The year 2023 will go down in history as one of the most significant years in Nigeria for many reasons. The year recorded a power transition from ex-president Muhammadu Buhari to ex-Governor of Lagos, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, cash scarcity and other economic challenges.
It is equally a known fact that year in, year out, celebrities on the Nigerian showbiz stage, albeit the world, continue to make news for different reasons, ranging from personal to emotional, right and wrong motives. The drama generated by some of the biggest players in the Nigerian entertainment industry in 2023 didn’t stop in the slightest. And like previous years, 2023 was not devoid of many highs and many lows that include deaths and births, endorsements, controversies, and laudable feats that gave challenges and good news to different individuals.
It is, also, no longer news that celebrities, all around the world, behave badly or face terrible scandals but absolutely no one saw the months-long-rift between popular Nollywood actresses, Iyabo Ojo and Liz Anjorin or the outburst of the over one decade-long feud between popular comedians AY and Basketmouth amidst other happenings.
The Nation Entertainment team, SAM ANOKAM, ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, OLAITAN GANIU, TUNRAYO ILESANMI, led by ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, GBENGA BADA compiled a list of the biggest newsmaker in the entertainment world in 2022.
The many deaths
The year 2023 recorded a lot of deaths in several industries across the country. At least 10 entertainers from music, art, and movies passed away leaving their fans and colleagues in shock and still in a mourning state. The list include Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Mohbad, Murphy Afolabi, Saint Obi, Oluyemi Adeyemi, Sunday Akanbi Akinola, Femi Ogunrombi, aka Papa Ajasco, Ojo Arowosafe, Favour Daniels, Adedigba Mukaila, Chris Mba, Chikezie Uwazie, Cindy Amadi, Afeez Agoro, and Dejumo Lewis.
The death of these entertainers saw downtimes at different times with colleagues left in shock and the industry mourning. The cause of the deaths of the late entertainers and practitioners vary but their passing away has left a vacuum.
Wizkid loses mum
This year was definitely a grieving year for Ayo Balogun aka Wizkid due to the loss of his mother. The superstar lost his beloved mum on August 18, 2023 in London. The death of his mum definitely took a toll on the Afrobeats superstar, who said life has been meaningless since the passing on of his mum.
Born Ayo Balogun on July 26, 1990, in Surulere, Lagos, Wizkid grew up in a polygamous home with a Muslim father and a Christian mother. His mum was a huge source of strength to his musical career. Her steadfast support was a familiar sight even at concerts and events. One could tell they had a great bond judging by how much he always hyped her in his songs. To underscore his love for her, the singer dedicated a song, ‘Mummy Mi’, to her.
Wizkid and his family laid their mum to rest on Friday, October 13, after a church service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (City of David), Victoria Island and a superlative burial that was the talk of the town.
AY and Basketmouth’s unending feud
There’s no love lost between two Nigerian comedians, actors and film producers Ayodeji Richard Makun aka AY and Bright Okpocha aka Basketmouth.
It all began in the third quarter of 2023 when AY disclosed what led to his 17 years feud with Basketmouth. He revealed that the beef started over a sum of N30,000 not paid to him by Basketmouth.
Speaking on the cause of the 17-year feud in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, AY said it was a particular event he attended which the organisers had expected Basketmouth to be present but wasn’t. He said he stood in for Basketmouth at the said event, and after the show, he didn’t get paid.
AY said after Basketmouth told him that the organisers hadn’t paid, he contacted the organisers and was shocked to find out that payment had been made even before the event. It was then he started pestering Basketmouth for his money, to no avail.
He said Basketmouth afterwards blacklisted him and didn’t invite him to his wedding while he invited his wife.
Basketmouth’s reaction to AY’s accusations took the battle a notch higher. Basketmouth claimed he wasn’t friends with AY, hence, it was not sensible to invite him to his wedding. He went on to note that they both might be comedians, they aren’t close and AY was only seeking attention.
Basketmouth, in an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, accused AY of disloyalty.
Sadly, months after AY’s back and forth with Basketmouth died down, his Lekki home got burnt during the year. The house was said to have been gutted by fire while he was on vacation abroad with his family. Although, the cause of the fire outbreak still remains unknown.
Many of his colleagues sympathised with AY and his family via their social media account over the unfortunate incident.
