Nigerian rapper and Afrobeats singer Zlatan Ibile, born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, firmly distanced himself from the City Boy Movement during an award presentation at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The incident, which quickly drew attention online, happened at a homecoming-style event where Zlatan was being honoured.
While presenting the certificate, the Students' Union Government (SUG) President invited someone he described as 'speaker mayor deputy coordinator of City Boy Movement' to join him on stage. At the mention of the group name, the Zanku crooner immediately grabbed the microphone and interrupted the SUG President.
Zlatan's Swift Rejection of Political Association
The singer explained that the gathering was not organised for any political group and made it clear that politics was not the purpose of the occasion. The City Boy Movement is a youth mobilisation group backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2027 re-election agenda.
Zlatan's swift rejection of the association resonated with many Nigerians online, who expressed frustration at entertainment platforms being used for political promotion. His action was seen as a move to keep cultural and celebratory events separate from partisan influence, especially at a time when public trust in political movements is low amid ongoing economic insecurity and challenges in the country.
Online Reactions Praise Zlatan's Decision
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of netizens below. Many fans commended the singer for protecting his brand and avoiding political setups.
@seyikanbai: 'for homecoming concert, you come de do city boy movement. E suppose wear am 500 too'
@Big_Djcruzz: 'Zlatan is one of the realest and most hardworking artists in Nigeria. Why trying to set him up? Which one is from the City Boys movement?'
@DSegaj: 'That was smart. You shouldn't come onto my stage and politicize anything without my approval.'
@Oladejiakinn: 'That is smart. You shouldn't come to my stage and politicize anything without my approval. This doesn't mean he does not like Tinubu or he likes obi, or any other politician... It is just a guy protecting his business'
@Mabe119: 'Zlatan no gree make dem spoil his show with city boy movement'
@1ergaster: 'Them wan set am up, baba sharply shout say no be city boy movement them come do for there.'
@quintus___: 'Omo ogbon! Very wise of him to not let that slide. No be everybody go sell their birthright'
Bella Shmurda Performs with Zlatan at MAPOLY
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda performed with his friend Zlatan Ibile at the MAPOLY homecoming concert. The singer arrived on stage with his face covered and 2 bouncers walking closely beside him to guide him through the excited crowd. Some fans speculated he was under the influence, while others argued that he was just being entertaining, and his security team was doing their normal job.
