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  • D’banj celebrates 20 years on stage

    D’banj celebrates 20 years on stage

    Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, has congratulated Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, widely known as D’banj, on the occasion of his 20th anniversary as a performing artiste.

    In a statement signed by an associate of the law firm, Susan Shimave, the company described D’banj’s journey in the music space as remarkable.

    The firm said D’banj has not only contributed in showcasing Nigerian beats to the rest of the world but was one of the pacesetters in this regard.

    “As he embarks on this remarkable milestone, we are compelled to reflect on the incredible journey that has led him to this point.

    “From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success, D’banj’s path has been marked by perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His journey serves as a testament to the power of talent, hard work, and resilience in the pursuit of one’s dreams,” the statement partly read.

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    The company said over the past two decades, the Koko Master as he is fondly called has not only captured the hearts of millions with his electrifying performances but has also shattered barriers, scaled new heights, and set the standard for excellence in the music industry.

    “Yet, amidst the triumphs, D’banj has faced his fair share of challenges and adversity. However, it is his ability to navigate through these obstacles with grace, courage, and determination that truly sets him apart. His resilience in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to follow their dreams, no matter the odds,” the statement added.

    “As we celebrate D’banj’s 20 years on stage, let us not only applaud his achievements but also acknowledge the profound impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals around the world. His music has not only entertained but has also inspired, uplifted, and united people from all walks of life.”

  • ICPC, police clear D’banj of rape, fraud allegations

    ICPC, police clear D’banj of rape, fraud allegations

    Singer, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’banj, has been cleared of rape and fraud allegations by the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), The Nation has learnt.

    The police and the anti-graft agency gave the ‘Fall-In-Love’ crooner a clean slate in separate clearance reports upon completion of investigations with incontrovertible outcomes on the innocence of the Kokomaster singer.

    In an affidavit obtained by The Nation, deposed by Toheeb Lawal of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, before District Court of Abuja, wherein the reports of the Nigeria Police Investigation and Clearance from the anti-corruption agency were exhibited and marked exhibits A and B, the legal practitioner averred that the police and ICPC cleared the singer of rape and fraud allegations.

    In 2020, the singer was accused of rape and the Inspector General of Police ordered an investigation into the allegation.

    In a report dated November 14, 2023 with case number CR:3000/X/FHQ/ABJ/SEB/T.1/VOL 18/284, and signed by ACP YY Abubakar of the Special Enquiry Bureau at the Force Criminal Investigations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the police said the matter was investigated but there was no evidence to substantiate the claim.

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    “The allegation was investigated,” the report reads in part. “The complainant, witnesses and suspects made their statements. Investigation was expanded across board but there was no prima-facie evidence, adduced facts or corroborative evidence to establish the offence of rape and sexual assault against the singer.”

    Also, in 2022, D’banj was wrongly accused of diversion funds associated with the N-Power Programme of the Federal Government.

    However, in a separate outcome after its investigation, the ICPC said D’banj was not guilty of any fraud allegation.

    In a response to an inquiry, the Commission cleared D’banj of any infraction on the matter.

    The clarification was dated November 29, 2023 with document number ICPC/OPS/SDD/SPT.LG/31/23.

    “The commission investigated issues of fraud in the administration of the N-POWER Scheme where Mr Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo’s name came up. However, there was no prima-facie case of fraud against him.

    “Kindly be advised that Daniel Oladapo Oyebanjo is not under investigation with the Commission for any fraud-related offence,” the statement reads in part.

    The lawyer, in his deposition filed before the Chief District Court of the Federal Capital Territory at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, also averred that the singer was never a government official and never had any access to government funds and that the N-power campaign he supported was free and was never paid a penny by anyone or the government.

  • You can’t bully me, Do2dtun reacts to D’Banj’s restraining order

    You can’t bully me, Do2dtun reacts to D’Banj’s restraining order

    Media personality, Dotun Ojuolape aka Do2dtun, has reacted to the court order issued against him by his former in-law and Nigerian singer, D’Banj.

    The Nation reported that D’banj had filed an application at an Abuja federal court for an injunction restraining his estranged brother-in-law, Do2dtun, from making malicious and defamatory posts against him on social media.

    The entertainer filed the petition through one of his lawyers, Toheeb Lawal.

    The Judge, Emmanuel Iyanna, gave the injunction on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in the case with Motion No: MN/218/2023.

    Responding to the court order, Dotun, in a post shared on his social media handle, said if they had obeyed the court order regarding the issue of his kids’ custody, no one would be here.

    He reiterated that the goal is to see his children, and he is not bothered about any court order or being arrested and detained in police custody.

    Read Also: D’banj files restraining order on Do2dtun over alleged defamation of character

    He wrote: “If you only you all obeyed order too. We won’t be here. Have kept quiet cos you asked for medication. I know, and I was so sure. You know very well what I was saying, and I wasn’t wrong, but yet again, the power game. I have still not seen my kids. For me, that’s the goal all these ones do not concern me focus!

    “Don’t worry, you and I know you don’t want me to speak cos you need that bread Abi. You want my life dark and uneven, but you want yours to be yellow. Over my dead body… just give me my kids and let me live my life in peace.

