2025 is arguably one of the most dramatic years in Nigerian entertainment history. From Nollywood red carpets to Afrobeats studios, from social media spats to courtrooms, the year is being defined by feuds that reveal just how complicated fame, money, and personal relationships can be. Some feuds were about money, some about creative differences, others about personal life, and some pure ego clashes, but all captured public attention in remarkable ways.
Here is a comprehensive guide to 2025’s most talked-about celebrity clashes.
Music and Money: Battles Behind the Beats
1. Burna Boy vs. Cubana Chief Priest
The year opened with a fiery clash between Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy and socialite Cubana Chief Priest. Burna referred to Cubana as “Owerri Rick Ross,” accusing him of using hype and connections to gain influence.
Cubana fired back, disputing Burna’s Grammy status and claiming the superstar’s fame was “overblown.” Fans were divided as some defended Burna’s candor, others praised Cubana for calling out arrogance. This feud set the tone for 2025, showing celebrity conflicts can be as much about power and money as personal insult.
2. Spyro vs. Ubi Franklin & Paul Okoye (Paulo)
Also in January, Nigerian singer Oludipe David, popularly known as Spyro, publicly clashed with music executive Ubi Franklin and showbiz mogul Paul Okoye, also known as Paulo.
The controversies stem from Spyro’s allegations about unpaid performance fees, disputed financial dealings, and grievances about label mismanagement.
In response, Ubi Franklin claimed Spyro owed him commissions from a car deal. Both sides posted screenshots online to back their claims.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Spyro, who claimed to be signed to entertainment tycoon Paulo, spoke about his former record label experience and criticised him for alleged label mismanagement.
During a podcast, Spyro revealed he had been signed to Paulo’s label for two years but made no financial gains. Instead, he claimed he had to borrow money from the label owner to meet personal needs.
Paulo’s daughter, Vanessa Okoye waded in, saying:
“Some people in this music industry are crazy.
One small hit, and you are granting interviews and talking rubbish. The way a lot of you are so quick to bite the hand that has once helped you before. God forgive you.”
Hours after, Paulo responded to Spyro’s allegation. He disclosed via his Instagram story that he spent over N12 million on Spyro during his time with the label, covering music videos, promotions, and travel expenses. He shared receipts, which included payments for two music videos, international flights, and hotel accommodations, alleging that “there was zero return investment made in Spyro.”
3. Timi Dakolo vs. Femi Lazarus
Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus were in a public disagreement in March 2025. Lazarus commented about gospel artists who charge high fees to perform in churches, questioning the business aspect of the ministry. Timi Dakolo responded by defending gospel singers’ rights to be paid for their work.
The “Iyawo Mi” crooner then accused Lazarus of hypocrisy, alleging the latter’s “school of ministry” charges students up to $150, creating a contradiction to his stance against charging. He argued that both are forms of ministry and that gospel ministers, like all professionals, should be compensated for their labor, time, and costs.
The conflict, which involved social media posts and videos, ended with Lazarus issuing an apology to Dakolo. He added that he would build better structures and address the concerns of musicians.
4. Lizzy Anjorin vs. Tope Alabi
In April, actress Lizzy Anjorin publicly accused gospel singer Tope Alabi of refusing to perform at her birthday event despite payment of ₦2.5 million. Fans of Lizzy Anjorin paid Tope Alabi to perform at a surprise birthday party for the actress. Upon arriving at the venue and discovering the celebrant was Anjorin, Alabi and her team refused to perform. They felt tricked because the identity of the celebrant was not revealed beforehand. The payment of ₦2.5 million that was made for the performance, was promptly returned.
Anjorin initially reacted with disappointment but later clarified that she had no personal issues with Alabi, stating, “I still respect Tope Alabi despite shunning my birthday”. She also said the incident was not between her and the singer, but rather with the organizers who arranged the surprise.
5. 2Baba: Teebillz vs. Toke Makinwa
Veteran artist 2Baba found himself caught in a feud between Teebillz and media personality, Toke Makinwa. In January, Teebillz publicly criticized Toke Makinwa for her comments on the divorce proceedings between 2Baba and Annie Idibia. He argued that it was inappropriate to interfere in private family matters, referencing Makinwa’s previous comments on his own separation.
