Food Critic Sounds Alarm Over Alleged Cultist Intimidation Following Social Media Dispute
Prominent Nigerian food critic Opeyemi Famakin has raised serious concerns about his personal safety after claiming to receive disturbing messages allegedly from cult members. This alarming development comes amidst an escalating online feud with popular socialite and nightlife personality Yhemolee, turning what began as a product review into a potentially dangerous confrontation.
The Perfume Review That Sparked Controversy
The drama originated when Opeyemi Famakin reviewed a luxury perfume associated with Yhemolee's wife's business venture. While the critic gave the fragrance a respectable 7.5 out of 10 rating, he openly criticized what he described as poor print quality on the bottle, particularly noting this flaw given the product's premium price point of ₦160,000. The review, which might have seemed routine to many observers, quickly ignited a fiery response from Yhemolee.
Yhemolee retaliated with personal insults directed at Opeyemi, including calling him a "fat fool" in a public response that escalated the situation beyond professional critique into personal territory. This exchange marked the beginning of a heated back-and-forth between the two public figures that would soon take a more sinister turn.
From Online Banter to Alleged Threats
As the social media confrontation intensified, Opeyemi Famakin took to his platforms to share what he described as a more serious development. In a now-viral video that has captured widespread attention, the food critic revealed that individuals claiming to be members of a particular confraternity had been sending him threatening messages. These communications reportedly warned him about "crossing paths" with one of their associates, directly linking the intimidation to his ongoing dispute with Yhemolee.
In the emotional video statement, Opeyemi presented himself as visibly unbothered yet clearly concerned about the implications. He identified himself as a "Jew boy" who doesn't belong to any cult group or confraternity, emphasizing his status as a law-abiding civilian. The critic questioned why such threatening messages would be directed at him over what began as a social media disagreement about a product review.
"Do They Want to Mohbad Me?"
Addressing Nigerians directly in his viral video, Opeyemi Famakin posed a chilling question about the potential intentions behind the alleged threats. His words captured the gravity of the situation: "Dear Nigerians, if cultists from a particular confraternity are sending you messages, while tagging an individual and stating they will find me for talking about their person, what does it mean? Do they want to Mohbad me? Should I be scared?"
The reference to the late musician Mohbad, whose death remains controversial and emotionally charged in Nigerian public discourse, added significant weight to his concerns. Opeyemi concluded his statement by cursing out the alleged cultist group while maintaining his defiant stance, though the underlying anxiety about potential physical harm remained palpable throughout his message.
Public Reaction and Safety Concerns
The video revelation has sparked mixed but largely concerned reactions across Nigerian social media platforms. Many fans and observers have urged Opeyemi to take the threats seriously and involve law enforcement agencies immediately. The public discourse has highlighted broader concerns about how public figures handle criticism and the potential for online disputes to escalate into real-world dangers.
Several notable reactions have emerged:
- Brand reputation concerns: One commenter noted, "I can't trust a brand that handles criticism like this. Whether Ope was lying or not, as a brand you don't handle things like this... it's making me think that review should have been lower."
- Seriousness of situation: Another observer stated simply, "This is getting serious ooo," capturing the growing concern among followers.
- Calls for intervention: Some have called for authorities to intervene, with one comment suggesting, "The best thing would be to invite Yhemolee and call him to order so he understands the consequences if anything happens to this gentleman after he already mentioned his name."
- Strategic awareness: Others noted Opeyemi's apparent strategy, with one comment observing, "This guy is smart. If anything happens to him, na person way talk say hand go touch am them go carry."
Broader Context and Previous Controversies
This incident occurs against the backdrop of Yhemolee's previous public controversies, including recent speculation about his marriage status. The socialite had previously addressed rumors about his relationship after fans noticed wedding photos missing from his Instagram page, though his somewhat cryptic responses left many questions unanswered.
The current situation raises important questions about celebrity culture, online conduct, and personal safety in Nigeria's digital landscape. As public figures increasingly engage in heated exchanges on social media platforms, this case highlights the potential for such conflicts to transcend virtual spaces and manifest as real-world threats.
The entertainment community and concerned citizens continue to monitor developments, with many hoping for a peaceful resolution that ensures Opeyemi Famakin's safety while addressing the serious allegations of cultist intimidation. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly online disagreements can escalate and the importance of maintaining professionalism even in the face of criticism.