    “If we all obeyed a simple court order, we won’t be here. Let’s all do the right thing and say our goodbyes. You won’t bully me. Police station, na human dey go there. Bring it on!!! Thank you, and God bless.”

  • D’banj files restraining order on Do2dtun over alleged defamation of character

    D’banj files restraining order on Do2dtun over alleged defamation of character

    Nigerian music star, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo aka D’banj, has filed an application at an Abuja federal court for an injunction against his brother-in-law, Do2dtun, over alleged defamatory social media posts.

    The entertainer filed the petition through one of his lawyers, Toheeb Lawal.

    The Judge, Emmanuel Iyanna, gave the injunction on Wednesday, October 18, in the case with Motion No: MN/218/2023.

    Read Also: D’banj breaks silence after ICPC ordeals

    In granting the application, which has D’banj as the complainant and Do2dtun as the respondent, Iyanna granted: “an order restraining the defendant (Do2dtun) either by himself, servants, privies, cohorts, representatives, or any person deriving authority from him from further making any malicious, intimidating or defamatory post directing at the complainant (D’banj) on any social media platform (X, Instagram, etc) or news media pending the hearing and determination of the substantive case”.

    The court ordered the Deputy Inspector of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, to investigate a criminal complaint brought by D’banj against Do2dtun within two weeks and report back to court.

    The Nation reported that Do2dtun had for weeks embarked on a social media attack against D’banj for being a partaker in his not having access to his kids.

    The media personality got married to D’banj’s sister, Taiwo, in 2013, and the union produced two girls.

  • I stood by you when your son died – Do2dtun blasts Dbanj

    I stood by you when your son died – Do2dtun blasts Dbanj

    Renowned media personality, Dotun Ojuolape, known as Do2dtun, expresses frustration over alleged obstruction from D’banj and his ex-wife, who is D’banj’s sister, in seeing his own children.

    This scenario has been going on for weeks and has recently gotten more public.

    Do2dtun has been outspoken about his desire to visit his children. He told his side of the tale, adding that when D’banj sadly lost his only kid, he was a comforting presence for him.

    He said: “I know how much I was there for you @iambangalee when you lost your son. You know the pain of losing a child but you are now the instrument of discord and wickedness in mine. You could not even make it down to your son’s burial but Taiwo and I were there throughout.

    “We prayed for hours hoping he comes back to life. I cried like a baby for yours but now you have forgotten so soon.

    “You see why your career never took a lift and why you can’t ever make a “HIT” song it’s cos you only see yourself and never see what others see. You are so selfish so much that your immunity lies in your ignorance. You swoon everyone with clothes and jewelry and come with a facade that’s fake and empty.

    “You knew this boy lifted and it upset you. So the only way to hurt him was through his wife and kids. You knew I loved them. After said can’t work with u, that was my issue. I have witnesses to how unhappy you wer. I didn’t want to do what you do to make money. I am a non conformist and it annoyed you so much.

    Read Also: Do2dtun slams ex-wife’s family for restricting access to his children

    “I don’t share your height of ignorance and it upsets you. DAPO you have hurt so many people it’s why you will pay for your sins. Have you seen thats why it’s one fry pan to fire for you. No rest for the wicked. You think say you get power? I knew how many times you went broke that I will send money to your mum, I am traveling or on the mainland I’ll visit and buy stuffs for your family. You never ever say thank you for anything I do.

    “Very hollow lots that nothing satisfies..

    “These are my kids not yours. People don’t know why I am involving you so much but don’t ever be the reason for someone’s unhappiness. you won’t make me happy yet you and your family took my source of joy. The worst man you can fight is someone who is ready to die..

    “I won’t stop and please everyone. I don’t fight such fights for myself but for others but this time, I am fighting my fight.

    “To all my celebrity colleagues; I contributed to every of your careers, put yourself in my shoes for once. nuff said. Next post coming up soon!”

  • My mother once dated Dbanj, says BBNaija’s Angel

    My mother once dated Dbanj, says BBNaija’s Angel

    Big Brother Naija All Stars housemate, Angel Smith, has revealed that her mother, Titilala once dated musician Oladapo Daniel aka D’banj.

    Angel Smith shared this information with new house guest, Omashola Sholzy.

    Angel also revealed that her mother was well-known in the entertainment business in the past and, as a result, knew most of the people in that industry.

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    In the same conversation with Omashola, she disclosed that flashy celebrity Denrele Edun was one of her mom’s friends while she was growing up.

    She added: “My mum dated someone that was famous in the industry.”

    When Omashola pressed for the person’s name, Angel Smith whispered that her mother once dated D’banj.

  • D’Banj drops new single, ‘Shy’

    Hip jop music star Dapo Oyebanjo A.K.A D’Banj has dropped a new single titled ‘Shy.’

    The artiste who is also fondly called Kokomaster shared the news via his social media handles over the weekend.

    In the song, D’Banj, singing in Igbo, English and saring Yoruba said he is a ‘shy guy.’

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    The song also borrows refrains from the Igbo language and in the video of the song which was also released featured rows of men wearing traditional Igbo outfit with beads and red cap to match.