Following the initial outburst, by March, Teebillz issued a public apology to Toke Makinwa. He explained that his comments were a result of being triggered by her reaction and that he later regretted involving her in the situation. This incident occurred amidst public commentary on 2Baba’s divorce from Annie Idibia. Teebillz’s apology was also linked to his own past divorce from Tiwa Savage, adding another layer to the situation.
Nollywood Red Carpets and On-Set Drama
6. Eniola Badmus vs. Laide Bakare
At the premiere of Owambe Thieves, veteran actresses Eniola Badmus and Laide Bakare clashed publicly. Badmus reportedly told Laide, “Must I be in your video? We are not friends,” while Laide called Badmus “bitter.”
The dispute began when Laide Bakare posted online, allegedly body-shaming Eniola Badmus (who had previously undergone weight loss surgery) and bragging about her own beauty.
This supposedly led to the confrontation at the premiere, before Badmus walked away.
Taking to social media, Laide Bakare claimed that she gave Eniola Badmus her first major acting role when others were hesitant to work with her due to her appearance.
Following the incident, Eniola Badmus issued a statement calling for unity and collaboration within the Nigerian film industry, emphasizing that “true strength lies not in conflict, but in unity”.
7. Taye Arimoro vs. Peggy Ovire
Taye Arimoro and Peggy Ovire are both well-known Nollywood actors, who are currently locked in a high-profile legal battle and public feud after a heated confrontation on a movie set spiralled into physical violence. Arimoro is now demanding a public apology and ₦100 million in damages from Ovire.
The altercation took place on November 11, 2025, when Arimoro attempted to leave the set after completing his contracted hours. He alleged that Ovire and members of her team blocked his vehicle and assaulted him, leaving him with injuries to his gum and lips and damaging his car’s tires. Feeling threatened, he began an Instagram Live session from the scene, telling viewers he feared for his safety and had been receiving threats.
Ovire, who also served as the film’s producer disputed his version of events. She claimed Arimoro became uncooperative when asked to finish a few remaining scenes, and that he turned violent, allegedly assaulting two crew members. She further stated that her driver suffered an ear injury during the scuffle.
Days later, CCTV footage of the incident surfaced online, shifting public opinion. Many viewers believe the video showed Ovire pushing Arimoro while members of her team deflated his tires. The leaked footage triggered widespread outrage and intensified calls for accountability as the dispute continued to escalate.
8. Carolyn Hutchings vs. Dabota Lawson
Carolyna Hutchings and Dabota Lawson are both Nigerian public figures and stars of The Real Housewives of Lagos (RHOL). They became two of the most talked-about personalities on the show’s third season, thanks to their long-running and emotionally charged feud.
Their personal history quickly evolved into one of the season’s central storylines. Carolyna claimed she had stood firmly by Dabota during her divorce from Prince Sunny Aku, only to feel blindsided when Dabota later aligned herself with a woman Carolyna believed contributed to the breakdown of her own marriage.
The situation escalated in April when Dabota publicly alleged that Carolyna had been romantically involved with her ex-husband in the past. However, Carolyna vehemently denied the accusations. What followed was a fierce, highly public back-and-forth that played out both on the show and across social media, from Instagram to Facebook.
Family, Fame, and Fractures
9. Regina Daniels vs. Ned Nwoko
Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and Nigerian senator Ned Nwoko are currently embroiled in an increasingly public and contentious marital breakdown, marked by severe accusations on both sides. Their separation which became public in October 2025 has quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis involving claims of drug abuse, domestic violence, coercion, age falsification, and even the arrest of family members.
Daniels married Nwoko in May 2019 under native law and custom, a union that at the time drew significant public attention due to their more than 38-year age difference. Nwoko maintains that Daniels was 21 at the time of the marriage, presenting a voter card as proof. However, Daniels now alleges she had been “trapped” in the relationship since she was 17, which has produced two sons.
The separation has been dominated by conflicting narratives. Nwoko accuses Daniels of battling drug addiction, describing it as “the root of our problem,” and insists she needs professional rehabilitation. He has publicly released what he claims are her medical reports. Daniels admits to past drug use but counters that Nwoko encouraged her to take ecstasy (Molly), claiming he preferred her “sexier” when high. She says substance use is not the core issue and has since moved into a separate duplex.
Daniels has also alleged long-term violence within the marriage, claiming she endured both physical abuse and mistreatment from members of Nwoko’s extended family. Nwoko, however, denies any form of violence and instead accuses Daniels of being destructive, alleging she damaged cars, smashed windows, and caused havoc during confrontations.
