The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Next Awujale: KWAM1 laments exclusion as Fusengbuwa resumes nomination process 

    Next Awujale: KWAM1 laments exclusion as Fusengbuwa resumes nomination process 

    …writes governor Abiodun 

    Fuji music maestro and Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, has expressed concern over perceived moves by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House to exclude him from the nomination process for the next Awujale of Ijebuland.

    Ayinde alleged that the Fusengbuwa ruling house, which is next in line to produce the next Awujale, has been taken decisions that run contrary to the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State.

    In a letter written to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, KWAM 1 who is said to be of the Fidipote Ruling House claimed that the Fusengbuwa house was sidelining him from the ongoing selection process for the next Awujale.

    This is coming as the Fusengbuwa Ruling House resumes the nomination process tomorrow, January 12, 2026 in Ijebu Ode, the Headquarters of Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State after an initial halt to the process.

    Scores of princes were said to have indicated their intentions to succeed the last Awujale, late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who joined his ancestors at 91 on July 13, 2025 after 65 years reign on the throne.

    KWAM1’s allegations of exclusion were contained in a letter dated January 8, 2026, sent to Governor Abiodun by musician’s lawyer, Dr. Wahab Shittu, SAN.

    Earlier, he had approached the Ogun State High Court in Ijebu Ode seeking an interim injunction to restrain Governor Abiodun and six others from proceeding with the selection process but the court declined the request.

    The musician eventually withdrew the suit, without providing explanations.

    Read Also: Tacha rejects ‘Na Man Dey Do Man’ narrative, says men benefit more from other men

    However, in the recent letter to the governor, he recalled that the Ijebu Ode Local Government, had through a letter dated January 6, 2026, from its Secretary, Oke Adebanjo, granted the Fusengbuwa Ruling House the approval to commence the nomination process and conclude it within 14 days starting from January 6.

    He said he was surprised to know that while family members were preparing for the meeting, one Prince Adeleye Lateef Ademuyiwa, the family’s Public Relations Officer, issued a notice directing candidates to collect nomination cards and appear before a screening committee.

    KWAM1 noted that the directive scheduled the nomination exercise for Monday, January 12, 2026.

    The letter read, “It is a matter of deep concern to our client that all these directives, which contravene the Chieftaincy Declaration, Obas and Chiefs Law, and the letter from the Secretary of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, were included in the family’s letter dated January 6, 2026.

    “It is clear that there are plans by the leadership of the ruling house to disenfranchise members desirous of participating in the nomination of candidates for the Awujale stool.

    “We wish to emphasize that all members of the ruling house are entitled to attend the meeting to nominate candidates of their choice.

    “A group of people in the ruling house cannot usurp these rights. The directive providing for screening and nomination by delegates is inconsistent with both the spirit and letter of the Chieftaincy Declaration and the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State 2021.

    “In the interest of justice and compliance with due process, we urge timely intervention to address these concerns, ensuring the integrity of the process and protecting our client’s rights.”

  • Tacha rejects ‘Na Man Dey Do Man’ narrative, says men benefit more from other men

    Tacha rejects ‘Na Man Dey Do Man’ narrative, says men benefit more from other men

    Reality TV star Tacha has criticised the widespread saying “na man dey do man,” insisting that men advance and empower one another far more than women.

    In a post on X, she argued that men dominate leadership and funding opportunities across major sectors, including politics, business, entertainment, technology, oil and gas, finance, and the creative industry. 

    She maintained that these industries remain overwhelmingly male-controlled.

    Tacha referenced her own career, noting that if she possessed the same influence and ideas but were a man, she would likely have achieved greater progress due to easier access and fewer barriers. 

    She added that women continue to face distinct expectations and structural challenges that make success more difficult.

    Describing the popular phrase as misleading, she asserted that it ignores the reality of Nigeria’s deeply patriarchal environment, where men occupy 70 to 90 percent of key positions.

    “That’s not opinion, that’s structure. Men fund men far more than they fund women, and even women often prefer doing business with men over other women. So abeg?? How did we arrive at the idea that men are somehow the most unsupported group?