Mohbad’s tragic end
On September 12, 2023, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba aka Mohbad died at the age of 27, a few days after performing at a show in Ikorodu, Lagos. The singer was buried in less than 24 hours after his controversial death. Fans and lovers became curious as to why he was buried in a hurry but according to the decree father, Joseph Aloba, “In Yoruba land, his corpse is not the kind to be kept when both of his parents are still alive. That land where Mohbad was buried is his”.
The real cause of his death remains unknown although several arrests were made following the controversies surrounding his death.
Hands were pointed to his former label boss, Naira Marley and his ally, Sam Larry, over alleged constant physical assault and threat to life by the deceased. They were interrogated by the police, charged to court and have since been released.
The street was agog with the news of Mohbad’s tragic death. His songs became anthems on streaming platforms and youths across Nigeria, Canada, U.S. and U.K, held various and several peace walks demanding justice for his death.
Some celebrities and social media influencers also rode on the back of Mohbad’s death to chase clout while seeking for justice. From Bella Shmurda to Iyabo Ojo to Tonto Dikeh, VeryDarkMan, and Ishaku Elisha Abbo, these celebs took turns in leading individuals in the call for justice.
As if Mohbad’s death wasn’t sad enough, some individuals started pointing accusing fingers at his family members – his father and widow. A school of thought kicked off a rumour that Mohbad’s only child and son wasn’t his, hence, a DNA was required. This dragged for long as others began pointing accusing fingers at Mohbad’s father for wearing his clothes, seeking media validation and instructing some of his friends to bury him less than 24 hours after his death.
Mohbad’s death remains one of the most talked about events of 2023 nearly sparking a national protest.
The Iyabo Ojo and Liz Anjorin long feud
The entire 2023 will be incomplete without the inclusion of the longest and biggest fight between two Nigerian celebrities that made headlines with every episode. The duo of Iyabo Ojo and Liz Anjorin Lawal threw, not only, caution to the winds but morality in dirt as they traded words unend for the entirety of 2023.
Though the actress have never been real friends, their exchange of expletives have created an unpleasant scenario amongst fans of the make-believe stars.
According to fans and Instagram users, who have been following the brickbat between the two film stars and producers all year long, it all began after Ojo allegedly threw a shade at Anjorin over her route of marketing on social media.
Before Ojo’s alleged shade, Anjorin had taken to her social media accounts to advertise and market her clothing and fashion products while throwing snide remarks and shades at perceived enemies. She had gone on a rampage to respond and denigrate UK based bloggers, Esabod and Gislover, for their stories and activities on her personal life and career.
While Anjorin was at it, Ojo, in a video that surfaced online, allegedly threw a shade mocking Anjorin’s style of marketing while on a visit to actress Lola Alao’s fashion and clothing store in Canada.
Not one to let sleeping dogs lie, Anjorin took to her social media accounts to record a series of videos where she kept taking shots at Ojo without necessarily calling her name. In the four-part videos, Anjorin alleged and claimed that her colleague’s businesses failed because they were all built on deceit, she also claimed that Ojo rented her Lekki home but lied to the public and fans that she acquired the property.
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Anjorin also made weighty allegations by accusing Ojo’s lifestyle while pointing at some of the incidents and stories that has involved her personality. She hinted on Ojo’s battle with the Lagos state tax office as well as an old allegation by another actress, Halima Abubakar, who claimed Ojo had a sexual bout a popular clergyman, and a popular politician.
In her response, Ojo, who seems battle ready, took to her insta-stories of her official Instagram account to throw a weighty and messy shade at Anjorin. Ojo went on a naming calling mission and also made weighty allegations by accusing Anjorin of being an ex-convict and also involved in sexual bouts with me in South Africa and The Gambia. She also took shots at Anjorin’s husband.
While both actresses have refused to mention their names in their word trades, it’s pertinent to note that the two have children, who are adults. It is equally unsure if the battle won’t continue in 2024.
Oladips’ death stunt
After the death of Mohbad, which remains one of the biggest incident on the Nigerian entertainment scene, another death scare cum stunt caused a stir. On November 14, Nigerian indigenous rapper, Oladipupo Oladimeji aka Oladips was announced to have died after going through some health issues. The announcement was made by his management team, hence, the response by the public over Oladips’ alleged death. The 28-year-old rapper was rumoured to have passed away after being rushed to the hospital.
A statement on his official Instagram page reads: “We are saddened to inform the general public that Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, aka Oladips, passed away on November 14, Tuesday evening, at exactly 10:14 pm. We are still in shock as we speak.
“For over two years, he has kept his battles within himself. His body is now with his family, and the funeral service will be announced as soon as it is concluded. The family asked that we respect their privacy in this trying time. May God give us all the fortitude to bear this great loss. (Amen).”
