Cryptocurrency Entrepreneur Blord Creates Drama with VeryDarkMan Billboard Promotion
In a surprising marketing move that has ignited widespread online debate, Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, has utilized the image of activist and social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, on a prominent billboard advertisement. The billboard was specifically designed to promote Blord's newly launched Ratel Pay application, a platform that enables users to purchase gift cards and pay various bills conveniently.
Public Reaction and Legal Questions Emerge
The billboard image prominently features VeryDarkMan holding a smartphone alongside the Ratel Pay app branding, immediately capturing public attention across social media platforms. This development has sparked intense discussions among netizens, with many questioning the legality of using an individual's likeness for commercial promotion without explicit consent. Observers have raised concerns about potential copyright infringement and civil offenses under Nigerian law, referencing similar past cases where such actions led to legal disputes.
Blord shared a video of the controversial billboard on his official Instagram account, presenting the moment as celebratory and describing VeryDarkMan as his ambassador. The caption read: "MY AMBASSADOR ON THE BILLBOARD FOR THE FIRST TIME !!! SO CUTE , OGENE VIDEO COMING SOON". This post quickly attracted numerous reactions from followers and critics alike, setting the stage for an unexpected response from the featured individual.
VeryDarkMan's Unexpected Positive Response
Contrary to expectations of condemnation or legal threats, VeryDarkMan, who holds the title of Ratel President, responded to the billboard promotion with gratitude and acceptance. Rather than viewing the unauthorized use of his image as a violation, VDM framed the exposure as beneficial publicity that provides wider recognition for his personal brand and indirectly promotes his own work. In his response, he expressed appreciation for the visibility, stating: "Thank you for promoting my face and the brand ratels……I am grateful ❤️".
This reaction proved particularly notable given the complex history between the two public figures. Their relationship has been marked by ongoing tensions dating back to 2024, when VeryDarkMan initially accused Blord of fraudulent cryptocurrency practices. The dispute further escalated in early 2026 during trademark disagreements concerning the "Ratel" name, creating a publicly documented feud that made VDM's acceptance of the billboard campaign a surprising development in their ongoing saga.
Netizens Express Mixed Reactions Online
The online community has responded with diverse perspectives regarding this controversial marketing strategy:
- @zoeymetax commented: "I hope BLord got VDM's sign-off before mounting this. We all know VDM doesn't mind a good fight, but if the 'Ratel' trademark isn't sorted, we might be seeing a 'Breaking News' video very soon. Grab your popcorn!"
- @NextBigT99 observed: "These 2 people are busy promoting their businesses, we dey here de drag them no go work you hear?"
- @GhostOfberlin_ raised legal concerns: "As dumb as he is .. in never hear of copyright infringement abi... Using someone's image without consent for advertising is a civil offense in Nigeria."
- @FavouriteUzi referenced precedent: "Only that banner alone if vdm take him to court it's an easy win for vdm but vdm doesn't sue remember palmpay was sued by speed Darlington for similar situation and it was an easy win for him because he didn't give them is permission to use is picture."
- @joyce.madueke humorously noted: "??????two of una dey carry us dey go where we know know."
Background Context and Broader Implications
This incident occurs against the backdrop of Blord's previous characterization of controversies surrounding him and VeryDarkMan as deliberate strategies to generate attention for his business ventures. The cryptocurrency entrepreneur had previously disclosed details about staff salaries at his Blord Group, revealing that entry-level employees earn a minimum of ₦250,000 monthly, with compensation scaling up based on tenure within the company.
The unfolding drama highlights several important aspects of contemporary Nigerian digital culture:
- The evolving nature of celebrity influence and personal branding in the age of social media
- Legal considerations surrounding image rights and commercial usage in Nigeria's digital economy
- The strategic use of controversy as a marketing tool within the cryptocurrency and fintech sectors
- The complex relationships between public figures that often play out across multiple digital platforms
As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen whether this unconventional marketing approach will yield positive results for Blord's Ratel Pay application or potentially lead to further complications in his relationship with VeryDarkMan. The incident serves as a fascinating case study in modern publicity strategies within Nigeria's vibrant digital entrepreneurship landscape.
