Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has accused her former manager and music promoter, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, popularly called Eezee Tee, of sponsoring false news about her son’s paternity.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Chinwo and her husband Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on October 28, 2023.The boy’s resemblance with another male gospel singer sparked reactions online, with many questioning the child’s paternity.Chinwo alleged in a video posted on social media on Tuesday that Eezee Tee was behind the orchestrated scandal.
“One of my major crimes was when I did a song with Pastor Nathaniel Bassey. Because this man hates Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, you went as far as sponsoring fake news about an innocent child, my son; and you said my son was not my son and you paid bloggers,” she said, with tears in her eyes.“Because you hate Pastor Jerry Eze, you won’t want me to go for his event. The people you fight, I must fight them with you and when I asked you questions ‘Why don’t you like them?’ You will start harassing me.”
She reiterated some of the issues raised by her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, in a statement published on social media on January 25 on the ongoing litigation between her and Eezee Tee on royalties.Chinwo noted that she did not initiate any court action against Onyedikachukwu regarding her music catalogue, adding that he was playing the “victim” despite being a “bully”
The singer added that the toxicity of her relationship with Onyedikachukwu forced her to relocate from Port Harcourt to Lagos.“You have bloggers, I have God,” Mercy stated.
LEADERSHIP reports that a Federal High Court in Lagos had ordered Eezee Tee’s arrest over claims of embezzling $345,000 in royalties by Mercy Chinwo.
Though the arrest warrant had been withdrawn, Chinwo and Eezee Tee have continuously tackled each other on social media, raising concerns over the genuity of gospel record labels and gospel artist.
Popular media personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, also known as Daddy Freeze has weighed in on the ongoing controversy following the announcement made by famous singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly called 2Baba to end his 12-year-old marriage with actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia.LEADERSHIP reports that on Sunday, 2Baba made a viral post announcing his separation and impending divorce from Annie.The disclosure sparked shock and reactions across social media, triggering widespread criticism from fans, and celebrities.
In a social media post captioned: “2Baba Seen With New Honourable Woman Amidst Divorce Announcement,” Daddy Freeze cryptically unveiled the identity of 2Baba’s rumoured new lover without disclosing her name.He referred to the mystery lady as an “honourable member.”Daddy Freeze, however, stated that he would not take sides due to his close relationship with both 2Baba and Annie.He subtly taunted the couple for making seemingly wrong decisions, suggesting that 2baba is known to be a cheat and Annie was aware of his infidelity before marrying him.
Against Valladolid, Ceballos posted a pass accuracy (98.2%) not seen in Madrid since the beloved Toni Kroos.
Among the many press conferences Ancelotti has held as Real Madrid’s coach, one of the most memorable was when he publicly acknowledged that he had been “unfair” to Dani Ceballos. This rare moment of humility from a top-tier coach highlighted the challenges Ceballos had faced, often sidelined by the coach.
To be fair, the Italian manager has also had to contend with Ceballos' recurring injuries. But now, with the midfielder in peak physical form and more committed than ever defensively, he’s earning the consistent playing time (and trust) that his style and personality demand. And Ancelotti has no hesitation in giving it to him. One reason is that Ceballos, like in the 3-0 win at Valladolid, is starting to emulate Kroos' numbers...
Ceballos finding form at Madrid
Consistency in performance speaks for itself—both in terms of games played and the quality of those games. In the last 11 matches for Madrid across La Liga and the Champions League, the 28-year-old midfielder has started in 9 of them. And Ceballos has delivered, letting his actions speak louder than words.
A unique opportunity this summer, Ceballos was again positioned at the back of the line, but a confluence of factors (Kroos’ departure, Tchouaméni’s tough year, Camavinga’s inconsistency, and Modric nearing the end of his career) has opened up a gap that Ceballos is now fully taking advantage of. His previous struggles with injuries and form over his five and a half seasons at Madrid weren’t just rumors. He has only logged 7,063 minutes in total, averaging just 41 minutes per game in 170 appearances. In other words, he was often a substitute.
Now, things have changed. Ceballos isn’t just playing more—he’s dominating the field. In Valladolid, he had 118 touches, the most of anyone on the team, and his distribution was reminiscent of Kroos, completing 108 passes with an impressive 98.2% accuracy, 45 of which were in the opponent’s final third. He also assisted Mbappé on the second goal.
