davido to exercise restraint in public discourse despite acknowledging his global success as an artist. He stated that personal insults were unnecessary in public debate and called for more respectful engagement on issues affecting Nigeria’s image and security. The exchange has since sparked widespread reactions across social media, with Nigerians divided over issues of free speech, celebrity influence, political commentary, and national security communication.

Reno Omokri Fires Back at Davido Over “Umu Bingo” Comment

Emeka Ike Files N10bn Lawsuit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide Over Voter Data Leak

Nollywood actor and politician Emeka Ike has dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged unlawful disclosure of his personal voter information.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1272/2026 and filed on June 15, seeks N10 billion in aggravated and general damages for what the actor described as a gross violation of his constitutional right to privacy and personal data protection.

The legal action follows a controversy that erupted in May after Olayinka published screenshots on his X (formerly Twitter) account showing details of Ike’s voter registration transfer from Imo State to Abuja. The information was posted while questioning the actor’s eligibility to contest the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The screenshots, which appeared to have been obtained from a restricted section of INEC’s voter registration database, reportedly contained sensitive information, including Ike’s voter identification number, registration details, passport photograph, polling unit information, and voter transfer records.

The publication sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians, with many raising concerns about the security of the electoral commission’s database and questioning how confidential voter information became publicly accessible.

Through his counsel, Leonard Adeh, Ike argued that the publication of his voter information without his consent amounted to a breach of rights guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, Article 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Sections 24 and 39 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

The actor is asking the court to declare that the disclosure of his personal voter information constitutes a violation of his fundamental right to privacy and data protection. He also contends that INEC failed in its statutory responsibility to safeguard sensitive voter information entrusted to its care.

READ ALSO:

• Why I Have Not Resumed as Ambassador to Mexico — Reno Omokri
• FBI-Wanted Ezeego Extradited to US Over $7 Million International Fraud Scheme
• Abducted Kwara Monarch Dies in Captivity Despite N18m Ransom Payment

In the suit, Ike further argued that INEC’s press statement issued on June 2, following public outrage over the incident, amounted to a tacit admission that unauthorized access to his voter records had occurred.

Among the reliefs sought, the actor wants the court to declare both Olayinka and INEC jointly liable for the alleged breach of his privacy rights and order the immediate removal of the social media post containing his personal information.

He is also seeking an order directing Olayinka to tender an unreserved written apology and publish it on his X account as well as in three national newspapers — The Punch, The Nation, and ThisDay — for two consecutive weeks to ensure the apology receives publicity comparable to that of the original publication.

The controversy first gained national attention after Olayinka used the information to challenge Ike’s political aspirations in Abuja. Critics argued that the disclosure raised serious questions about data security, electoral transparency, and the protection of citizens’ personal information held by public institutions.

Reacting to the incident earlier, Ike described the publication as “the height of political rascality,” insisting that no government official had the right to access and publicly expose a citizen’s confidential records.

Following public criticism, INEC launched an internal investigation into the matter. The commission stated that preliminary findings showed there was no external hacking or cyberattack on its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) database.

Instead, the electoral body disclosed that the information was accessed using valid credentials assigned to authorized personnel. According to INEC, its audit trail identified the specific user account through which the data was retrieved, prompting further internal investigations.

The commission also maintained that the incident involved a specific voter record and did not amount to a compromise of the personal data of Nigeria’s millions of registered voters.

The matter has since attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies. Reports indicate that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) interrogated Olayinka, while an INEC official was reportedly arrested as part of ongoing investigations into the alleged unauthorized access to voter records.

Legal analysts say the case could become one of Nigeria’s most significant judicial tests of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, particularly regarding the responsibilities of government institutions in safeguarding personal information and the consequences of unauthorized disclosure.

The outcome of the lawsuit is also expected to shape future interpretations of privacy rights, data protection obligations, and accountability standards for public officials handling sensitive citizen data.

As proceedings commence at the Federal High Court, the case is likely to attract significant public attention due to its implications for data privacy, electoral database security, and the protection of citizens’ personal information in Nigeria’s digital age.

Emeka Ike Files N10bn Lawsuit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide Over Voter Data Leak

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

The Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran Nollywood actor and distinguished academic, Professor Kola Oyewo. He was 80 years old. The legendary thespian passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by his colleague in the movie industry, Kunle Afod, as well as a separate announcement by his son, Adetoyese Oyewo. The family, in a statement signed by Adewale Oyewo, described the deceased as a man who lived “a life of purpose, faith, dedication, and service.”

Announcing the passing on social media, Kunle Afod described the late actor as a legend whose remarkable talent and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry would continue to inspire future generations. “Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow. His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten,” Afod wrote.

