Entertainment
BBNaija host Ebuka Obi, other celebrities pay tribute to Rico Swavey
By Funmilayo Olusanya
Former Big Brother Naija Season 3 housemate Rico Swavey has been receiving a flood of condolences following his death in an auto accident.
The reality star, aged 29, was put on life support due to the effects of the accident.
His management and the deceased teammates Alex Unusual and Tobi Bakre confirmed that he was in serious condition while pleading for everyone to hope for a miracle.
Read also>>>Ex-Big Brother Naija star, Rico Swavey is dead
His close coworkers and friends announced his death on Thursday morning. Rico, as he was affectionately known, didn’t make it.
On their social media pages, celebrities among many who paid tribute are;
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu said: “The actual warmest human being. This is truly heartbreaking… Rest in Peace Rico.”
Kate Henshaw tweeted: “Death is never easy to accept…. no matter how hard we try to be strong in the face of it, it still hits a nerve… Receive his soul O Lord and comfort his loved ones left behind. Remind them daily that you are with them always. RIP Rico.”
Tobi Bakre wrote: “This is how I’ll always remember you. Rest in Peace my Brother.
Alex Unusual stated: “This was not what we agreed Rico. Rest In Peace #ricoswavey.”
Toyin Lawani wrote: “Aye yi ,aye asan just make sure you make your mark , Man like Rico , Today is indeed a sad day. I can never forget how wonderful, respectful and kind you are. This death was really untimely, But it was a blessing to have had you on this earth with us Rip Rico rest on.”
Groovy tweeted: “This is so unreal. This was just on Sunday at the winners party. My Team had told me Rico was around and I immediately went over to him to say thank you for all the support and love.We lost a Real one. God give your family strength to bare this loss RIP RICO.”
Beverly Naya said: “Was praying it wouldn’t get to this, RIP Rico. He was literally the sweetest soul, working with him on Tinsel was always such a joy. Always smiling, always joking, always laughing. This is heartbreaking, gone way too soon. Praying for his family and loves ones.”
Ifuennada wrote: “This is how I’ll always remember you Rico. You were the best of us, so full of life, so kind-hearted, so easy-going, so hardworking, so talented. You were a great friend and you loved me even at my worst. You were so supportive. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’ll always remember you Rico. Thanks for sharing your light with this world. Rest in Power.”
MI Abaga said: “RIP Rico Swavey Life can be so cruel.”
Erica Nlewedim stated: “RIP Rico. God help us.”
Beauty Tukura tweeted: “I didn’t get to know you much but it hurts still. RIP Rico I pray God grants his family & friends all the comfort during these times.”
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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