This volume and accuracy link him statistically to the beloved German. Since the 2013-14 season, among all Real Madrid midfielders, only Kroos has surpassed 98% accuracy with at least 90 passes attempted. Ceballos matched Kroos’ record in Zorrilla, replicating his teammate’s achievement from the last time he did so—108 passes completed out of 110 attempts against Real Betis in May 2024.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the Red Devils to sign Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen to help struggling forward Rasmus Hojlund, Ferdinand pinpointed the 2023 CAF African Footballer of The Year as the perfect candidate to not only score goals for United but also guide Hojlund, who has struggled to make an impact since his £70m move.
“I’d be going to get Osimhen now if we can do it from a financial standpoint. Get him on loan now! Guarantees you someone who can get on the end of things, scores goals, experienced, done it at the top level,” Ferdinand said.
The former England defender’s comments came after another disappointing performance from Hojlund in United’s narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, where the Danish striker was substituted after 55 minutes.
Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has been in scintillating form, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists in 12 appearances for the Turkish giants.
The Nigeria international’s stock has risen considerably following a stellar 2022/23 season with Napoli, where he scored 26 goals to win the Serie A Golden Boot and help the Partenopei claim their first league title in 33 years.
Ferdinand believes United’s current striker situation is particularly concerning, with neither Hojlund nor his backup Joshua Zirkzee showing the required quality to lead the line.
“I just feel like because Hojlund was £70m-odd we’re expecting the finished article. Unfortunately (he’s not). He’s a young striker but normally a striker of that age comes in and learns off someone. He’s got nobody to learn off,” the six-time Premier League winner added.
United’s interest in Osimhen comes as new manager Ruben Amorim looks to bolster his attacking options, with the Red Devils managing just 17 goals in 12 league matches this season.
The Old Trafford outfit had previously shown interest in the 24-year-old striker before his €70m move to Napoli in 2020/21, where he has since scored 57 goals in 95 appearances.
Earlier reports suggested United and Napoli were considering a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, but there has been little progress on that front.
Meanwhile, Dusan Vlahovic is expected to leave Juventus at the end of the season, and according to Gazzetta, Joshua Zikrzee and Victor Osimhen are among the possible replacements of the Serbia international at the Allianz Stadium.
Therefore, the Serie A giants are already monitoring the market for possible Vlahovic replacements. According to Gazzetta, Zirkzee (Man United) and Osimhen (Galatasaray on loan from Napoli) are the Bianconeri’s primary targets.
Boki Forest in Cross River State, Nigeria, is home to approximately 50% of the country's remaining rainforest and is renowned for its cocoa production. Biakwan, a major cocoa-producing community in Boki LGA, relies heavily on cocoa farming as its primary source of income. For generations, cocoa farming has been intertwined with the identity and culture of forest-dependent people, providing livelihoods for thousands of families.
However, the impacts of climate change are increasingly threatening this vital economic sector and the sustainability of forest communities. Rising atmospheric temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and prolonged dry seasons are reducing crop yields, making farming unpredictable. Cocoa trees, which thrive in specific climatic conditions, are highly sensitive to high temperatures, moisture, and insufficient rainfall.
Farmers in the region are facing significant challenges, including black pod diseases and swollen shoot viruses, exacerbated by climate change. A recent field trip carried out by Biakwan Light Green Initiative (BLGI) with support from GEF-SGP revealed that most farmers are severely affected, with cocoa stems dying and farms deteriorating, resulting in poor harvests and increased poverty.
According to community leaders, addressing climate challenges requires urgent and coordinated actions. This includes adopting sustainable agricultural practices and sound climatic adaptation strategies. Stakeholders, including government agencies, must recognize the urgency of the situation and take proactive decisions to protect cocoa farmers and their communities.
To mitigate the impacts of climate change, farmers must invest in climate-smart agriculture, promoting sustainable practices and supporting local resilience actions. This will help ensure the long-term sustainability of cocoa production in Boki Forest communities and protect the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on this vital crop.
Coote said he was gay in first interview since dismissal
‘I hid my emotions as a young ref and my sexuality as well’
David Coote, the disgraced Premier League referee, has said struggles with his sexuality contributed to the “really poor choices” that cost him his job last year.
The 42-year-old was dismissed by the referees’ body, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), after appearing in a number of videos that were leaked online. In one, Coote insulted the former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp. In another he snorted a white powder.
In his first interview since the scandal, he did not challenge many of the allegations but added personal context. “I’ve had issues around my self-esteem – and that relates to my sexuality. I’m gay and I’ve struggled with feeling proud of being ‘me’ over a long period of time,” Coote told
The sun newspaper
“I felt a deep sense of shame during my teenage years in particular. I didn’t come out to my parents until I was 21. I didn’t come out to my friends until I was 25. My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position. But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.
