In 2022, the Nigerian entertainment industry generated a slew of controversies. Some celebrities successfully avoided it, but for others, it was a good way to get attention.
‘There’s no such thing as bad publicity,’ said Phineas T. Barnum, a 19th-century American showman and circus owner.
As a result, gaining media attention is always beneficial, even if the coverage is negative or unfavourable.
Below are some of the most controversial Nigerian celebrities in 2022;
1. Portable
Due to his numerous controversial activities, the street-hop artist had people entertained, angry, and wondering where he came from.
In 2022, the Zazu crooner was nominated for two Headies Awards: ‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘Best Street-Hop Artiste’.
The trouble started when he threatened to kill the other artists nominated in the categories.
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 backhanded apology, Portable posted another video where he orders some boys to beat up his estranged friend, DJ Chicken.
Because the incident occurred within their jurisdiction, the Nigeria Police Force issued an ultimatum to the singer to report to any police station in Ogun State.
Portable boasted in a viral video in July 2022 that he had formed the “One Million Boys” cult group.
Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, was alerted to the claim and ordered an investigation.
Headies removed the singer’s name from the nomination list during the investigation.
Portable was involved in a series of confrontations with his colleagues following 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 album “More Love, Less Ego,” the Nigerian superstar unleashed a new version of himself.
Wizkid informed his colleagues in October 2021 that he would now be addressed 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 remark because he had previously 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 coworkers and other celebrities on Instagram.
During an interview in early December, he said, “Rap is dead.” This sparked yet another controversy.
The artiste’s comment sparked outrage in the entertainment industry, particularly among rappers like MI and Ycee, who responded.
Wizkid expanded on his remark, calling rappers “broke boys,” after claiming that some rappers sent him rap videos.
“Y’all not even rappers!” he continued. “The only rappers in Africa are Nasty C, Sarkodie, and Black Sheriff.”
3. Yul Edochie
Yul Edochie, a Nollywood actor, received harsh 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 announcement.
Yul’s family members publicly distanced themselves from his decision as well.
Yul stated 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, comparing himself to Biblical David.
Yul announced 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 apologised to May for his actions on December 21, stating that he did not disrespect her.
May stated in her response that she would not be coerced into accepting polygamy and refused to be numbered in her home.
4. Nkechi Blessing
Following her breakup with Opeyemi Falegan, actress Nkechi Blessing set tongues wagging.
Shortly after Falegan showered her with compliments on her birthday in February, the couple began a social media war 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 claimed she fed the UK-based military man while denying marrying him.
After a few months of peace, their feud resurfaced in September after she mentioned him in an interview, resulting in another round of Instagram sparring between the actress and the Ekiti State politician.
Blessing began displaying 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 stir on the Internet when she stated 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 monarch.
