Entertainment
Dead or alive: Controversy trails Oladips’ alleged death
Music lovers and other Nigerians were thrown into mourning when it was announced that a rapper and singer, Oladipupo Oladimeji, aka Oladips, had passed away at the age of 28 on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
Though the announcement was made on Wednesday morning, the evening before, the rapper had posted a video on Instagram, asking an aide to drive him to the hospital. Shortly after that, another video had surfaced online, purportedly showing the corpse of the deceased in a car with some people believed to be his friends.
A singer and friend of the deceased, Raphael Omoniyi, aka Zlatan Ibile, also shared his last messages with Oladips, where he stated that he had been ill for some time and battling with insomnia. In the chat, Oladips had written, “My brother, I don’t even know where to start from. Been on it for months, but I guess I’ll be fine.
“At this point, I don’t know. I thought it was stress because I don’t really sleep at night. Right now, it feels like my head is no longer on my neck. It feels light.”
However, as condolences continued to pour in, some people in the industry, including singer, Qdot Alagbe, stated that the rapper was not dead. Alagbe wrote on Instagram, “
A friend of the singer with the handle, @only1wavytk_fka_sircoolest, also wrote on Instagram, “Thank God he is alive…He just finished eating turkey and rice. He is setting up ring light. If the album gets to number one tomorrow evening, he’ll post the apology video.”
The poster, who was said to be close friends to Oladips, also posted a video of him and some other guys hugging the singer and screaming for joy.
“Secondly, I’m not sure if he is dead or alive. When people were posting that he was dead, I couldn’t believe because I don’t wish him death. It is not possible for Oladips to be dead and that was why I posted that he is alive. He probably might be depressed and going through one or two (sic) and may not be fine, because of the pressure of the album he wants to release and other life challenges. But please, let’s disregard any information. I am sorry for any issue or damage I might have caused because people seem to misunderstand my message. Oladips is a mentor and an inspiration to many young ghetto artistes. I was not chasing clout. I was just wishing him well. How can I use such a situation to chase clout? I was only wishing him well.”
Meanwhile, the singer’s latest album titled, ‘Superhero Adugbo’ was released by his management on Thursday, November 16.
This made many to question if the singer was really dead, or if it was a publicity stunt to boost the sales of the album.
Also in his latest single, ‘Die Young’, released on October 6, 2023, he had rapped, “People compete with the living and care for the dead/world people will watch you beg for the bread/when you make it or you die is when they care for a friend/bandwagon, everybody jumps on the trend/damn, that was my friend, he was a cool guy/one of the best talents that I knew, he good die/let me post his picture on my story and my page/so the world can see my agony and my pain/reality check, this is everyone’s reality…”
The lyrics of the song further added to the confusion on the Internet, as some opined that it seemed like a carefully orchestrated publicity stunt, while others were of the view that he was just expressing his reality.
Oladips rose to fame in 2015 after winning an online rap competition called ‘The King is Here’, hosted by singer, D’Banj. He later got signed to rapper, Reminisce’s record label, Edge Records, but parted ways in 2019.
A message seeking clarification was sent to the singer’s management but there was no response as of press time.
The news of his passing was announced on Tuesday by a fellow actor, Tony Akposheri, in an Instagram post.
Akposheri expressed shock and sadness over the death of the actor, recalling their recent interactions.
He revealed that they had recently spent time together during the New Year, sharing memories and discussing future plans.
“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Ofor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.
“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead,” he wrote.
“We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.”
Describing the late actor as more than just a screen personality, Akposheri paid tribute to his character and impact.
“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.”
He added, “Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten.”
Clarus gained prominence for his role in New Masquerade, one of Nigeria’s most popular television comedy shows, where his character became a household name.
Details surrounding the cause of his death were not immediately available.
Ofor rose to prominence for his role as Clarus in New Masquerade, a widely acclaimed Nigerian television comedy that aired on the Nigerian Television Authority and became a household favourite in the 1980s.
His portrayal of the comic character earned him national recognition and endeared him to audiences across the country, making Clarus one of the most memorable figures in Nigerian television history.
According to the unaudited financial statements of Nigerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Champion Breweries Plc for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the companies collectively recorded strong top-line performance driven largely by beer sales.
Nigerian Breweries Plc, the largest brewer in the country, recorded net revenue of N1.05tn for the period, up from N710.87bn in the corresponding period of 2024. Cost of sales stood at N631.23bn, resulting in a gross profit of N415.15bn.
After accounting for selling and distribution expenses of N193.85bn, administrative expenses of N59.58bn, finance costs of N39.15bn, and other charges, the company posted a profit after tax of N85.51bn, compared with a loss of N149.50bn in 2024. Basic earnings per share rose to 275 kobo from a loss of 1,455 kobo in the previous year.