    If “na man dey do man” were true, industries wouldn’t look the way they do 2day. See lemme tell you, power doesn’t accidentally concentrate. It flows where systems allow it, and those systems heavily favour men. I’ll use myself as an example: I’ve always said this openly. If I were a man with the same influence, ideas, work ethic, and drive, I would be much further in life, not by cheating/shortcuts, just by sheer access.

    “I’m constantly pitching ideas. Anyone who knows me knows this. If we talk consistently for a week, I’ve probably brought up a business idea already. I’m always thinking about scale, leverage, money, and growth. The reactions are usually the same: “Wow, you’re really smart.” “I didn’t know you think like this.” “This idea can actually make money.” They see the value. They understand the upside.

    “But here’s where things diverge. With men, deals often end in handshakes. With women, deals often come with conditions. Somehow the conversation shifts from business to “let’s go on a date,”

    “I’m at the Eko hotel for the weekend.”

    “People say, ‘go to the club, that’s where deals are sealed, ‘ and yes, that works for men. A guy meets an exec, they drink, vibe, shake hands, deal done. For women, even in those same spaces, even when the idea makes perfect sense, there’s often an unspoken expectation attached. That’s a barrier men simply don’t face.

    “So when people say men put women on more than men, it’s nonsense. Men put men on. The system puts men on. Women succeed despite the system, not because of it. That’s why I always tell women: work like crazy. Over-prepare. Over-deliver. Don’t rely on goodwill.

    “Cause in this environment, competence alone is rarely enough, you have to prove it again and again. “Na man dey do man” is just pure nonsense. The reality is simple: power circulates among men, and women pay a much higher price to enter the room.”

  • Actress Yewande Adekoya recounts 2013 miscarriage experience

    Actress Yewande Adekoya recounts 2013 miscarriage experience

    Actress Yewande Adekoya has opened up about a miscarriage she experienced in 2013, saying the incident strengthened her faith in God.

    In a video posted on Instagram, Adekoya recounted how she was rushed to the hospital with severe bleeding during her first pregnancy, losing the baby, and being told an evacuation procedure was needed.

    “A few years ago, I remember it was 2013. I was pregnant at the time. After some months, I started to bleed, so I was rushed to the hospital. I knew I was miscarrying, like I was about losing the baby.

    “They told me the baby had died and we needed to do an evacuation. I had been told that evacuation was very painful. I was so sad that I’d lose my baby. I was in serious pain. I cried all through the night,” Adekoya said.

    She explained that the fear of the procedure compounded her emotional distress, especially as it was her first pregnancy.

    “I was also afraid of the evacuation process that was going to be done for me in the morning. If this whole miscarriage process is this painful, how would evacuation be?” she asked.

    Adekoya described the experience as “devastating” and “terrifying,” but shared a vivid dream where a man in white, resembling a doctor, performed the procedure.

    “In my dream, a man came to me. He was wearing white. He was dressed like a doctor. And then he came to me and said, ‘It is time.’ I said, ‘For what?’ He said, ‘For your evacuation process.

    “As soon as I sat up in bed, I felt a heavy push in my bowel. I felt like something was coming through,” she narrated.

    According to her, she woke up, and the miscarriage completed itself without medical intervention.

    “As soon as I got into the bathroom and stood at the centre of the bathroom, the baby that died fell to the ground. Blood, formation, whatever. It fell to the ground.

    “When the doctors came, they did a scan, and they said there would be no need for an evacuation because the baby was no longer there. It had come out itself, and I was fine to go home,” Adekoya stated.

    Reflecting on the experience, Adekoya said it shaped her conviction about God’s presence in her life, stating, “I cannot come out and say there is no God because I have experienced a lot of things that I know are not ordinary.”

  • My ‘choices’ led to divorce with Kristy Scott – Desmond Scott admits

    My ‘choices’ led to divorce with Kristy Scott – Desmond Scott admits

    Desmond Scott, a popular social media personality and chef, has confirmed his divorce from wife Kristy Scott, taking responsibility for the dissolution of their marriage.

    In a statement posted on Sunday via Instagram story, Desmond revealed he initiated separation talks in late 2025 and made “choices” he regretted, leading to their decision to divorce.

    Desmond apologised to Kristy, their family, and followers, stressing Kristy’s importance as the mother of their two boys and committed to co-parenting.

