A fresh controversy has erupted online following explosive allegations made by Nollywood film producer Stanley Ontop against Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey. The claims centre on the footballer's family background and identity, sparking widespread debate across social media platforms.
Explosive Allegations Over Origin and Surname
In a detailed Instagram post published recently, Stanley Ontop directly questioned Calvin Bassey's state of origin and the origins of his surname. The producer challenged whether the footballer is from Anambra State or Akwa Ibom State, casting doubt on his publicly known background.
Ontop's post contained a series of pointed questions: "Calvin Bassey na Anambra boy or Akwa Ibom boy? How this fine boy go yank him papa name from him name and put him grandmother's surname, Bassey? Who is Bassey? Who is Calvin? Who is Ughelumba? Who is Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba."
The core of the allegation is that Bassey allegedly dropped his father's surname, Ughelumba, in favour of his grandmother's maiden name, Bassey. Stanley Ontop framed this act as culturally unacceptable, labelling it a "sacrilege" that brings shame to the family and community.
Claims of a Distant Father and a Denied Meeting
Stanley Ontop further alleged that Calvin Bassey's biological father is Mr. Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba, whom he claimed has lived in Italy for over 25 years and has suffered from depression. The producer asserted that the father has been estranged from his children for many years.
In a particularly dramatic claim, Ontop stated that Bassey's father travelled to Abidjan last year in an attempt to see his son during a football event but was reportedly denied access at the stadium. "Ur dad had to travel all the way to abijan last year to see you Buh you turned him down at the stadium," the post read.
Ontop advised the footballer and his siblings to seek reconciliation and forgiveness, describing Mr. Ughelumba as their "real father." He also claimed that Bassey's mother's bride price was fully paid, implying a proper marital union.
Social Media Erupts in Defence and Criticism
The allegations have triggered a torrent of reactions from Nigerians online, with the majority criticising Stanley Ontop for overstepping boundaries.
Many users urged the producer to mind his own business, with comments like "Local blogger, learn to mind your business" from user amadi418, and "What's your business with his name. Which kind problem b dis" from hanita_ozavizheh.
Others defended Bassey's right to choose his identity, especially if his father was absent. User priceless_prisy argued: "Do you know how many times they have begged to be loved by him?... Now that he is famous the man wants to claim a proud father! no way!"
User rachel_martha_okoye highlighted the pain of paternal estrangement: "Because you enjoyed your fatherly love, you don't know what other kids pass through. Just leave this boy alone."
Some, however, cautioned Ontop about the potential consequences of his public meddling, with user queecy11 warning: "Don’t involve in what you don’t know de beginning abeg o... Becareful oo no be everybody Dey forget or let go."
As of the time of writing, Calvin Bassey has not issued any public response to Stanley Ontop's allegations. The controversy adds a personal dimension to the ongoing discussions around the identities of Super Eagles players, which have occasionally surfaced in Nigeria's complex ethnic landscape.
