The Nigerian entertainment industry has been set ablaze with reactions following the life imprisonment sentence handed to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Celebrities across various platforms have expressed strong opinions, creating what social media users describe as an "internet scatter" of divergent views.
Celebrity Reactions Divide Social Media
Prominent figures including Cubana Chiefpriest, Portable, Prince Eke, and social media critic Verydarkman have led the charge in responding to the controversial court ruling. Their reactions span from political warnings to accusations of government strategy and ethnic division.
Cubana Chiefpriest's Political Warning
Celebrity barman Cubana Chiefpriest delivered one of the most discussed responses to the sentencing. He issued a direct warning to President Bola Tinubu, stating that the detention would have significant political consequences in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Chiefpriest boldly declared that President Tinubu should not expect to secure even "10,000 votes" from the South-East region following the ruling. He further criticized Igbo ministers for their silence, accusing them of failing to defend "their own" in this critical moment.
Portable Claps Back at Cubana Chiefpriest
Controversial singer Portable fired back at Cubana Chiefpriest's statements, accusing him of hypocrisy. Portable pointed out that Chiefpriest had remained silent while "collecting money from Seyi Tinubu" but suddenly positioned himself as Kanu's defender.
The singer emphasized the government's power, stating: "After God na government. You no fit get power pass Nigeria government." His response highlighted the complex relationships between celebrities and political figures.
Verydarkman's Ethnic Division Allegations
Social media critic Verydarkman released a video statement accusing the government of using Kanu's case as a strategic distraction from Nigeria's growing insecurity challenges. He claimed the ruling represents part of a larger political strategy to divide Nigerians along ethnic lines.
VDM went as far as calling for President Tinubu's resignation, describing the situation as: "This Kanu matter don turn political chess." He also predicted that Kanu might not serve the full life term, suggesting potential release after "20 years or less."
Additional Celebrity Perspectives
Nollywood actor Prince Eke described the ruling as a recycled political script that typically resurfaces during election seasons. He hinted that the timing of the judgment might not be coincidental, noting: "the script no change, na we dey watch am again."
Businessman Obi Cubana provided a more conciliatory perspective, revealing that behind-the-scenes discussions are underway to secure Kanu's release. He shared details of his meetings with Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and President Tinubu's son, Seyi, while appealing for Igbo unity during this challenging period.
International Context and Health Concerns
The sentencing occurs despite a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that had ordered Kanu's release and calls from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Reports indicate that Kanu remains in solitary confinement with deteriorating health, raising additional concerns about his treatment.
A US Congressman and former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Africa has linked religious persecution to political repression in Nigeria, specifically citing Kanu's case as an example of this troubling pattern.
The diverse celebrity reactions reflect the deep divisions within Nigerian society regarding the IPOB leader's sentencing and its potential implications for the country's political landscape, particularly in the South-East region ahead of the 2027 elections.