    The statement reads, “I want to begin by apologizing to Kristy, our family, and everyone who has been impacted by the public attention surrounding this situation. I know this news has been disappointing for many, and I’m truly sorry for the hurt it has caused.

    Read Also: 2026: Uche urges Nigerians to emulate faith, unity, good character

    “Kristy is the mother of my children, and that will always come first. I remain fully committed to being an active, present, and loving parent to our boys, as I have always been.

    “Kristy and I faced challenges and made sincere efforts to work through them. Toward the end of 2025, I wanted to separate, and I had conversations with Kristy regarding this. During this period, I made choices that I am not proud of. I took responsibility for those actions, I shared this with her directly and personally, and ultimately we decided to divorce. I ask for privacy and compassion as we navigate this difficult chapter of our lives”.

    Desmond asked for privacy and thanked supporters, vowing to continue sharing his passion for cooking.

    “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. I’m grateful for that support and will continue sharing my love for cooking and the things that inspire me. I hope you’ll continue that journey with me”.

  • Carter Efe opens up on ‘painful’ separation from baby mama

    Carter Efe opens up on ‘painful’ separation from baby mama

    Popular skit maker and streamer, Carter Efe, has revealed he separated from his baby mama, Emmanuella, over a year ago.

    In a series of post on Instagram, Efe shared that the relationship took a toll on his mental health, finances, and creativity, causing him to struggle with content creation and stability.

    He described the experience as painful, particularly for being apart from his child.

    Efe attributed his recent growth and increased visibility in streaming to the separation. 

    He expressed gratitude for his recovery and progress, stating he’s now in a better place emotionally and professionally.

    Read Also: Transforming Nigeria’s economy: Policies, progress and continuity

    He wrote, “Just to let you know guys have been single for over 1 year now. God is good!!!! I saw mad changes in my life.

    “This lady has frustrated my whole life to the extent I trend everyday for beating a lady……..For good 2 years i lost everything, I lost my mindset, I cannot think or shoot content,I got broke………….

    “Good 3 months I didn’t see my kid! CHARIS. I never let that hold me down on my grind.

    “This days you guys noticed have been happy and active it’s because I was able to move away since! !!!!!

    “GOD IS GOOD. You left me for good 5 months only to come and see that I’m the biggest streamer in Africa

    “Lmaoooo000000 you wan follow me enjoy when you nor Dey there for me…Funny b!tch”

  • FUNKE AKINDELE: Undisputed queen of Nigerian Box Office

    FUNKE AKINDELE: Undisputed queen of Nigerian Box Office

    In the history of Nigerian cinema, very few names command both commercial power and cultural relevance the way Funke Akindele does. From sitcom stardom to cinematic dominance, she has evolved into a box-office force whose impact is measured not just in applause but in billions of naira.

    Today, her title as the Queen of the Nigerian Box Office is not only symbolic but one that has been earned, documented, and unmatched.

    From Jenifa to a cultural empire

    Funke Akindele’s rise began with Jenifa, a character that quickly became more than a role. Jenifa was a cultural phenomenon relatable, quotable, and deeply Nigerian. What followed was not a fleeting success, but the careful building of a franchise and, ultimately, a brand.

    That early connection with audiences laid the foundation for something bigger. Funke understood her viewers instinctively, their humour, their values, and their desire to see their everyday realities reflected on screen. She didn’t just entertain; she built loyalty.

    Breaking records, redefining Nollywood

    As of 8 January, Funke Akindele once again rewrote Nollywood history with her latest film, Behind the Scene, which has grossed over ₦1.7 billion in Nigeria and at least €93,000 in the UK in less than one month of release. This extraordinary performance makes it the highest-grossing Nigerian movie in history, a record no filmmaker has ever achieved at such speed or scale.

    What makes this feat even more remarkable is that it is not an exception; it is part of a consistent pattern. Everybody Loves Jenifa crossed ₦1.8 billion, reaffirming the enduring power of the Jenifa franchise. Before that, Battle on Buka Street earned ₦668 million, becoming a family favourite nationwide, while Omo Ghetto: The Saga, shocked the industry with ₦636 million, redefining commercial success for its genre. Altogether, she has grossed over ₦4.8billion.

    These films didn’t just succeed financially; they broke the internet, dominated conversations, and turned cinema releases into cultural events.