Oladips’ death was later rumoured to be a publicity stunt for his newest album titled, ‘Superhero Adugbo.’ The rapper later apologised for faking his own death but admitted that all isn’t well with him and his career.
Portable’s experience with the law
Habeeb Okikiola aka Portable made headlines for various reasons in 2023 after breaking out in the last quarter of 2022 with his song, ‘Za Zuh’ featuring Olamide. Portable was either alleging being reaped by some promoters or engaging in fisticuffs with miscreants, who tried getting a piece of the cake after he seemed to have become famous. However, the highlight of 2023 for Portable was his unending romance with the law. In the third quarter of the year, Portable was captured in a viral video accusing and harassing some police officers who stormed his bar in the Sango Ota area of Ogun State to arrest him. The singer allegedly resisted arrest, insisting that he was a superstar and worked for the ruling party, and therefore should be invited for questioning, rather than arrest. Consequently, the Ogun State Police Command ordered him to report himself to the nearest police station, an ultimatum Portable was advised to honour, or face serious issues with the police. Portable in the viral video, claimed that the officers were fake officers, and further claimed that the police were acting on a petition from his former apprentice, who he claimed was an internet fraudster, and who he disciplined for the same reasons. Subsequently, Portable was charged to court and remanded for some days but was later granted bail. Not yet done with the law, Portable was spotted at the annual Nigerian Bar Association conference. He came into the conference as one of the artists billed to thrill the legal practitioners. At the event, Portable caused both a scene and stir by climbing and hugging a high riser in the building during his performance. After the performance, many lawyers and Nigerians wondered why Portable would perform at such an event to which it was reported that one of the supporters of the event paid for the singer to appear and perform.
Like Fela, Like Seun Kuti
Like his father and Afrobeat legend, Seun Kuti has been in the news for several reasons. He is known for his many outbursts on quality of governance and state of living in the country. He communicates using social media as a tool while, in his opinion, sensitising the public on what the citizenry deserve. However, the talented musician caused an uproar after a video of him slapping a police officer on the third mainland bridge in Lagos surfaced on social media.
According to Kuti, the policeman had tried to kill him and his family and had assaulted him.
As a result of the brouhaha, the Inspector-General of Police ordered for the arrest of the 40-year-old Kuti for allegedly assaulting a police officer on duty. He was arrested and detained for days by the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Lagos State before being charged to court. The incident cost him more as he was in detention and was unable to kick off his summer tour until many days after he was charged to court after which he was bailed.
Wunmi Ajiboye, Segun Ogungbe and MC Oluomo’s love triangle
One love triangle that shook the Nigerian film industry in the third quarter and last quarter of the year involved popular Yoruba actress, Wunmi Ajiboye, her beau, Segun Ogungbe, and popular transport unionist Musiliu Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo. It is no longer news that the marriage between Wunmi and Segun, one of the sons of late veteran actor cum producer, Akin Ogungbe, has crashed like a pack of badly arranged cards. Rumours began flying that the Wunmi had quit her marriage to be with MC Oluomo as a result of the largesse she enjoys from him. Those close to the couple further alleged that Wunmi’s closeness to MC Oluomo may be the cause of the crack in the couple’s marriage. The reception ceremony for the final burial rites of Wunmi’s late mother opened up a can of worms with several Nigerians, fans and filmmakers giving different conjectures as regards the relationship between Wunmi Ajiboye and MC Oluomo. While denying having any form of affairs with MC Oluomo, Wunmi attested to his financial support in burying her late mum. Ogungbe, who was expected to be at the centre stage at the event, was irrelevant as MC Oluomo took the centre stage. This development culminated in a widespread belief that there is indeed a marital storm, with many speculating that Wunmi had parted ways with her estranged husband in favour of MC Oluomo. In her terse explanation on social media, Wunmi said she was not ready to talk about her marriage to her estranged husband but maintained that she was not having an affair with MC Oluomo. An unconfirmed report alleged that MC Oluomo is enjoying a sizzling romance with Wunmi and was responsible for her decision to quit Segun’s home when he provided her with a fully furnished house.
However, the actress alluded to the complexities in her relationship with Ogungbe, respecting his choice to stay silent about their current relationship status. She claimed to have observed Ogungbe receiving unwarranted sympathy by the public. Despite the temptation to speak out, Wunmi said she decided to stay silent for the sake of their beautiful kids until a more suitable time arises.