“I hid my emotions as a young ref and I hid my sexuality as well – a good quality as a referee but a terrible quality as a human being. And that’s led me to a whole course of behaviours.”
Coote said he also feared to come out because of the abuse he would receive in football as a result. “I have received deeply unpleasant abuse during my career as a ref and to add my sexuality to that would have been really difficult,” he said.
The stresses of high-level refereeing only further added to the pressures, Coote said, and he would use drugs as a release. “It’s not something I was reliant on day by day, week by week, month by month,” he said.
“I’ve had long periods where I’ve not used it – but it was one of the escape routes I had. Just getting away from the stresses, the relentlessness of the job. It fills me with a huge sense of shame to say that I took that route.”
“I don’t recognise myself in the cocaine video,” Coote added, confirming the substance he was seen snorting in a video while away working at last summer’s European Championship as a VAR official.
“I can’t resonate with how I felt then, but that was me. I was struggling with the schedule and there was no opportunity to stop. And so I found myself in that position
escaping.
He told the Sun: “There was no agreement prior to the game. I went and did my job. The player committed a yellow card tackle.”
“I received nothing for it,” he added. “I’m really disappointed that anything like this has come out because it tarnishes the integrity of the game. And whatever people think of me as a referee, as a human I have always gone out and done my best on the pitch.”
In a development that has left fans and followers stunned, Nigerian music legend Innocent Ujah Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba or 2face, and his actress wife, Annie Macaulay-Idibia, have reportedly filed for divorce. This breaking news, which surfaced on January 26, 2025, marks the end of a high-profile marriage that has captivated the public for over a decade. The couple, once seen as the epitome of love and resilience, has now become a trending topic across social media platforms and the center of conversations about the pressures of fame and family. Healthcare services
The love story of 2Baba and Annie began as teenagers, long before the fame and fortune that would catapult them into the limelight. Their romance was a tale of persistence and devotion, culminating in a heartwarming proposal in 2012 and a fairy-tale wedding in Dubai in 2013. The event was a star-studded affair that solidified their status as Nigeria’s ultimate power couple. Together, they share two beautiful daughters, Isabella and Olivia, while 2Baba has five other children from previous relationships.Healthcare services
2Baba, Annie Idibia Divorce: A shocking end to Nigeria's most iconic celebrity marriage, their relationship endured a series of public storms. One of the most prominent sources of tension was Annie’s ongoing feud with 2Baba’s baby mama, Pero Adeniyi, a conflict that often played out on social media, fueling speculations about the stability of their union. Annie’s emotional posts and 2Baba’s public apologies painted a picture of a marriage struggling to withstand the pressures of fame and personal differences.
The decision to file for divorce seems to be the culmination of years of unresolved issues. Reports suggest the couple had been living separately for some time before making their split official. Family dynamics also played a significant role in their troubles, with Annie alleging that 2Baba’s family never fully accepted her. These challenges, compounded by the relentless scrutiny of their personal lives, ultimately led to the unraveling of their marriage.
The news of their impending divorce has ignited a firestorm of reactions across Nigeria and beyond. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are abuzz with debates about the challenges of celebrity marriages, the impact of public opinion on personal relationships, and the toll of constant scrutiny. While some fans mourn the end of what they once considered a fairytale romance, others view the divorce as an inevitable outcome of a relationship exposed to unrelenting public pressure.
Beyond the emotional aspect, their separation raises questions about the future of their careers and public image. As one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians, 2Baba’s legacy in the entertainment industry is unmatched, while Annie has carved a niche for herself in acting and reality television. The divorce could influence their branding, endorsements, and overall public engagements, with both needing to navigate this new phase of their lives carefully.
For many, the breakup of 2Baba and Annie is a sobering reminder of the human realities behind the glitz and glamour of celebrity life. Their journey, from their passionate beginnings to the painful decision to part ways, underscores the complexities of love, fame, and family. It also serves as a lens through which to examine the societal expectations placed on public figures and the challenges of maintaining personal relationships under constant scrutiny.
As they move forward, the focus will likely shift to how they co-parent their children and redefine their individual paths. Despite their separation, both remain icons in their respective fields, inspiring millions with their resilience and talent. Their story, though bittersweet, is a testament to the highs and lows of modern relationships, especially in the context of fame and public life.