Born Gabriel Adekola Akangbe Oyewo on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State, Oyewo began his professional acting career in 1964 with the renowned Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group. His first role was Adejare in Orogun Adedigba, Oyin Adejobi’s autobiography. He spent nine years with the group, honing his craft and learning the ropes of the travelling theatre tradition that dominated Yoruba entertainment at the time. He later transitioned to the University of Ife Theatre, where he collaborated with the late dramatist Chief Ola Rotimi. It was there that his career would take a defining turn.

Oyewo gained widespread recognition across the African theatre scene for his powerful portrayal of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s renowned play, The Gods Are Not to Blame. The performance remains one of the defining interpretations in African theatre history and established him as a respected figure across the continent’s dramatic landscape. This role elevated him beyond the boundaries of Yoruba theatre and placed him among the pantheon of Nigerian acting greats.

READ ALSO:

• No Election Is Perfect Anywhere – Fashola Tells Opposition to Accept Results
• Facebook, Instagram Global Outage: Over 130,000 Reports as Millions Logged Out
• Bandits Tie Women With Hijabs, March Them Into Forest in Sokoto Mass Abduction

Over a career spanning more than six decades, Oyewo featured in numerous acclaimed productions. He was best known to television audiences for his role in the classic film Saworoide, where he delivered a memorable performance. His other notable works include Sango, the epic tale of the Yoruba deity of thunder; Koseegbe; Super Story, the popular television drama series; Efunsetan Aniwura; O Le Ku; Yemoja; Omo University; Ayomi; Ewon Laafin; and Oba Bi Olorun. At a time when the Nigerian film industry was evolving from traditional travelling theatre to modern Nollywood, Oyewo stood as one of the bridge figures who carried the richness of indigenous storytelling into a new era. He successfully navigated both the Yoruba-language film sector and mainstream Nigerian cinema.

In addition to his extensive career in Yoruba theatre and mainstream Nigerian cinema, Oyewo was a distinguished scholar. He attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) , where he obtained certificates in dramatic arts and Yoruba oral literature. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from OAU in 1995. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he obtained a Master of Arts and a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Drama. This academic journey transformed him from a practitioner into a scholar who could both perform and teach the theory behind the art. He served as a senior lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University from 1996 until his retirement in September 2011. After retiring from OAU, he joined Redeemer’s University, where he served as head of the Department of Dramatic Arts. He subsequently worked at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as a lecturer in performing arts. Through decades of teaching, research, and mentorship, he helped shape generations of actors, playwrights, scholars, and cultural practitioners. His work as a lecturer and mentor may represent his most enduring impact – the students he trained and the cultural knowledge he helped preserve.

In April 2026, just two months before his death, Oyewo had publicly revealed his struggle with prostate enlargement. He disclosed that the condition had slowed him down and limited the roles he could take in films and stage productions. Speaking candidly about his health at the time, he said: “Before now, I could be here and there and play any role, but the sickness laid me back. I can’t play some roles anymore. Except for some minor roles. Well, thank God I am okay now. You can’t go through some kind of sickness and go back to how you’ve been before, but I thank God.” His openness about his health struggles was characteristic of a man who believed in transparency and used his platform to encourage older adults to take their health seriously.

Earlier this year, as Oyewo celebrated his 80th birthday in March 2026, President Bola Tinubu described him as a “national treasure” and a worthy ambassador of Yoruba theatre and Nigerian storytelling. The President emphasized Oyewo’s long-standing influence on academia, theater, and film, stating that generations of performing arts practitioners and scholars have been impacted by the veteran actor’s work. The presidential recognition underscored the high regard in which Oyewo was held, not just within the entertainment industry, but at the highest levels of the Nigerian state.

Oyewo’s passing underscores the gradual departure of a generation that laid the foundations for modern Nollywood. Before streaming platforms, social media promotion, and blockbuster premieres, there were theatre practitioners like him who travelled, performed, taught, and documented Nigerian stories with unwavering dedication. Their work created the cultural ecosystem upon which today’s industry stands. What distinguished Kola Oyewo was not celebrity, but longevity and intellectual depth. Few performers successfully navigated traditional theatre, film, television, and academia while maintaining relevance across generations. He did so with quiet authority and a deep respect for craft. His career became a living archive of Nigerian performance history. The curtain has fallen on one of Nigeria’s most respected theatre icons, but his voice will continue to echo through classrooms, stages, and screens for years to come. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Further details regarding his funeral arrangements and official memorial services are expected to be announced by the family and university authorities in the coming days.

Veteran Nollywood Actor, Scholar Kola Oyewo Dies at 80