    The difference

    Funke Akindele’s dominance is no accident. Unlike others who simply release their films into cinemas with little buildup, she treats every project like a full-scale campaign. Months before release, she is already creating buzz through skits, teasers, interviews, and glamorous photoshoots featuring her cast and crew. By the time her movies hit cinemas, anticipation is already at a peak. Even from the skits and trailers alone, audiences are left with little choice but to show up when the movie finally hits cinemas.

    She is also highly strategic about timing. Funke Akindele intentionally releases her films during the festive season, particularly December and Christmas, when people are more relaxed, reunited with family and friends, and actively seeking shared experiences. December is a peak period for bonding, and cinema naturally becomes part of that tradition. By positioning her movies at the centre of this season, she makes them the go-to choice for families and loved ones spending time together.

    Added to this is the presence of IJGBs returning home during the holidays. With many Nigerians in the diaspora back in the country and eager to reconnect with local culture, her films become a must-watch event. This convergence of compelling promotion, perfect timing, and a diverse holiday audience has significantly contributed to the consistent, record-breaking success of Funke Akindele’s movies.

    She also redefines collaboration. Rather than actors completing a project and moving on, Funke ensures her cast remains actively involved in promoting the film after release. The result is a sustained wave of coordinated publicity that keeps her movies trending far longer than others. For Funke Akindele, the work does not stop when the movie is released; that is when the real work begins.

    Her marketing strategy extends beyond social media. She creates branded merchandise such as T-shirts and bags, hoodies, and joggers. Hosts lavish premieres and distributes PR packages to celebrities who amplify the film across their platforms.

    She collaborates strategically with influencers, turning screenings into meet-and-greet experiences that draw fans to cinemas not only to watch the movie, but to meet their favourite personalities. This approach benefits everyone, the fans, the influencers, the cinemas and ultimately translates into massive box-office returns.

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    Even within cinema halls, her presence is felt. Promoters actively market and advertise her movies to audiences who came to watch other films, ensuring that no opportunity is missed. Even if someone had planned to see a different film, witnessing such an engaging and entertaining promotional team at the cinema could easily sway their decision to watch her movie instead… the power of in-person promotional marketing.

    Breaking borders

    Perhaps one of her boldest achievements is her expansion into international cinema houses. Funke Akindele is the first Nollywood filmmaker to consistently sell out screenings abroad, with successful runs in the UK and now Winnipeg, a milestone many in Nollywood had not yet imagined possible.

    This international success reinforces a powerful message: Nigerian films can travel, Nigerian stories can sell out global cinemas, and Nollywood can compete on the world stage.

    Always a step ahead

    Many have studied Funke Akindele’s previous marketing strategies, hoping to replicate or surpass her success. Yet, with every new release, she introduces fresh ideas and unexpected innovations that keep her firmly ahead. Just when the industry thinks it has caught up, she changes the game again.

    Behind her success is clearly a formidable company of creatives, marketers, and innovators bursting with new ideas. Together, they have built not just hit films but a system of excellence that consistently delivers results.

    Crown earned

    Funke Akindele has expanded cinema culture in Nigeria, raised commercial expectations, and proven that women can lead blockbuster films at the highest level.

    Little wonder she is widely known as the 001 of the Nigerian box office.

    Funke Akindele is not just breaking records; she is setting them, defining an era, and reigning unmistakably as the undisputed Queen of Nollywood.

  • Why I didn’t attend Allwell Ademola’s funeral – Muyiwa Ademola

    Why I didn’t attend Allwell Ademola’s funeral – Muyiwa Ademola

    Actor and filmmaker Muyiwa Ademola has spoken out about missing the burial of his cousin Allwell Ademola, in Lagos. 

    In a social media post, Ademola revealed he was abroad and unable to return in time for the ceremony.

    Allwell Ademola was laid to rest on January 9 at a Yaba cemetery with many prominent Yoruba film industry figures in attendance. 

    “It’s a final goodbye, Couz. The hardest part is not being in the country to witness your final journey home. Your passing is another painful reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed. 

    “Each day we live brings us closer to our final day, and each birthday takes us nearer to the last. May we live long, amen. Sun re o Omo Oba EniObanke Ademola, bami ki baba mi Awofe Ademola, ki Uncle Adetokunbo Ademola… o digba o! O di gbere!”, he wrote.