The end of 2Baba and Annie Idibia’s marriage may close a significant chapter, but it also opens the door to new beginnings for both. As fans, we can only hope they find peace, happiness, and success in their journeys ahead. Their story is more than a headline—it’s a reflection of life, love, and the ever-evolving nature of human relationships.
Fast-rising music sensation, Benjamin Idibia, better known as 2G Idibia, has disclosed that Nigerian music icons David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, and Innocent Idibia, known as 2Baba, are his greatest musical influencesIn an interview with LEADERSHIP Sunday, 2G Idibia, spoke about his musical journey, his inspirations, and his aspirations.“Davido and 2Baba are my biggest musical influences,” 2G Idibia shared. “Davido is a living legend and an icon; he’s also a very generous person. He makes me believe that music can take you anywhere you want to go in the world. 2Baba is unique, an intellectual artist. When I listen to his music, it fills me with joy and an overwhelming sense of endless love.”
Speaking on his musical journey,he said “I was born into a music family. My grand father was a local musician and also a trader, two of my Uncles Ekpo and Ogaba Oyapi are traditional musicians.
The third is a gospel artist, my elder sister is a gospel artist my little niece is a gospel artist, my elder brother is an r&b singer and my step elder brother is a local traditional drummer called sabada.According to the musical prodigy,he started as a dancer and a singer with a group called NATION BOYS, back then at Otukpo.He thereafter went solo to keep pursuing his career.2G Idibia’s own music style is a unique blend of Afrobeats,he’s currently working on his EP,which is an international collaboration between Jamaica and Nigeria, Dre Khalif and 2G Idibia titled ‘Girls Fever’ containing six tracks.
He added that he is currently working on a collaboration with xcop, which will see the joining of forces between South Africa and Nigeria, 2G Idibia and PM Rock.While giving his advice to upcoming artists he urged them to take their time,stay focused and never give up.With his talent, dedication, and inspiration from musical giants like Davido and 2Baba, 2G Idibia is definitely one to watch out for in the music industry.
Controversial street singer, Portable, has accused afrobeat singer, Davido of misleading him with his advice and living a “fake life.”
In a recent video, Portable claims that Davido advised him against signing with Sony Music, recommending Empire Records instead.
According to Portable, he later discovered that Davido himself is signed to Sony Music and benefits financially from the deal.
Portable also alleges that Davido exaggerated the value of a watch, claiming it was worth $100 million when it actually cost $30,000.
Portable said: “You gave me bad advice in Atlanta. Did you pay for my flight? You told me not to go to Sony but to join Empire, saying Azaké is there. This is what Davido said.
“I shared the advice with my promoter, only to find out Davido is with Sony and getting paid well.” “Fake love, fake life. You’ll buy a chain for $30,000 and claim it’s worth $100 million. Your fake life and fake love will harm you. Big Wizzy, God bless you.”
American singer, Chloe Bailey has broken her silence regarding dating rumours with Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy that emerged after her recent trip to Nigeria.
Bailey and Burna fueled speculation about a potential romance when they were seen holding hands while leaving a Lagos club during her visit last December.
In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, the US artiste reflected on her experience in Nigeria, describing it as an unforgettable adventure.
“Nigeria was so beautiful. I had the best time. Yes, I was in the club with Burna Boy. The nightlife was so many colors, so many lights, so many cameras,” she said, expressing her admiration for the vibrant atmosphere.
When pressed about the nature of her relationship with Burna Boy, Bailey chose to keep things ambiguous.
“I am a grown woman. I had a great time in Nigeria,” she replied, leaving fans to draw their own conclusions.
Singer Spyro has voiced out on one of the downsides of being a celebrity in Lagos as it affects him.
Spyro whose real name is Oludipe Oluwasanmi David lamented that no day goes by without him parting ways with some amount of money.
He said some of those who expect celebrities to be kind with cash resort to insults if their expectations are not met.
to Instagram to vent and wrote, “Really hard being a celebrity in this Lagos. I told a guy I don’t have today and that I will see him next day and he rained insults on me.
“Every day I step out of my house I spend a minimum of 100k on givings, now let’s do the maths..let’s say I go out 3 time a week, that’s 300k per week making 1.2m per month and that’s about 15million a year…KILODE.”
The 34-year-old “Who Is Your Guy” singer condemned the culture of fans always expecting something from celebrities.
“If I enter restaurant, BILLINGS go de wait me outside, l enter church, same thing … Enter estate same, carry phone enter online na same same … EVERYBODY wants to take but nobody de give you and nobody thinks of how you are fairing & S/O to everyone of my colleagues out there going through this ‚ya’ll are the real MVP’s and I CELEBRATE you.” He concluded
Nigerian TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, popularly known as Seaking, has been released from Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre after fulfilling his bail conditions.
