Entertainment
Why Ayra Starr wad denied visa, S’African envoy explains
Moroe, who disclosed this in an interview with, said the visa rejection was not a recent development as portrayed, but occurred in February 2024.
The envoy said the controversy resurfaced after reports alleged that Starr and her team were denied entry visas to South Africa, prompting the South African mission to meet with her team and clarify the requirements that needed to be fulfilled.
According to him, the rejection was based on failure to meet visa requirements and was not related to the singer’s personality or status as a Nigerian seeking entry into the country.
He said, “I do not see the relevance of that rejection to the development of today, except for using that rejection to sow division.
“One of the challenges was that they did not submit an appropriate yellow fever certificate. They submitted the yellow fever certificate of another country when they were supposed to submit the yellow fever certificate of their home country.
“Subsequently, the matter was resolved amicably and they were granted a one-year visa to go and perform in South Africa in 2024, and I think that was what they forgot to mention.”
The professor said applicants were assessed based on immigration requirements regardless of their status.
South African Consulate, Patrick Matshisevhe; Project Manager of Blak Dave, TRUFOM, Elienai Julius; Consul-General of South Africa to Nigeria, Prof Bobby Moroe; Creative Director of Alpheria, Akabike Kosi and DJ Solomon Akinkunmi during the presentation of Visas at the South African Embassy in Lagos on Wednesday.
He explained that travellers applying for visas are required to submit relevant documents, including a yellow fever certificate from their home country, as proof of vaccination before travelling to South Africa.
The South African diplomat dismissed claims that the country had stopped issuing visas to Nigerians, saying visa decisions were based strictly on requirements.
He said, “Whether you are Ayra Starr or anyone, if you qualify, you will get it. The narrative that we have stopped issuing visas to Nigerians is false. We are not politicians; we don’t get into politics. Whether there are unrest or not, if you qualify for the visa, you will be given.”
Moroe also disclosed that visa applications from Nigerians had increased compared with previous years.
He said applications, which previously averaged between 40 and 60 monthly, had risen to between 60 and 80 monthly.
“The visa applications have increased compared to the past. Before now, it used to be between 40 and 60 applications monthly, but now it has increased to between 60 and 80 applications monthly,” he added.
Meanwhile, the South African Consulate in Lagos on Wednesday issued visas to five Nigerian disc jockeys travelling to the country for an event.
One of the DJs, Solomon Akinkunmi, who spoke with our correspondent at the embassy, confirmed the development.
He said, “We were five that were given visas. I was given a one-year visa, while others were given three months each.”
Henry Okoye, elder brother of music duo P-Square, has accused their former manager and brother, Jude Okoye, of being responsible for the longstanding rift within the family.
Henry made the allegation during an interview with Nollyserve, shared on YouTube on Friday, where he also disputed claims that Jude was responsible for building P-Square’s career.
According to him, the family had supported Peter and Paul Okoye from the early days of their music career, long before Jude became involved in managing the group.
“When they started this music, they were looking for sponsors. They didn’t get a sponsor. When I started sponsoring them, Jude was not there.
“We would travel from state to state for music. They used my car for flyers. I did bodyguard with them. We were supporting them as a family, but we knew it was Peter and Paul that owned it,” Henry said.
He alleged that Jude joined the group’s management only after the twins had begun making progress, adding that their late mother had initially opposed the idea because of her concerns about Jude’s character.
“Before you could know it, Jude came in. We wanted to allow Jude to manage them, but my mum disagreed. She said she knew the kind of character Jude had,” he alleged.
Henry claimed that the family became increasingly divided after Jude took over the management of P-Square.
“What happened at last is that they started running away from everybody. We never knew that it was Jude that was causing the problem,” he said.
He also alleged that he was promised 20 per cent from each of P-Square’s shows in recognition of his early financial and logistical support, but claimed he never received the money.
“Before they started all these things going on, they promised me 20% in each show, but nobody has given me,” Henry said.
According to him, Jude later questioned why he was entitled to the percentage, leading to further disagreements within the family.
Henry also accused Jude of cutting ties with family members, claiming that Jude had not contacted him even when he was hospitalised for two months.