    Recently, D’Banj also dropped another single, ‘Cover Me’ which is also off his forthcoming album. D’Baj featured Slimcase on the song.

  • 2019 Lagos City Marathon: D’banj, Teni promise to thrill fans

    TWO award-winning artistes, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj and fast-rising Teniola Apata better known as Teni The Entertainer have vowed to thrill fans when they perform live at the 2019 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon scheduled to hold in Lagos on Saturday.

    The two music stars, who will be performing at Eko Atlantic City, the finish point of the 42km marathon race, made the pledge at the world press conference heralding the event which took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja Lagos on Friday.

    D’banj said, “For me, I’m an entertainer and I represent the entertainment industry. As you know, entertainment and sport are like brothers because even sport can be very entertaining. So I’m looking forward to see people run for the 50,000 dollars prize money tomorrow. I think it is going to be very entertaining. In entertainment industry, you have to be very fit, so we are both family.

    “I love the fact that we are here today, because, above everything, we are all showing a great light on our country. There is nothing that will boost tourism than what we are doing right now because we have over 5,000 people participating. I’m actually glad and honoured to be part of this set up. I wish I will be running tomorrow, but thank you, I am going to show myself on the stage as you will be entertained after the race,” the Koko Master said.

    In her reaction, Teni said, “I am really excited to be part of this event, this is good for Lagos State. I played basketball in school and I know the importance of sport, the exposure it is going to bring to Lagos State because there are lots of people outside the country coming into Lagos. It is good for us and I wish everyone success.”

    D’banj and Teni were also named as ambassadors by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria at the event.

  • Gov Ayade, Femi Kuti, Tiwa, D’Banj, Wizkid to honour Mandela at Global Citizen Festival

    Some of the world’s biggest artistes and advocates are heading to South Africa next week, to celebrate the life, legacy, and unfinished business of Nelson Mandela.

    Tagged Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, organisers say the festival will be a historic event and the largest campaign for the United Nations’ Global Goals that the world has ever seen.

    Nigeria’s talents like Femi Kuti, Tiwa Savage, D’Banj, and Wizkid are expected to perform alongside international stars like Beyoncé & JAY-Z, Cassper Nyovest, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Kacey Musgraves, Pharrell Williams & Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, and Usher.

    Following the campaign launch in July, Global Citizen started a digital campaign encouraging Nigerian governors to prioritize water and sanitation.

    Wizkid, the Nigerian singer and global superstar also lent his support to the campaign, inviting governors to join him at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, to be hosted by the Motsepe Foundation, on December 2, 2018 in Johannesburg.

    In a series of tweets, Wizkid called on governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode, to invest in “eliminating barriers for Nigerians,” which starts with quality education and proper sanitation for everyone.

    Promoters say, since the launch of the campaign, more than 145,000 Global Citizens have taken action, while urging Nigerian state governors to invest in sanitation. “Currently, 70% of Nigerians do not have access to a toilet, which often causes life-threatening diseases, decreased school attendance, missed work days, and poverty,” they said.

    Governor of Cross River State, Professor Benedict Ayade, and his counterpart in Ondo State, His Excellency Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu have both heard Global Citizens’ calls to action and promised to announce commitments to sanitation at the festival.

    “I will be personally there to speak strongly for Africa and to speak on that international platform,” said Professor Ayade. “Open defecation for us in Cross River State is a thing that we find unacceptable, particularly in urban centres, because of the close accommodation,” he said. “But we do know that the greater challenge is not in advocacy; the greater challenge is the infrastructure.”

    A lack of sanitation disproportionately impacts girls and women. It is a leading barrier for girls who want to access an education. It stops them from enrolling in school and their inability to manage their periods at school causes them to miss a significant number of days.

    Study says open defecation does not only cause social stigma but it is also a factor contributing to violence against young girls and women. One-quarter of women defecating in the open in slums in Lagos had either first- or second-hand experience of harassment, a threat of violence, or actual assault in the previous 12 months, and over two-thirds felt unsafe using a shared or community toilet in a public place, according to a study sponsored by Water Aid in selected slums in Lagos.

    Cross River’s and Ondo’s investment in sanitation is a big step in the right direction.

  • D’banj sign fresh deal with Sony Music

    Oladapo Oyebanjo, aka D’banj, and Sony Music Africa, have signed a record deal.

    Michael Ugwu, a Sony Music Entertainment West Africa, representative, made this known on his instagram handle on Thursday.

    D’banj signed the undisclosed deal under his record label, DKM record.

    Ugwu also posted images from the signing captioned in pidgin: “DKM+SONY Music Africa, this one no be welcome, this one nah welcome back #ibelieve.

    “We cannot wait to see what is next for the kokomaster, D’banj,’’ Ugwu said.

    D’banj recently walked the runway at the African Fashion International Johannesburg Fashion Week.

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    The musician, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, television personality and rapper, teamed up with South African designer David Tlale, as he showcased a suit while strutting comfortably down the runway recently in Johannesburg.

    He has won several music awards, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Award 2007, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009.

    Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards, and Best-selling African Artist 2014 World Music Awards, Evolution award at the 2015 MTV Africa Music awards.