The news was confirmed by his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday.
Effiong explained that delays in perfecting Seaking’s bail were due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as administrative challenges.
“We just departed the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri with TikToker, Olumide Ogunsanwo alias Seaking,” Effiong wrote.
He recounted the circumstances leading to Seaking’s detention: “He was arrested on 20th December 2024 by the @PoliceNG and taken to the Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos on 23rd December 2024 to be remanded for 30 days for alleged treason, cyberstalking over his viral TikTok video against the police.”
Effiong noted their legal efforts to oppose the remand application.
“We opposed the remand application, and he was granted bail instead by the very courageous Magistrate,” he noted.
He continued, “However, due to the Christmas and New Year holidays and administrative reasons, we could not perfect his bail immediately. Today, the bail perfection process was concluded and his release warrant signed.”
Effiong also shared that he, along with activist Omoyele Sowore and others, personally secured Seaking’s release from the facility.
Dangote holding a bottle of a refined petrol in his refinery on Tuesday.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says Heyden Petroleum and Ardova Plc have joined it to ensure the supply of affordable Premium Motor Spirit (petro) in Nigeria.The Dangote refinery in a statement on Thursday, said the two companies, propelled by the economic relief provided by President Bola Tinubu’s crude-for-naira swap initiative, entered into a bulk purchase agreement with the refinery.“This strategic move is designed to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products at affordable prices, further stabilising the nation’s fuel market and enhancing energy security for consumers,” the statement read partly.According to the company, the development followed the example set by MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, which had previously entered into a similar agreement with Dangote Refinery.As a result, MRS Oil recently lowered its fuel prices to N935 per litre across all its stations nationwide, addressing the long-standing issue of price disparities between states.“Furthermore, MRS Oil’s stock surged to a new 52-week high last Friday, as investors became increasingly optimistic about the company’s future earnings prospects,” Dangote stated in its statement.The statement disclosed that the bulk purchase agreement with Dangote refinery will enable both Ardova and Heyden to secure a reliable and consistent supply of petroleum products from the world’s largest single-train refinery.This will ensure a stable supply of fuel at competitive prices, benefiting consumers across the country. “The arrangement ensures that Ardova and Heyden will have access to a full range of refined products, thereby securing their operations with a reliable supply chain,” it explained.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu thanked artists and residents who made the #GreaterLagosCountdown2025 a remarkable even, In a statement released after the event on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu thanked the artists who performed at the New Year countdown, saying, “A heartfelt thank you to the incredible artists who honoured Lagos’ call to perform and made the night unforgettable—Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Olamide, Seyi Vibez, and many more.“Your talent and passion lit up the stage and brought joy to every corner of Lagos. Last night, Lagos came alive in a way that only Lagos can!”He explained that the energy at the event was “electric, with the vibrant spirit of our people shining through every moment.Sanwo-Olu also thanked Lagos residents for coming together in unity to celebrate, saying, “Thank you for showing the world the true Lagos spirit.“It was a celebration like no other. Lagos is home. Together, we ushered in 2025 with unmatched energy and pride.”
Funke Akindele’s latest blockbuster, Everybody Loves Jenifa has taken the West African box office by storm, grossing over ₦1 billion in just 19 days.
The film, which has recorded an impressive 201,604 ticket admissions, now commands 40% of December’s box office revenue, with total earnings standing at ₦1,034,091,220.
This milestone cements its place as the fastest film to hit the billion-naira mark in the region, a historic achievement for the Nollywood actress and producer.
The movie’s success has positioned it as one of the top box office hits of the year in both Nigeria and Ghana.
The overwhelming reception further underscores Funke Akindele’s unparalleled ability to resonate with diverse audiences.
Celebrating this remarkable feat, Akindele expressed her gratitude on social media, tweeting: “GOD DID!!! Thank you Jenifans for supporting Everybody Loves Jenifa! We couldn’t have gotten here without you. We’re excited for what’s to come with this massive win. Keep watching in all cinemas nationwide!’
Just eight days after its international release on December 20, Everybody Loves Jenifa has grossed an impressive $194,560 (approximately ₦300 million) across markets in the UK, US, Canada, and other territories.
Major cities like London and New York have hosted sold-out screenings, showcasing the film’s universal appeal.
Funke Akindele’s unique blend of humor, drama, and poignant social commentary has struck a chord with global audiences, solidifying her reputation as one of Nollywood’s most influential figures.