Tensions intensified when Daniels’ brother, Sammy, was arrested. Nwoko alleged he was her primary drug supplier. Daniels, in turn, accused Nwoko of weaponising his political influence to harass and intimidate her family. Nwoko has not publicly addressed those accusations directly. He has however stated he will not take Daniels back, insisting that his only demand is for her to undergo therapy. Daniels has repeatedly referred to him as her “ex-husband” and has threatened to expose what she describes as his “illicit activities,” including allegations of land grabbing, fraud, and even a “murder case,” if he does not stop interfering in her life.
Their split continues to unfold across social media and traditional news platforms, with both sides releasing new claims as the situation grows increasingly volatile.
10. Regina Daniels vs. Emeka Rollas
Actress Regina Daniels and Emeka Rollas, National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), are currently locked in a heated public dispute following Rollas’ commentary on Daniels’ marital crisis and alleged substance abuse issues.
The clash began after Rollas issued a public statement addressing Daniels’ ongoing separation from her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko. In his remarks, Rollas claimed that Regina “needs help” and urged her mother, Rita Daniels, to prioritise her daughter’s “health” over her ambition to become AGN president. He also referenced an incident in which Nwoko allegedly scolded Regina for smoking, saying he personally witnessed the confrontation and involved her family. According to Rollas, his statements were not meant to shame her but to urge her to seek help for what he described as substance abuse concerns.
Regina Daniels responded fiercely. She labelled Rollas a “disgrace of a President,” accusing him of exploiting his position and “enriching his pocket” by allegedly connecting influential men with women for personal gain. She further claimed his hostility toward her family began after she stopped him from bringing women to her family home under the guise of swimming lessons. Regina also defended her mother’s qualifications, insisting that Rita Daniels has “paid her dues” and is fully deserving of the AGN presidency.
11. Angela Okorie vs. Mercy Johnson & Regina Daniels
Angela Okorie, Mercy Johnson, and Regina Daniels are three prominent Nollywood actresses who became entangled in a highly publicized feud in mid-2025.
The controversy erupted after Angela Okorie stated during an Instagram Live session that she had “forgiven” Mercy Johnson for past grievances. She went further to allege that Johnson was seriously ill and needed to apologize to people she had offended, comments that fueled speculation surrounding Johnson’s noticeable weight loss at the time.
Regina Daniels, who regards Mercy Johnson as a mentor and “Nollywood mother,” quickly came to her defence. In a strongly worded Instagram post, Daniels dismissed Okorie’s claims and criticized her for speaking on Johnson’s health, triggering an intense online exchange between the two actresses.
As the feud escalated, Okorie repeated her claims about Johnson’s alleged health struggles and urged her to make amends. Daniels countered sharply, insisting that “we don’t forgive on this side,” and attacking Okorie’s credibility. The back-and-forth grew more personal when Okorie accused Daniels of marrying her husband, Ned Nwoko, solely for financial gain. Daniels fired back, alleging that Okorie had previously approached Nwoko for financial support for a project.
Other public figures, including Blessing CEO, waded into the dispute, with some critics arguing that Daniels overstepped by involving herself in an issue between two senior colleagues.
By June 2025, the feud remained unresolved, with reports indicating that Mercy Johnson and her husband were considering legal action, including a possible defamation petition, against Angela Okorie.
12. Asake vs. His Father
Asake’s father, Fatai Odunsi, became the center of a brief but intense media controversy in March 2025 after allegations surfaced that the singer had neglected his ailing parent. The issue, which drew widespread public attention, has since been resolved.
Mr. Odunsi, a musician himself, sparked the uproar when he posted a viral video appealing for financial support for his stroke treatment and accusing his son of abandoning him. Asake (born Ahmed Ololade) responded with a video of his own, insisting he had sent money to his father multiple times and adding, “You can’t please the world.”
Conflicting narratives soon emerged from neighbours and acquaintances. Some claimed Mr. Odunsi had been largely absent during Asake’s upbringing, while others described him as a devoted single father who even sold his car to fund Asake’s university education.
The situation de-escalated quickly. In follow-up videos, Mr. Odunsi confirmed that he and his son had reconciled. Asake reportedly agreed to take full responsibility for his father’s medical care, promised to buy him a new house in Isale Eko, Lagos, and committed to supporting his 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat.