“Almost a year to two years, I’m not talking to Jude. He doesn’t talk to me.
“I was admitted into the hospital for two months. Peter used to call me. Paul used to call me. Jude never called me once to know how I’m feeling. He doesn’t care for anybody,” he alleged.
He further claimed that their youngest sister was struggling in Lagos and accused some members of the family of failing to support her, while acknowledging Peter’s efforts.
Henry also expressed surprise at what he described as a change in Paul’s attitude, saying the singer was previously the “nicest person” in the family.
“In our family, Paul was the nicest person before, but the way he changed, I’m surprised. I don’t know how to put it. I don’t know if Jude used any… on Paul; I cannot tell,” he said.
On the possibility of Peter and Paul reconciling, Henry said he would welcome such a development but expressed doubts that it would happen soon.
“I’ll be happy for them to come back together, but the problem I’m having is that I don’t think they’ll come back because Jude has made all of us become enemies,” he lamented.
“If you want to talk to Peter and Paul, they’ll tell you to go and meet Jude. If Jude says no, that is it.”
Henry’s allegations come amid an escalating public feud involving the Okoye brothers.
Peter, also known as Mr P, recently released a series of videos in which he accused Jude of financial misconduct and alleged that he issued death threats against him.
Peter has also rejected claims that Jude built P-Square’s career, maintaining that Henry played a significant role in supporting the twins during the early stages of their music journey.
The latest allegations have further exposed the deep divisions within the Okoye family, years after P-Square’s rise to prominence and subsequent split.
Entertainment
Temitope Osoba’s Family Denies Rumours Surrounding Actress’ Death, Appeals for Privacy
The family of late Nollywood actress Temitope Osoba has appealed for privacy and understanding as they mourn her passing, while condemning the circulation of what they described as false and unverified reports about the circumstances of her death.
In a statement posted on Osoba’s official Instagram page on Thursday, the Awonuga/Osoba family said it was deeply saddened by the spread of misinformation across social media and blogs.
The family stressed that reports claiming to explain the circumstances surrounding the actress’ death were “false, speculative, and entirely unauthorised.”
They urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, noting that such reports only compound the family’s grief during an already painful period.
The statement also appealed for the family’s privacy, asking the public to allow them the dignity and time to mourn without the burden of rumours and sensational speculation.
According to the family, any information regarding Osoba’s passing will only be released through official family channels and authorised representatives. They urged members of the public and the media to disregard all unverified reports.
The family concluded by expressing gratitude for the prayers, love and support they have received, while asking everyone to honour Temitope Osoba’s memory by respecting their privacy during this difficult time.
Entertainment
Peller: Hoodlums Stole Guests’ Phones at My Traditional Wedding, I’m Refunding Victims
Popular TikTok creator, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has alleged that suspected hoodlums stole mobile phones belonging to some guests at his traditional wedding in Lagos, saying he has been refunding victims for their losses.
Peller made the disclosure during a TikTok livestream on Monday, expressing frustration over incidents he said occurred outside the wedding venue while the ceremony was ongoing.
According to him, several guests later contacted him to report that their phones had been snatched by suspected “agberos” gathered around the venue.
“I’ve spent a significant amount replacing some of the stolen devices,” he said, adding that he was exhausted by the situation.
The content creator blamed the incidents on suspected hoodlums who allegedly crowded the area around the venue.
“Agbero don occupy Lagos. No be small. Agbero plenty pass guests wey come to my wedding. Agbero plenty outside. People wey come say dem dey snatch their phones. Una know how many phone I don pay for?” he said.
Peller claimed that one female guest had her phone stolen shortly after arriving at the venue.
“One girl, as she reach, na so dem snatch her phone for gate. Dem run away,” he alleged.
He also recounted another incident involving a road accident outside the venue, saying he was inside the hall celebrating when he was informed that a person had been hit by a vehicle.
“Me wey I dey inside hall dey do my wedding, na so them say I kill person. Agbero stay for front of car. Them say comot, he no gree. The car owner vex con jam am,” he said.
Reflecting on the incidents, Peller said he would not allow a repeat during his white wedding scheduled for August 8.
