For some Nigerian entertainers, moving abroad has become part of a new chapter in their lives. But in 2026, a few stars took that journey a step further by officially becoming citizens of the countries where they now live.
The latest names to make that transition are veteran Yoruba rapper Lord of Ajasa, who became a United States citizen, and Nollywood actor Sunkanmi Omobolanle, who became a British citizen.
Their announcements came just a day apart in October, putting the spotlight on two entertainers whose careers began in Nigeria but whose lives have increasingly taken them abroad.
While many Nigerian celebrities have relocated to the United States, United Kingdom and other countries over the years, citizenship is a different milestone. It represents a formal change in legal status after meeting the requirements of the country involved.
Here is a look at the Nigerian stars who have made that move in 2026.
1. Lord of Ajasa becomes a US citizen
Veteran rapper Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, became a United States citizen in October 2026. The Yoruba rap pioneer announced the news on Wednesday, October 7, sharing a photograph on Instagram. In the image, he held his US citizenship certificate while posing with the American flag. Another showed him celebrating the moment with his wife, Funmi.
In a video shared online, the rapper made his new status clear to his fans.
“My fans, I’m now a US citizen; you all should know. This is my new country’s flag. I’m now fighting for my new country.”
He also captioned one of his posts, “thank you America.”
The announcement immediately attracted congratulatory messages from colleagues and fans. Music producer ID Cabasa wrote, “Congratulations Lord Oshi,” while singer 9ice also congratulated the rapper. Lord of Ajasa responded to both of them.
From Yoruba Rap Pioneer To American Citizen
Lord of Ajasa’s citizenship milestone is significant because of his place in the history of Nigerian hip-hop. Born Olusegun Osaniyi, the Ondo-born artiste is regarded as one of the pioneers who helped take indigenous-language rap into Nigeria’s mainstream music scene. His rise came before the later success of Yoruba rap stars such as Dagrin, Olamide and Reminisce.
He became widely known for songs including “Ma Yi Lo,” “Le Fenu So,” “Oti Ya,” “Ara Awe” and “Esha Lo Bade.” His 2000 song “Ma Yi Lo” is among the works associated with his early breakthrough.
His career, however, was not without setbacks. Around 2019, he reduced his involvement in full-time music while dealing with health problems, although he continued to make occasional appearances.
He had also maintained a long association with the United States through performances and other engagements. His frequent trips over the years had led to speculation about his connection to the country. His October 2026 announcement finally confirmed that he had become an American citizen.
2. Sunkanmi Omobolanle becomes a British citizen
Just one day after Lord of Ajasa’s announcement, another Nigerian entertainer revealed a similar milestone. Nollywood actor Sunkanmi Omobolanle announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026, that he had officially become a British citizen.
The UK-based actor shared a video of himself celebrating the achievement with his wife, Abimbola. He expressed gratitude for the journey and acknowledged the role his wife played in supporting him. His message read:
“Grateful for the journey so far. It’s all been God and you wifey @glitzadore.
“Baba yin ti di #britiko o.”
The final line, which roughly means “Your father has now become a Brit,” showed the lighter side of his celebration. Friends and colleagues, including Seyi Alesh, Salami Rotimi, Seilat, Kemity and Niyi Johnson, joined his Instagram page to congratulate him.
From Papi Luwe’s Son To An Established Actor
Sunkanmi’s story is also deeply connected to Nigerian entertainment. Born on March 1, 1981, in Ilora, Oyo State, he is the son of veteran comic actor Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe. He followed his father’s footsteps into acting and eventually established himself within the Yoruba film industry.
His journey into acting began when he was young. He reportedly started acting around the age of nine after accompanying his father to film sets. However, his father initially wanted him to pursue a different career and sent him to the Nigerian Military School in Zaria.
After completing his education at the military school, Sunkanmi studied Business Administration at Olabisi Onabanjo University before eventually pursuing acting professionally.
Over the years, he has appeared in several Yoruba and Nollywood productions, including Gongo Aso, Eti Keta, Alakada 2, Jail, Ofeefe (Mirage), Kakanfo and The Alternative. He has also worked as a producer and director.
Beyond his career, his family life has also remained part of his story. Sunkanmi married Abimbola Bakare in 2011, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Aderinsola, in 2020.
His British citizenship therefore represents another chapter in a career that has taken him from the Yoruba film industry in Nigeria to life in the United Kingdom.
Other Nigerian Celebrities Who Became Foreign Citizens
Although Lord of Ajasa and Sunkanmi Omobolanle are among the most recent Nigerian entertainment figures to announce new citizenships in 2026, they are certainly not the first Nigerian stars to acquire foreign citizenship.
A number of entertainers completed similar journeys in previous years. For instance, Yomi Gold became a US citizen in 2018, while Prince Eke became an American citizen in 2022. Uche Jombo also became a US citizen in December 2022.
In 2023, actor and skit maker Dike Osinachi, popularly known as Apama, announced his US citizenship. Nigerian singer Lamboginny followed in March 2024.
The list grew further in 2025, with celebrities including Gbenro Ajibade, Korra Obidi, Tunde Ednut and Sonia Ogiri publicly announcing their US citizenship. Gbenro completed his naturalisation process in February 2025, while Korra Obidi announced hers in April and Tunde Ednut and Sonia Ogiri followed later in the year.
Why Citizenship Is Different From Simply Relocating Abroad
For years, Nigerian celebrities have moved to countries such as the United States and United Kingdom for different reasons. Some relocate because of family. Others seek international career opportunities, business prospects, education or a different lifestyle. But relocation does not automatically mean citizenship.
Citizenship usually comes after a separate legal process. In the UK, for example, naturalisation allows an eligible non-British adult to acquire British citizenship after meeting the required conditions, which generally include a qualifying period of lawful residence and, in many cases, settled status or indefinite leave to remain. The UK also permits dual citizenship.
Nigeria remains one of the leading non-EU nationalities among people granted British citizenship. According to the UK Home Office, Nigerians were among the top three nationalities receiving British citizenship in the year ending March 2026, alongside Indians and Pakistanis.
So while celebrity citizenship announcements often attract attention because of the personalities involved, they are also part of a much wider migration story involving Nigerians living and building lives abroad.
Conclusion
Lord of Ajasa and Sunkanmi Omobolanle reached their citizenship milestones through very different career paths. One helped shape the sound of indigenous Nigerian hip-hop before eventually becoming an American citizen. The other grew up in the shadow of one of Yoruba cinema’s veteran names, built his own acting career and has now officially become British.
Their announcements also arrived within 24 hours of each other, making the two milestones an unexpected talking point in Nigerian entertainment. For both men, however, becoming citizens of other countries does not erase where their stories began. Their careers were built in Nigeria, their names remain connected to Nigerian entertainment, and their latest milestones simply mark another stage in journeys that have now crossed international borders.
As more Nigerian entertainers establish lives outside the country, citizenship announcements like these are likely to continue drawing attention not only because of the passports involved, but because of the stories behind the journeys.
