Celebrity Jeweller Malivelihood Unveils 24-Karat Gold iPhone 17s for Tinubu's City Boy Movement
Nigerian celebrity jeweller Malivelihood has sparked widespread discussion with the unveiling of an exclusive luxury gadget tied to political supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. In a meticulously crafted video shared across his Instagram platform, the renowned artisan revealed a customised 24-karat gold Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max specifically designed for the City Boy Movement, a prominent group actively championing Tinubu's re-election ambitions.
Luxury Design and Political Symbolism
The phone, which appeared extensively plated in premium gold, arrived encased within lavish packaging adorned with distinctive symbols of the All Progressives Congress. Malivelihood, who has established a formidable reputation for creating expensive customised items for Nigeria's elite, proudly displayed the shining device while carefully unboxing it in the now-viral clip. The luxury piece prominently carried the branding of the City Boy Movement, a political slogan strongly associated with Tinubu's supporters, creating a powerful fusion of opulence and political messaging.
Reports circulating across digital platforms suggest that approximately 200 units of these customised golden phones may have already been secured through an anonymous purchase order. While the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, the substantial quantity indicates significant interest in these politically-themed luxury items among certain circles.
Social Media Reactions and Economic Concerns
As the video proliferated across various social media platforms, Nigerians engaged in heated debates regarding the optics of unveiling such an extravagant luxury item during a period when numerous citizens grapple with severe economic challenges. Critics questioned the appropriateness of this display given Nigeria's current economic climate characterized by rising living costs, persistent inflation, and frequent power outages affecting millions nationwide.
One social media user expressed frustration, stating: "What's exciting about this? The masses are out there suffering, nobody cares about them. What's the City Boy Movement all about? The system is not working properly for ordinary citizens."
Conversely, another observer marveled at the craftsmanship: "Before you even open the box, you already know this isn't a regular phone. The packaging alone looks like it's carrying state secrets. 24k gold, premium finish, luxury presentation—this is wealth display at its finest."
City Boy Movement Context and Celebrity Involvement
The City Boy Movement has gained considerable attention in recent political discourse, with notable figures like nightlife entrepreneur Cubana Chiefpriest openly discussing his involvement. During a recent rally in Imo State, Chiefpriest clarified that the movement extends beyond mere politics or personalities, though it remains closely aligned with support for President Tinubu's administration and future political aspirations.
Malivelihood's creation represents more than just another luxury gadget—it symbolizes the intersection of celebrity culture, political allegiance, and high-end consumerism in contemporary Nigeria. The jeweller's decision to incorporate explicit political symbols into his design reflects how political support has become increasingly intertwined with public displays of wealth and status among certain social circles.
This unveiling occurs against a backdrop of ongoing discussions about wealth disparity, political patronage, and the role of celebrities in shaping political narratives. As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, such conspicuous displays of politically-branded luxury items are likely to generate continued debate about the relationship between political power, economic privilege, and public perception in Africa's most populous nation.