    Social media users have sent condolences to the Ademola family following his post.

  • Asake ends rift, reunites with father, daughter, baby mama

    Asake ends rift, reunites with father, daughter, baby mama

    Music star Asake has reconciled with family, including his father, Fatai Odunsi, daughter and baby mama, Adijat, after facing public criticism for alleged abandonment.

    The settlement follows accusations by Adijat that Asake abandoned her and their daughter despite supporting him during early struggles. 

    Asake’s father, a stroke survivor, in March 2025 also publicly accused the singer of neglect, sparking outrage among fans and celebrities.

    Following the backlash, Asake reportedly took steps to repair relationships, pledging to cover his father’s medical expenses and provide a new home. 

    A recent photograph of the singer with his father signals a return to harmony, following reunion with his daughter and Adijat.

  • Calling Wizkid the ‘new’ Fela disrespectful, Seun Kuti blasts fans

    Calling Wizkid the ‘new’ Fela disrespectful, Seun Kuti blasts fans

    Afrobeats singer Seun Kuti has slammed Wizkid’s fans, telling them to stop bringing his late father Fela Kuti’s name into music debates. 

    Kuti, on Instagram live, called out their behavior as disrespectful and ignorant, saying they’re trying to claim modern musicians as “new Fela” despite not understanding his legacy.

    “Keep Fela’s name out of your (Wizkid FC) mouths. Why must you find a way to bring Fela always into your discussions?

    “You try to steal the man. You try to claim that this your artiste is the new Fela. Then, when you people saw that you couldn’t wear those pants, that the shoes were too big to fill, you now turn around.

    “If your lack of respect came from a place of defiance, I would respect it. But your lack of respect comes from a place of ignorance. Complete ignorance,” he said.

    Kuti criticised the fans for fueling unnecessary rivalry in the music industry and urged them to focus on appreciating music instead of provoking conflict. 

    He questioned why they can’t enjoy an artist’s work without comparisons, stating their behavior reflects dissatisfaction rather than genuine passion.

    “You know why you cannot enjoy your artiste’s music without comparing it to something else? Because the music does not fulfill your spirits. That’s why you people look for extra drama always around the art,” he said.

    The singer emphasised that impactful art should inspire reflection and calm, not social media battles. 

    He warned Wizkid’s fans to leave his father’s name out of fan wars, saying Fela’s legacy deserves respect.

    Seun Kuti recalled previous clashes with Wizkid’s fans, stating he won’t back down and his father’s name should be excluded from fan conflicts. 

    He emphasised Fela’s legacy is non-negotiable, stressing his family’s efforts to promote music through Felabration.

  • Flavour advises critic to ‘Invest in own label’ amidst artist support debate

    Flavour advises critic to ‘Invest in own label’ amidst artist support debate

    Music star Flavour has responded to a critic who accused him of neglecting emerging Igbo artists. 

    The critic, Charles, alleged that Flavour prioritises personal projects over supporting local talent, pointing to his association with comedian Odumeje.

    Charles wrote: “We have wonderfully talented Igbo boys scattered all over the south east trying to survive in their music career with no verse, no signing, no promotion from these so called Igbo super stars. @2niteFlavour never deemed it fit to give any of these guys support of whatever kind, instead he’s wasting money and time on a fake pastor and comedian odumeje. 

    “He knows odumeje is a joke and will never have anything good to offer, so no fear of odumeje overtaking him. He believes signing or promoting young Igbo talents will make these guys greater than him, so he’s afraid of them taking over even when it’s obvious he himself is no longer in charge. Igbo have the most w!cked and selfish artists and God will pvn!sh all of them for allowing young talents be wasted in Igbo land. Many of these young talents become jobless and join the unknown gvn men when their music career fails”.

    In response, Flavour advised the critic in Igbo to “Jee chuba ego Chuta ego” which means “Go make money” so they can establish their own music label to support young artists. 

    He encouraged the critic to take proactive steps in promoting local talent, rather than relying on him.

    “I have given you people one serious advice for the new year. Jee chuba ego o. Chuta ego then start your own label make you help the wonderfully talented Igbo boys scattered all over. Make us proud Odogwu Charles,” he replied.