“No worry, my white wedding no go be like the way una do that day. Na so I see one video wey car go jam one guy,” he said.
Peller had earlier announced that the white wedding would be a private ceremony limited to 100 invited guests. He also said security personnel would be deployed to prevent unauthorised persons from gathering around the venue.
Peller and his partner, Elizabeth Amadou, popularly known as Jarvis, held their traditional wedding in Lagos on Saturday in a ceremony tagged #JP2026, which attracted celebrities, social media influencers and thousands of online viewers.
The wedding generated widespread attention following several lavish gifts presented to the couple.
Socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, gifted the couple N10 million, while American TikTok personality Gregory Pizarro Jr. reportedly presented Peller with $20,000.
The couple also received a plot of land in Abuja reportedly valued at N150 million from real estate entrepreneur Lawrence Emmanuel, as well as a fully furnished mansion in Abuja’s Life Camp area reportedly worth N400 million from businessman King Ochacho.
Among those who attended the ceremony were actress Iyabo Ojo, singer Zinoleesky, Priscilla Ojo and her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, Daddy Freeze, Papaya Ex, Tee Dollar and Aunty Ramota, among other celebrities and content creators.
Fuji musician Sule Alao Malaika also performed at the event.
In a video circulating on social media on Tuesday, the actress disclosed that she was first diagnosed with cancer in 2023, when she underwent surgery followed by chemotherapy in a bid to halt the disease.
She maintained that doctors initially managed the condition after the treatment, but the cancer later returned and has since spread to her bones, requiring more intensive care, including radiation therapy and another surgery.
According to Anijekwu, recent medical examinations revealed that the cancer has spread to her bones, significantly increasing the cost and complexity of her treatment up to N600,000 every month.
The actress said doctors have recommended radiation therapy and another surgery as part of her ongoing care.
“I have cancer in 2023 (sic). I did my surgery and took chemotherapy, but later it came back again. I’ve been in and out of the hospital. The doctor recently told me it has reached my bones, and the treatment is now much more expensive,” she said.
“Your one naira, your two naira can add up to something reasonable for me to get the proper treatment for this cancer. I’m begging you, please help me,” she pleaded.
Before her health challenge became public, Anijekwu built her career in Nollywood, featuring in several English- and Igbo-language productions.
However, there is no publicly verifiable record identifying a major blockbuster film or comprehensive filmography associated with the actress, as public attention has largely shifted to her battle with cancer in recent years.
The actress said the financial burden has become overwhelming for her family, prompting her to seek help from members of the public.
The widow and children of late Nollywood comic legend, , popularly known as Mr Ibu, have appealed for help as they battle severe financial hardship barely a year after his death.
Speaking in an emotional interview with content creator King Mitchy, the actor’s widow, Stella Maris Okafor, revealed that the family is struggling to survive and is at risk of losing their home due to unpaid rent.
According to her, electricity to their residence has been disconnected for about two months because of unpaid bills, forcing the family to seek places outside their home to charge their phones. She also disclosed that they now fetch water from a community well because they cannot afford to maintain the plumbing facilities in the house.
“We fetch water from the well because I have not paid the house rent. They have even cut my lights for two months now. No lights since. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. It is not easy,” she said.
The situation has also affected the education of the couple’s three children, aged 14, 12 and 10. Stella Maris said the children have been unable to continue their schooling due to outstanding tuition fees.
“Right now, they cannot go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she said while displaying a notice from the school.
One of the children, a 14-year-old daughter who hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps as an actress, appealed to members of the entertainment industry for support.
“I want to thank God for my mum. She tries everything she can to feed us and pay our school fees. If you are in the industry with my dad and you see us now, please come and help us,” she pleaded.
Mr Ibu died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 following a prolonged illness that included multiple surgeries and the amputation of one of his legs. His treatment reportedly consumed much of the family’s resources despite public fundraising efforts mounted during his hospitalization.
The family’s current predicament has sparked widespread concern on social media, with many Nigerians calling on colleagues, fans and well-wishers of the late actor to support his widow and children during the difficult period.
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