Publicity, whether good or bad, has the power to spark conversations and generate buzz. Nigerian celebrities have become experts at navigating this reality, with many using social media to amplify their visibility, sometimes through controversial means. From dramatic antics to calculated strategies, they manage to keep themselves in the public eye. Below are top Nigerian celebrities who remain prominent on social media, whether through controversy or non-contentious.
Zazu portable
The Zazu crooner always finds a way to stay in the spotlight, whether through good publicity or a controversial tale. If he’s not making a mind-blowing collaboration with fellow artists, he’s stirring up one ‘kasala’ or the other. It could be taking a new wife or pulling off something unconventional.
Portable hardly goes a week without grabbing social media attention. Since his breakout in December 2021, he has fully embraced the world of drama, starting with his fallout with his manager, Kogbagidi, and dancer Poco Lee. Recently, he was spotted performing a ritual, appeasing water deities with bottles of Fanta before bathing in a stream. His popular slang, “Wahala, wahala,” perfectly encapsulates his personality and everything he does.
Bobrisky
In the wise words of Bobrisky, “Good girl no dey pay o.” The Nigerian crossdresser and transgender personality, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, is no stranger to the spotlight. His bold personality and unconventional sexuality often make him a focal point of attention. Bobrisky also has a knack for dragging other celebrities into his fray of controversies.
Popularly known as the “Mummy of Lagos,” Bobrisky frequently offers unsolicited advice to Lagos girls on how to dress well, look stylish, and appear expensive.
However, last year, Bobrisky faced a significant career setback when he was reprimanded by the EFCC for alleged naira abuse-related offenses. Many speculated that his arraignment was intended to “teach the internet sensation a lesson.” Ultimately, he served six months in prison.
After his pardon, Bobrisky emerged looking as though he had been on a luxurious vacation. His unannounced absence and subsequent reappearance sparked widespread reactions, as many expected him to have endured physical and emotional trauma from his time in prison.
Adding to the drama, a controversial figure known as Very Darkman shared his opinion on the situation, accusing renowned lawyer Femi Falana of accepting bribes from Bobrisky to secure him a comfortable stay in prison. This claim added fuel to the fire, with many speculating about the veracity of the allegations.
During the height of the controversy, the “Mummy of Lagos” appeared helpless and reportedly attempted to flee the country via the Seme border. However, he was intercepted by law enforcement agents. Despite the setback, Bobrisky eventually left the country for an undisclosed location. Judging by his recent Instagram and Snapchat posts, he seems to be doing well and living life on his terms.
Vekee James Atere
This celebrity fashion designer sets the social media abuzz periodically and when she does, it becomes a subject of discourse for quite a while. When Vekee James had her classy wedding last year in February, it became an internet sensation, because she wore a dozen outfits. That felt like good publicity, but not without criticisms because of her seemingly lavish outing and lifestyle.
After being married, she continued to grace the public space with her presence, showcasing her husband as a ‘grand prix’. Soon, Nigerians took to the internet to express their displeasure on how Vekee James appeared to be the man of the house rather than her husband, Mr. Vekee James.
Still,the Daughter of Zion seemed unfazed and continued to flaunt her relationship on the internet giving the singles no breathing space.
Then during the light of the ‘Suspect challenge’, Vekee James divulged some information about her sex life which ought to be private. She has posed herself as a Christian believer which limits the kind of lifestyle she should live. However, in that challenge, she claimed her husband does not reciprocate oral sex which sets her up for drags.
Then earlier this month, Vekee James posted a video criticizing women who waste their time waiting for men who tick all their boxes. She mocked the ‘Queen of Standards’. Vekee James was the female ‘Solomon Buchi’ in this post. However, she was just criticizing the unrealistic standards of women in that post. But Nigerians took it further, saying that the celebrity fashion designer does not think highly of her partner.
