Entertainment
Buhari Bestows Burna Boy, 2Baba,Teni with National Honours
By Funmilayo Olusanya
The Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy, the multi-award-winning Afrobeats icon, 2face Idibia, and the music sensation, Teni, have each received national accolades from President Muhammadu Buhari in honour of their outstanding contributions to the Nigerian music industry.
In a ceremony conducted at the Government House Villa in Aso Rock on October 11, 2022, the president presented national honors to 447 Nigerians and foreigners, including kings, previous ministers, icons, and the senate president.
Burna Boy, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, received the Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, honor and the National award when his album “Twice As Tall” won the World Album Category at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
Likewise, superstar vocalist Teniola Apata “Teni” and music legend Innocent Ujah Idibia, known 2Face, received the honorary title of Member of the Order of the Niger, MON.
President Buhari commended the musicians, stating that people should be encouraged and recognized for their contributions to the development of their country.
He said, “Worthy of mention are our artistes, particularly, our very own Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), who won the Grammy Awards in 2020. He along with other artistes have repositioned the Nigerian entertainment industry and placed it on the global map.”
“At the just concluded Dubai Expo 2020, Nigeria’s pavilion was a beehive of activities as our musicians entertained guests from around the world.” the statement added.
Six individuals received the GCON, 55 were given the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), 65 were given the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), 77 were given the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), 110 were given the Officer of the Niger (OON), 74 were given the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), and 55 were given the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
The Federal Republic Medal I (FRM I) and Federal Republic Medal II (FRM II) Second Class) each had four recipients.
The OFR Award was given to the seven honorees who were foreigners.
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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