Scandals And Headlines: Nigeria’s Most Controversial Celebrities Of 2024

The year 2024 has been nothing short of eventful, with celebrity controversies dominating the entertainment industry. From legal battles to fiery feuds, these controversies kept fans and media buzzing. Here’s a look at the most controversial Nigerian celebrities who consistently made headlines.

Bobrisky: The Queen of Drama

Self-acclaimed crossdresser Bobrisky remained at the epicenter of scandals in 2024. One of the most notable incidents was her being awarded “Best Dressed Female” at Eniola Ajao’s film premiere, sparking public outrage over the selection criteria.

In April, Bobrisky faced six months in prison for naira abuse, but allegations soon surfaced that she paid ₦15 million to EFCC officials to dismiss money laundering charges. Controversially, it was claimed that her “godfather” and Haliru Nababa, the Nigerian Correctional Service controller-general, facilitated her serving her sentence in a private apartment rather than a prison cell.

Despite denying these allegations, Bobrisky was arrested twice—first in October at the Seme border while attempting to flee the country, and again in November at the airport. Amid these legal troubles, she sued the EFCC and the National Assembly, seeking ₦1.2 billion in damages for alleged trauma and violations of her rights, although the lawsuits were dismissed.

Portable: Controversy Magnet

For the third year in a row, singer Portable secured his spot on the list of controversial celebrities. His infamous act of slapping a preacher near his bar in September drew significant criticism. Although he later apologised, explaining he was unaware the man was a genuine preacher, the incident left a mark.

Portable also engaged in a fiery exchange with Damilola Adeyemi, his former lover and the ex-wife of the late Alaafin of Oyo.

Wizkid: Shots Fired

Global superstar Wizkid also caused ripples in 2024 with his provocative remarks. In May, he referred to music mogul Don Jazzy as an “influencer,” igniting backlash. Wizkid also mocked Davido, sharing a video of him crying and pleading, while making derogatory comments about the Adeleke family, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Davido: Bold Statements, Mixed Reactions

Apart from his feud with Wizkid, Davido attracted attention for his interviews criticizing Nigeria’s leadership, inflation, and economic challenges. His advice to Black Americans against relocating to Nigeria sparked mixed reactions online. While some commended his honesty, others accused him of being overly critical.

VeryDarkMan: The Activist and His Battles

Activist VeryDarkMan faced multiple legal challenges in 2024. From cyberbullying allegations brought forward by actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo to a defamation suit filed by cleric Jeremiah Fufeyin, his year was filled with courtroom drama.

The activist also accused Esinjemiyotan Atsepoyi, wife of comedian Mr. Jollof, of infidelity, which she vehemently denied, demanding a public apology.

In September, VeryDarkMan was embroiled in yet another scandal, sharing an alleged audio conversation where Bobrisky accused Falz and his father, Femi Falana (SAN), of soliciting ₦10 million for a presidential pardon. Both the Falana family and Bobrisky denied the claims, leading to further legal disputes.

Speed Darlington: A Chain of Arrests

Speed Darlington’s controversies took a legal turn in October when he faced arrests in Abuja and Owerri. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju alleged that Burna Boy was behind the rapper’s troubles, linking them to Darlington’s taunts about Burna Boy’s affiliation with Diddy, who faced legal battles in the U.S.

Despite being a polarizing figure, Darlington’s legal team continues to push for his release and fair treatment.