Korra Obidi
Big Korra, tell me who badder? Was! The Nigerian professional twerker based in Los Angeles has been dragged on social media a lot of times. First, the nature of her job sets her up for drags. Culturally, a grown-up woman should not be half-naked twerking for money. It is seen as a lustful act.
And a few months after the birth of her second daughter, June, she and her husband got separated in 2022. It came as a surprise, because she and her husband, Dr. Justin Dean seemed to be in good terms during the home birth of their child, June. Korra Obidi went through a lot during that period with a lot of unsolicited comments that tagged her as somewhat of a cheat.
Even during that period, Korra took her job seriously and this deterred her image. However, she kept doing what she knew how to do best. She was accused of using her situation to crowdfund for money and was booed at different times by keyboard warriors for wearing skimpy outfits. However, the professional dancer does not seem to care about others’ impressions of her.
Annie Idibia
As time goes by, Annie Idibia has increasingly been perceived as someone whose life revolves around her husband, 2face Idibia. She fought tirelessly to win his love and ultimately became his wife, though not without fierce competition from other women vying for his attention.
Undoubtedly, her husband has gained a reputation as being pliable and something of a “woman wrapper,” yet Annie has remained steadfast, fending off other women and publicly affirming her relationship with him on social media. For some time, she has maintained radio silence on such matters, but many believe she has become so deeply invested in securing her husband that she struggles to envision a world without him.
In the most recent season of Young, Famous, and African, Annie appeared emotionally erratic and unstable, raising significant concerns among fans about her mental health. Many viewers worry about the toll her husband’s actions and public humiliation have taken on her well-being. Some commentators have even called for her to step back from the show, as her visible pain and trauma have become a focal point of her appearances.
The “African Queen,” now 40 years old, shares two children with 2face Idibia. However, during her time on the show, Annie revealed she had suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage of twins last year. This candid admission further highlighted the challenges she has faced, leaving fans deeply empathetic and concerned for her emotional resilience.
Nkechi Blessing
Nkechi Blessing is one celebrity who wears controversy like a badge of honor. The unapologetic actress is known for her fiery personality and frequent clashes with colleagues. In 2021, she was suspended from the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), only to be reinstated three years later.
Her messy divorce from Opeyemi Falegan in 2022 made headlines as the couple took to social media to announce their split, barely a year after tying the knot. Amid the drama, bloggers accused Nkechi of infidelity, prompting her to make a tearful vow on Instagram to curse her critics for 21 days.
Despite her turbulent love life, Nkechi remains undeterred, often sharing glimpses of her relationships online while continuing to court attention with her outspoken and unapologetic nature.
Very Dark Man (VDM)
Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), is a self-proclaimed “online police” notorious for his blunt opinions and frequent online feuds. From clashes with Iyabo Ojo to accusations of libel involving lawyer Femi Falana, VDM has become a magnet for controversy.
In December 2024, VDM claimed that ₦180 million was missing from his NGO account, a revelation that shocked his followers. While some expressed concern, others questioned how he had access to such a substantial amount. The uproar intensified when he later admitted it was a bluff, sparking criticism from the Delta State Governor’s media aide, Ossai Success, who demanded a public apology for misleading Nigerians.
Saida Boj
Saida Boj became a hot topic after her appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast with Nedu, where she boldly declared that men should pay women simply for being beautiful. Calling herself the “voice of the girl child,” Saida frequently shares extreme advice encouraging women to bill men and avoid being overly understanding in relationships.
While her statements often spark backlash for being controversial, they have also earned her a loyal following. Saida’s unapologetic stance has positioned her as a thought leader for a niche philosophy, ensuring she remains in the public eye.
Why Controversy Matters
For these celebrities, controversies are more than just drama—they are tools to maintain relevance, engage fans, and keep their names in the headlines. Whether they are intentionally stirring the pot or simply being authentic, their ability to remain in the public eye ensures their fame endures. As long as fans are eager for the next headline, controversies will continue to be a powerful currency in the world of celebrity
