In 2022, the Nigerian entertainment industry generated several controversies. Some celebrities successfully avoided it, but for others, it was a good way to get attention and more fame.
‘There’s nothing awful as bad publicity,’ said Phineas T. Barnum, a 19th-century American showman and circus possessor.
As a result, gaining media awareness is always helpful, even if the coverage is antagonistic or unfavourable.
Today, we are going to be looking at some of the most talked about and controversial Nigerian celebrities in 2022;
1. Portable
Due to his several controversial activities, the self acclaimed ‘Werey Olorin’ and ‘Idamu Adugbo’ had people entertained, angry, and wondering if he has mental issues.
In 2022, Portable was nominated for two categories of Headies Awards: ‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘Best Street-Hop Artiste’.
The turmoil began when he threatened to kill his co-nominees in the same categories with him.
He later apologized roundaboutly after the award’s organizers warned him.
“Headies Headies Headies, Emelo ni mo pe yin, Eyin le fi owo pe were e de shi ma ri were,” the ‘Wahala Musician’ said in his apology video (Headies, how many times did I call you, you invited a mad man with your money and will witness madness).”
Following his apology, Portable shared another video where he orders some boys to beat up his long-term friend, DJ Chicken.
Because the incident happened within their jurisdiction, the Nigeria Police Force issued a demand to the singer to report to any police station in Ogun State.
Portable boasted in a video that went viral in July 2022 that he was the founder of
“One Million Boys” cult group.
Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, was alerted to the claim and authorized an investigation.
Headies yanked off Portable from the nomination list during the investigation.
The Zeh Nation boss also had a serious issue with a fast rising Nigerian blogger and CEO of Wonder9ja, Ijoba Wonderman which following a post the young blogger published about a Nigerian music promoter that was severely punished by Portable.
The singer threatened to kill Ijoba Wonderman, he sent some voice clips where he promised to deal with the young blogger.
Portable was also involved in a series of conflicts with his colleagues after the incident, including Goya Menor, Small Doctor.
His most recent controversy was his arrival in a coffin at Fela’s Afrika Shrine in Lagos State on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, for his concert.
2. Wizkid
Before and after the release of his studio album “More Love, Less Ego,” the Nigerian superstar declared a new version of himself.
Wizkid informed his colleagues in October 2021 that the should be addressing him as ‘Sir’ or ‘Daddy’.
“I can stop touching the mic today, but you little niggas can’t touch the wealth!” Even if you ask your parents for assistance, #morelovelessego #EveryBody’sDaddy.
“Also, soon, I’ll open a class for you niggas to come learn how to get everything you deserve with less work and smart business decisions,” he wrote on social media.
“Moving forward!” he added.
You should address me as Sir or Daddy before mentioning my name! “All right, kids!”
Wizkid also surprised fans in November when he revealed that he had “been single for so long! I’ve got to find one or two.”
Many people were taken aback by his statement because he had formerly shared a rare family photo of himself, his son, Zion, and his then-pregnant partner Jada Pollock.
Pollock responded to the comment by saying, “Taking arguments to social media is never going to end well.”
Wizkid also unfollowed his co-singers and other celebrities on Instagram.
During an interview in early December, he said, “Rap is dead.” This stirred up another controversy.
Wizkid’s comment sparked anger in the entertainment industry, particularly among rappers like MI and Ycee, who responded.
Wizkid expanded on his remark, calling rappers “broke boys,” after alleging that some rappers sent him rap videos.
“Y’all not even rappers!” he proceeded. “The only rappers in Africa are Nasty C, Sarkodie, and Black Sheriff.”
3. Yul Edochie
Yul Edochie, a Nollywood actor and film director, received intense criticism in April 2022 after announcing his second marriage to actress Judy Austin and revealing that they both had a son.
Yul’s first wife of 18 years, May, unfollowed him on Instagram after the declaration.
Yul’s family members publicly distanced themselves from his decision as well.
Yul claimed a few weeks after the announcement that it felt good to break the Internet and that he had become the most talked about man on the planet.
Yul’s first wife, the mother of his four children, openly stated in May that her family and faith did not support polygamy, even though it may work for some people.
In June, he claimed that some people wished death on his family, and critics became enraged when they saw him happy.
He boasted that polygamy had brought him blessings and elevated his two wives, correlating himself to Biblical David.
Yul declared in November that he had been called to become a minister of God, and in mid-December, the actor boasted about being a “proud polygamist” once more.
On the other hand, Yul publicly apologized to May for his actions on December 21, noting that he did not hurt her feelings.
May stated in her response that she would not be compelled into accepting polygamy and refused to be numbered in her home.
4. Nkechi Blessing
Following her detachment with Opeyemi Falegan, actress Nkechi Blessing set tongues wagging.
Promptly after Falegan rained her with praises on her birthday in February, the duo started a social media conflict as their breakup became public in April.
Many chastised the actress for the messy social media drama. However, she had stated just weeks before the event that she would not drag her partner on social media if the relationship ended.
In the heat of the social media battle, Nkechi asserted that she fed the UK-based military man while denying marrying him.
After a few months of stability, their dispute resurfaced in September after she spoke about him in an interview, resulting in another round of Instagram sparring between the actress and the Ekiti State politician.
Blessing started showing off a younger man as her new lover in November, posting videos of their romantic moments on her social media pages.
The actress also caused a commotion on the Internet when she declared that she was ready to marry the Ooni of Ife.
She was later invited to the palace, where she was filmed dancing in front of the King.
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