In March, Nigerian Breweries Plc announced a return to profitability in the first quarter of 2025, reporting a 186 per cent increase in net profit compared to the same period in 2024. The unaudited financial results released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited showed that revenue for the period ended March 31, 2025, rose to N383.6bn, representing a 68.9 per cent increase from N227.1bn recorded in the first quarter of 2024.
International Breweries Plc, which operates in Nigeria and other West African markets, generated revenue of N472.57bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, up from N343.45bn in the same period of 2024.
The company reported a profit after tax of N57.83bn, reversing a loss of N112.81bn in 2024. Cost of sales increased to N311.64bn from N248.58bn, while administrative, marketing, and distribution expenses rose to N92.09bn from N72.68bn.
International Breweries Plc posted a profit of N11.9bn for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, marking a turnaround from a loss of N47.3bn in the same period last year. The company’s unaudited financial statements showed revenue increased to N167.4bn in Q2 2025 from N120bn in Q2 2024, while gross profit rose to N61.9bn from N33.8bn.
Overall, the combined revenue of the three companies amounted to N1.54tn, with Nigerian Breweries Plc accounting for the bulk of sales.
Analysts say the figures highlight the resilience of Nigeria’s beer market, which continues to benefit from strong brand loyalty and distribution networks despite rising production costs and broader macroeconomic pressures.
Commenting on consumer behaviour, the Head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co., Ayokunle Olubunmi, said the market is experiencing a gradual shift in spending patterns, with some consumers reducing beer consumption, a trend influencing how breweries adjust their strategies.
“Following AB InBev’s acquisition of International Breweries, the company invested in new breweries and production facilities to expand capacity. This indicates that firms are prioritising scaling operations and improving efficiency to meet rising demand and strengthen their market position,” Olubunmi said.
On the broader economic impact, the Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, Ayo Teriba, cautioned that strong sales figures do not necessarily translate into greater economic contribution.
“The point is that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Sales may be boosted by size, but if that size reflects purchases from other companies rather than actual value added, the contribution to the economy is limited. What really matters is net output, what value the company is actually creating. GDP, after all, is the sum of value created, not just total sales figures,” Teriba said.
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in custody following his arraignment on Monday over multiple criminal charges.
The singer was arraigned on a nine-count charge bordering on assault, theft, causing bodily harm, and resisting arrest.
Confirming the development, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the charges stemmed from a complaint filed by Portable’s estranged partner, Ashabi Simple.
The arraignment followed a viral video on Sunday showing the singer in police custody.
According to the prosecution, Portable allegedly assaulted Ashabi Simple, several police officers, and other individuals at his bar located in Iyana Ilogbo on New Year’s Day.
Other alleged victims listed in the charge include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.
Portable is also accused of stealing a Mercedes-Benz E300 valued at N12 million, belonging to Ileyemi Damilola and reportedly purchased from Wally Dex Auto.
It was gathered that two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses in court, although Ashabi herself was absent during the proceedings.
The police further alleged that Portable obstructed and assaulted a female police inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi, while she was carrying out her official duties.
The presiding judge denied the singer bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer in court. The judge ruled that the officer must be present before bail could be considered.
Portable was consequently remanded in custody, with the bail hearing adjourned to January 19, 2026.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The Anambra state government has announced 13 Days of Mass Return of it’s kit and kin ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Mass Return which heralds the liberation of the eight local government areas that had in the past been under the grip of gunmen until the inception of Governor Charles Soludo administration would also witness the home coming of her son and popular highlife musician Mr Chinedu Okoli aka Flavor Nabalia
The over one week celebration would commence from December 18th to January 4th 2026 would also present masquerade and cultural festivities as well as old school and Gen Z musical performances tagged OnwaDezemba .
The State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor who disclosed this while briefing Journalists in Awka on Tuesday, said the celebration is part of lineup of events for the highly anticipated Ọnwa Dezemba, a Christmas extravaganza aimed at making December 2025 memorable for people of the state.
Mefor, said the initiative forms part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s efforts to ensure residents actively participate in the festive season while celebrating Anambra’s rich cultural heritage and entertainment offerings.
Mefor said the programme, scheduled to run from December 18, 2025, to January 4, 2026, will feature music, comedy, sports and cultural performances across different parts of the state.
He noted that the events aimed at making December 2025 unforgettable in the minds of Ndi Anambra.”
He also announced that the state government has put in place adequate security to make the event a peaceful, free and fair event.
Below is the full list of events;
December 18: #onwadezemba City Block (Gen Z-focused music and entertainment) — 6pm, Awka City Stadium (by Solution Fun City)
December 20: #onwadezemba Christmas Carol/Cankata — 4pm, Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka
December 25: #onwadezemba Children’s Christmas Festival — 2pm, Solution Fun City
December 27: #onwadezemba Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival — 2pm, Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka
December 28: #onwadezemba Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival — 2pm, Township Stadium, Ekwulobia.