Social Media Wars: Content, Clout, and Copycats
13. Nasboi vs. Sabinus
Nigerian skit makers Nasboi and Sabinus found themselves at the centre of a heated and unexpected online feud in June 2025, after a series of posts on X spiralled from playful teasing into a full-blown social-media showdown.
The clash began when Sabinus issued a warning that many initially assumed was friendly banter, telling Nasboi to “avoid” him and not to start a fight he wouldn’t be able to finish. But Nasboi immediately pushed back, publicly calling him out and mocking the quality of his comedy, a response that signalled the exchange was far from light-hearted.
Sabinus then questioned Nasboi’s transition into music—an area where Nasboi has recently gained significant traction—implying he abandoned comedy because he wasn’t good at it. Nasboi hit back even harder, taunting Sabinus to try releasing music if he believed he could do better and ridiculing him with pointed insults.
What followed was a volley of increasingly sharp jabs: Sabinus announced he would drop a new track the following week, while Nasboi escalated the tension by wagering ₦1 million that Sabinus wouldn’t make it past the intro and outro of a song.
The exchange set social media ablaze, with fans split down the middle. Some dismissed the fight as deliberate industry banter aimed at boosting visibility, while others believed the animosity was real.
Though neither has offered clarification on whether the feud is strategic or personal, the back-and-forth has cemented the moment as one of the year’s most talked-about clashes in Nigeria’s comedy and entertainment scene.
14. Blessing CEO vs. Saida BOJ
Saida BOJ and Blessing CEO were at the centre of one of early 2025’s biggest social-media feuds, with their clashes dominating conversations across Nigerian online spaces throughout January.
The conflict flared after Blessing CEO mocked Saida BOJ for wearing “second-hand clothes” to an event. Saida responded with a fierce counterattack, taking aim at Blessing CEO’s parents and personal life.
The back-and-forth quickly spread across platforms, with many users noting that “2025 is not a year for Blessing CEO to maintain peace,” as the altercation became one of the first major influencer blowups of the year. Their long-standing disagreements over relationship advice, online ethics, and the legitimacy of calling oneself a “celebrity” versus an “online personality” continued fueling the tension.
Tragedy and Corporate Accountability:
15. Phyna vs. Dangote
One of the most tragic incidents involved singer Phyna. Her younger sister, Ruth Otabor, was hit by a Dangote Group truck in Edo State on August 13, 2025, driven by an unlicensed underage driver. Ruth suffered severe injuries, resulting in the amputation of her left leg.
Phyna alleged Dangote initially promised to fly Ruth abroad for advanced treatment but later only covered hospital bills at Lagoon Hospital, Lagos, refusing to fund further medical or burial-related expenses. The company stated it had provided support, including medical care and compensation, but Phyna continued to criticize their handling of the situation. Unfortunately, Ruth Otabor eventually passed away from her injuries.
Legal Battles and Public Statements
16. Iyabo Ojo vs. Lizzy Anjorin
Nollywood actresses Lizzy Anjorin and Iyabo Ojo have long shared a public and often contentious relationship, defined by heated online feuds, personal accusations, and legal battles. Their most recent major clash unfolded in early 2025, when Iyabo Ojo filed a ₦1 billion lawsuit against Anjorin, alleging defamation and cyberstalking. The case, which drew significant media attention, was ultimately dismissed by the court in July 2025, with judges recommending a peaceful settlement.
The feud reportedly began after Ojo publicly expressed support for Folashade Tinubu, the estranged wife of Anjorin’s husband, which allegedly triggered a series of attacks from Anjorin. The conflict quickly spilled onto social media, with both actresses exchanging direct accusations, veiled insults, and threats that at times involved family members. Ojo even publicly stated that Anjorin be held responsible for any harm that might come to her or her family.
Despite the dismissal of the legal case, their dispute has continued in the digital space, with both women using social media platforms to address, criticize, or reference one another. Over time, the relationship between Lizzy Anjorin and Iyabo Ojo has become emblematic of Nollywood’s most high-profile interpersonal conflicts, characterized by ongoing animosity, public confrontations, and an enduring legal and social-media presence.