Davido and the many pregnancy scare
Davido ended 2022 on a sad note after his first son, David Ifeanyi Adeleke died tragically in a pool. The tragic death saw Davido and his woman, Chioma, embracing a low profile all through the year and the first quarter of 2023 until he released his new album, ‘Timeless.’ Upon the release of Davido’s ‘Timeless’ different stories started rearing their ugly heads. At some point, many said Davido had parted ways with Chioma, after a while, another tale stated that Chioma was pregnant. However, one of the most controversial moments of 2023 was in June, when an American Anita Brown claimed that she was pregnant for Afropop artiste Davido. She alleged that she had a one-night encounter with the singer. The social media was ablaze with discussions and debates when she posted her growing pregnancy bump on social media to back up her claim. As if that wasn’t enough, another lady identified as Ivanna Bay stepped out to argue that the ‘Unavailable’ singer impregnated her. The Paris-based lady took to social media to share alleged screenshots of the messages between her and Davido. In a turn of events, Anita later publicly apologised about the pregnancy scare. Interestingly, Davido welcomed a set of twins with his woman, Chioma later in the year.
Mr. Ibu’s many woes
Right from the beginning of 2023, the household of Nollywood actor, John Okafor aka Mr. Ibu have been embroiled in one crisis or the other.
It began with a video clip which surfaced online of Mr. Ibu threatening his second wife, Stella Maris, signalling that all is not well at home. The matter snowballed into Stella Maris accusing Jasmine, Okafor’s adopted daughter of manipulating the actor and also accusing her of being in a romantic relationship with the actor. After a whole lot of back and forth with some dignitaries intervening, they settled their differences. That was not before some good Samaritans donated to the health challenges of the ailing actor.
As if that was not enough, later in the year, Mr. Ibu got hospitalised and this time, he was told by the doctors that for him to live, one of his legs would have to be amputated. Again, there were calls for donations and Nigeraisn responded. Okafor’s leg was amputated. He was in bed recovering when another matter arose. Stella Maris again accused Jasmine of hijacking money donated by Nigerians to Okafor saying that she does not have access to the Okafor’s main bank account. The Police were invited.
In the midst of all these, the actor underwent a second surgery on the same leg. He is currently recovering.
Hilda Baci
In the month of May, 27-year-old gourmet chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, aka Hilda Baci, made history by breaking the world record of longest hours of cooking.
Between May 11 and 15, she cooked for 100 hours non-stop to beat the record of Chef Lata London, who had the record of 87 hours, 45 minutes and 00 seconds.
The Cook-a-Thon which took place in Lekki Lagos witnessed the support from dignitaries, celebs like former Current President, Bola Tinubu, former vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Sanwo-Olu, Teni, IK Osakioduwa, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, Elozonam, Skibii, Kaffy. Liquorose, Burna Boy, Wizkid among many others.
In preparation for the competition, Bacci partnered a fitness trainer and nutritionist to lose some weight and adjust her diet.
She and her team also designed over 100 recipes to be served at the event open to the public through registration.
It was gathered that she spent N80m for the Cook-a-Thorn.
Moyo Lawal’s sex video
In the month of September, Nollywood actress and producer, Moyo Lawal made headlines when a private video of herself and a man having sex was leaked on social media.
She later identified the man as her ex-lover who she was to marry. She explained that the video was not intended for public consumption. She threatened to take legal action but she never did.
Instead, she made a post on her Instagram with the title, ‘A Time To Heal.’
The actress explained that she had only had sex twice last year and one of those times was the video that she agreed to ‘because he started recording after the fact he doesn’t live in Nigeria.’
She added: “He put a lot of work into winning my trust over the years, and I mean a lot. So much so we were already working towards a house, marriage and all.”
The video opened up a frenzy as fans took sides. While some believed and supported Moyo after the video leak, others threw caution to the wind and took her to the cleaners.
When Empress Njamah’s nude video
In the month of April, Empress Njamah made a shocking revelation that she is being blackmailed by her Liberian ex-boyfriend Nicholas Jack Davies aka George Wade. She announced that Davies was blackmailing her with her nude videos.
After the release of her nudes on social media, Wade fled Nigeria after many celebrities including the Actors Guild of Nigeria demanded his arrest.
Not too long after, he was arrested in Liberia, where he had fled for safety.
He faced charges ranging from sexual assault, rape, forgery or counterfeiting, terroristic threat, criminal coercion, menacing, robbery, armed robbery, theft of property, among others.