• #onwadezemba Novelty Match — 2pm, Awka Township Stadium
• #onwadezemba Ịgba Mmanwụ Festival — 2pm, Ezechima Primary School, Onitsha
December 30: #onwadezemba Flavour Home Coming (concert by Flavour n’Abanịa) — 5pm, Solution Fun City Awka.
January 3:
• #onwadezemba Walk for Life — 7am, Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka
• #onwadezemba LOL (Laugh Out Loud) Anambra (comedy show) — 5pm, Solution Fun City
January 4: #onwadezemba All-White Old School Night — 6pm, Solution Fun City
“One of the legacy projects of the Soludo’s administration, was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu during a one-day official visit to the state on May 8, 2025.
“The opening ceremony will featured performances by top Nigerian artistes, including Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, who is expected to entertained a large audience of dignitaries and residents of Anambra State.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that Flavour was born on November 23, 1983, in Enugu State, Though born and raised in Enugu, his family hails from Umunze in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Growing up in a musically inclined household, Flavour was exposed to various styles of music from an early age. However, it was his involvement in the local church that truly ignited his passion.
The Assembly said she was invited to defend herself over allegations of misconduct leveled against her.
Speaking during plenary, the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, said Irobosa must explain why her conduct had dragged the name of the Assembly “in the mud.”
He said, “Hon. Natasha Irobosa has been summoned to appear before the Ethics and Privilege Committee of the Assembly due to her recent conduct which has been trending online.
“This conduct drags the name of the House into the mud, and it is the responsibility of members of the Assembly to conduct themselves well.
“This House has cerebral minds and educated people who have been dragged in the mud for too long by our colleague, Hon. Natasha. She has been trending on social media and television for the wrong reason.
“The House has members who know what they are doing, and the attitude of our member has brought this House to disrepute, and we will not tolerate it.”
The Speaker added that the committee would submit its findings to the House within two weeks.
Meanwhile, fans of 2Baba have expressed deep concern over the singer’s marriage following a series of disturbing videos circulating online.
One of the videos on Tuesday captured a heated exchange between the artiste and Natasha during an Instagram Live session on Monday.
The live session, hosted by media personality, Daddy Freeze, featured members of 2Baba’s former management team discussing stalled international projects when the singer suddenly joined the broadcast.
Moments into his appearance, he was heard confronting Natasha, asking, “What is your problem?”
The situation quickly escalated, with Natasha appearing to attempt to seize the phone as both raised their voices before the session abruptly ended.
The incident came shortly after another viral clip showed the singer being handcuffed and escorted away by police officers in the United Kingdom. The footage, shared by blogger Tosin Silverdam, captured officers speaking with 2Baba outside a retail store before leading him away.
The viral clips have triggered widespread anxiety among fans and industry watchers, many of whom fear the singer may be experiencing a deepening personal and marital crisis.
“You go out there to make your money; even if it’s 100,000 people listening, the money is enough to sustain you,” his former manager, Kaka Igbokwe, said.
He added that the team’s long-term plan was to elevate 2Baba to the level of globally respected African music icons.
“When I started working with 2Baba, my aim was for him to be larger. You can’t compare yourself to Burna Boy, but you can achieve what Angélique Kidjo has done. You can still do arenas,” he said.
Amid the unfolding drama, popular content creator Nasboi penned an emotional note expressing sadness over the singer’s current situation.
He said the recent clips were damaging to the calm, humble image 2Baba had maintained for decades.
“I’ve looked up to you since I was 16. I loved every bit of your music, your personality, and the humility you carried yourself with. In fact, you were one of the people who taught me what it means to be humble. You have had your criticism in the past, but your character and humility still stood tall,” he wrote.
Nasboi added that the version of events being shared online was unfamiliar to “those of us who truly love and respect you,” urging the veteran artiste to take control of the situation.
In a separate live session with Daddy Freeze, a female fan tearfully called on Nigerian men to intervene in 2Baba’s marriage.
“All Nigerian men should please come out and help him out of this,” she said.
“It’s so disheartening seeing my Idol like this,” another fan, August Chris, wrote on X.
On his part, @Abraham_Gidi posted, “Honestly, this is a fact. I still find it hard to believe. I love and respect him from childhood, and it has stayed like that forever. Legend forever.”
Another X user, @ariyiB, said in a video posted on Tuesday, “2Baba should have stayed on his own since he left Annie. He already has enough kids. I am not happy with what I am seeing about him on social media.”
The relationship between 2Baba and Natasha became public shortly after the singer announced the end of his 12-year marriage to Annie Macaulay in January. He later unveiled Natasha as his fiancée and proposed to her publicly on the eve of Valentine’s Day, February 14.
The couple went on to hold a private traditional wedding ceremony in July in Abuja.
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