17. Mercy Chinwo vs. EeZee Conceptz
Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her former record label, EeZee Conceptz, were at the center of one of the Nigerian gospel music industry’s most talked-about disputes between late 2024 and mid-2025. Chinwo, who signed with EeZee Conceptz in 2017, publicly parted ways with the label following disagreements over contract terms, revenue sharing, and music catalog ownership — a fallout that drew legal scrutiny and EFCC involvement.
The conflict escalated in 2019 when EeZee Conceptz presented Chinwo with a new 12-year contract, which she refused to sign, insisting on the original five-year agreement. Chinwo accused the label of fraud and contract forgery, while EeZee Conceptz countered that she was withholding funds and attempting to claim ownership of music projects fully funded by the label. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) later launched an investigation following a petition filed by Chinwo.
Legal battles ensued on both sides, with court filings and public statements keeping the dispute in the spotlight. By mid-2025, reports suggested the matter was moving toward an out-of-court settlement, with religious leaders brought in to mediate. In July 2025, EeZee Conceptz Managing Director Coach Nancy publicly retracted defamatory claims against Chinwo, signaling a step toward reconciliation.
Mercy Chinwo is now officially independent of EeZee Conceptz, and both parties have indicated they are in the process of settling their long-standing royalty dispute. The saga, which captured national attention, remains one of the most high-profile conflicts in Nigeria’s gospel music scene in recent years.
18. Fido vs. Inner Circle Entertainment
Nigerian singer Fido and his former management company, Inner Circle Entertainment, became embroiled in a very public dispute over financial disagreements and alleged exploitation in March. Inner Circle, which played a key role in the success of hits like “Awolowo” and “Joy is Coming”, faced accusations from Fido that they withheld a large portion of his advance payments and mismanaged his earnings.
The fallout reportedly began when Fido grew frustrated with the company’s slow reporting on his revenues. He publicly claimed that Inner Circle took as much as 95% of his advance for “Awolowo” and withheld other earnings. The disagreement ultimately led him to terminate his contract and sign with a new distributor, Empire, under which he successfully released “Joy is Coming.”
The split escalated further when Inner Circle and their partner label, Itatwave, attempted to assert ownership of the new song and reportedly tried to remove Fido’s music from digital platforms. The conflict has since unfolded across social media, with both parties engaging in public statements and legal maneuvers, making the dispute one of the year’s most high-profile clashes in Nigeria’s music industry.
Physical Altercations and Viral Incidents
19. Mr Jollof vs. VDM
Nigerian social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and comedian Freedom Atsepoyi, known as Mr Jollof, were involved in a dramatic in-flight altercation on Monday, November 17, 2025. The incident occurred aboard a United Nigeria Airlines flight from Asaba, Delta State, to Lagos, and quickly became a viral story across social media.
The confrontation was reportedly the climax of a long-running online feud, which included legal action initiated by Mr Jollof’s wife against VDM for alleged defamation over comments questioning the paternity of her children. According to eyewitness accounts, VDM verbally confronted Mr Jollof first, after which the comedian allegedly escalated the dispute into a physical fight. Video footage of the scuffle circulated widely online, highlighting the chaos that disrupted both passengers and crew.
Following the clash, both men issued public apologies. VDM accepted “full responsibility” for his actions, describing his conduct as “irresponsible” and regrettable. Mr Jollof also apologized, stating he acted in self-defense and extending his apologies to the Delta State governor, his family, and fellow passengers.
United Nigeria Airlines acknowledged the apologies but confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) condemned the behavior, emphasizing that it endangered the safety of everyone on board and warned that the pair could face sanctions. Additionally, the Federal Government has launched its own inquiry into the incident.
The episode has become one of the most talked-about celebrity disputes in Nigeria for 2025, highlighting how long-standing online feuds can spill over into real-life confrontations with far-reaching consequences.
Conclusion
2025 showed that celebrity life in Nigeria is never just glamour and fame. Every feud stemming from financial disputes (Spyro vs. Ubi Franklin), on-set violence (Taye vs. Peggy), family conflicts (Regina Daniels vs. Ned Nwoko), social media wars (Nasboi vs. Sabinus), to corporate disputes (Phyna vs. Dangote), illustrates the pressures, stakes, and vulnerabilities that come with public attention.
Fans were entertained, bloggers had headlines for months, and celebrities learned once again that in the age of social media, private issues rarely stay private.
The year’s feuds seem like they are far from over, with new confrontations developing weekly.
