Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: B.O.B Echoload

  • Ogun Traditional Rulers Dismiss Reports of Suspension in Awujale Stool Tussle

    Ogun Traditional Rulers Dismiss Reports of Suspension in Awujale Stool Tussle

    The Punch reports that Ogun State Government officials and local government authorities have denied claims that high-ranking traditional chiefs in Ijebu were suspended amid tension around the Awujale stool succession process. The alleged suspension reports circulated widely on Friday, but officials urged the public to disregard what they described as speculative information.

    The report noted rising sensitivity in Ijebu-Ode, where some traditional actors and royal family members have protested alleged attempts to impose a candidate. Government representatives emphasized that no official suspension had been issued and appealed for calm to avoid destabilizing the kingdom.

    The Nation and Daily Post also reported on the unfolding dispute and official calls for restraint, amid concerns about factional maneuvering.

    Echotitbits take: Chieftaincy succession disputes often become proxies for wider political influence contests. Watch for authoritative statements from the palace and formal communication from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to dampen rumor-driven escalation.
    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/awujale-stool-battle-ogun-halts-process-police-storm-palace/ 2026-01-24

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nigeria Braces for 40% Tariff Wall Under New U.S. Economic Directives

    Nigeria Braces for 40% Tariff Wall Under New U.S. Economic Directives

    Reporting citing SBM Intelligence and additional coverage indicates Nigeria’s export outlook could face new headwinds following an announced U.S. policy directive imposing an immediate 25% tariff on countries that maintain significant commercial ties with Iran. Analysts warned that, in combination with existing barriers, the measure could amount to a de facto “40% tariff wall” for affected trade flows.

    The directive—communicated via the U.S. President’s social media platform—was presented as an enforcement mechanism for sanctions policy against Tehran. For Nigeria, the concern is that any exposure through bilateral engagements or energy-linked consultations could trigger trade penalties that undermine foreign exchange earnings and export diversification efforts.

    The Guardian and ThisDay also reported on potential fallout and official reactions, including indications that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reviewing the directive and engaging U.S. counterparts to protect legitimate trade interests.

    Echotitbits take: If applied strictly, this policy forces Nigeria into a difficult trade-off between strategic diplomacy and market access. Watch for accelerated diplomatic engagement in Washington, and for Nigeria to seek carve-outs by emphasizing its strategic role in regional security and energy stability.
    Source : BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/maritime/article/nigeria-faces-40-us-tariff-hit-over-iran-trade-ties/ 2026-01-24

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Kemi Olunloyo Sparks Outrage Over ‘Autism’ Claims About Davido’s Twins

    Kemi Olunloyo Sparks Outrage Over ‘Autism’ Claims About Davido’s Twins

    Olori Supergal reports that journalist Kemi Olunloyo triggered widespread backlash after making unverified claims about the health of Davido’s twins, including an allegation they are non‑verbal. The post drew strong reactions online.

    Legit NG is cited as reporting that Israel DMW rejected the claims, while NewsNow Nigeria is cited as noting the Adeleke family may consider legal action, as many commenters criticized bringing children into adult disputes.

    **Echotitbits take:** This episode tests the boundary between free speech and harassment in Nigeria’s digital public square. While controversy can drive engagement, targeting minors often triggers legal and platform consequences. Readers should treat the claims with extreme skepticism unless independently verified.

    Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/movies/1693710-kemi-olunloyo-fresh-allegations-davidos-twins-nonverbal-nonfunctioning/  (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Legit.ng 2026-01-23

  • Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” Breaks N2 Billion Record

    Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” Breaks N2 Billion Record

    According to BusinessDay, Funke Akindele’s latest directorial effort, *Behind The Scenes (BTS)*, has become the first West African film to surpass ₦2.29 billion at the Nigerian domestic box office. The drama explores the emotional toll of “black tax” and has held the number-one spot for six consecutive weeks, reportedly outperforming major Hollywood titles in the local market.

    Additional reporting cited in the item notes wider industry momentum around box-office stars and awards chatter, with Vanguard pointing to Akindele and Timini Egbuson as among the most featured stars of the season.

    **Echotitbits take:** This is more than a financial win; it is cultural validation. By tackling “black tax”—a deeply relatable Nigerian experience—Akindele is proving that local stories, told with strong production value, can beat big-budget foreign franchises. Expect a surge in social‑realist Nollywood dramas as producers chase this formula.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/849186-funke-akindeles-behind-the-scenes-hits-over-n2-billion-becomes-highest-grossing-nollywood-film.html (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Premium Times 2026-01-23

  • Wizkid and Asake Drop Joint EP “REAL” to Massive Streaming Numbers

    Wizkid and Asake Drop Joint EP “REAL” to Massive Streaming Numbers

    Soundcity reports that Afrobeats stars Wizkid and Asake have unexpectedly released a collaborative EP titled *REAL*. The project—anchored by the single “Jogodo”—is already generating heavy activity across Spotify and Apple Music Nigeria, with early indications of record‑level daily streaming performance.

    The release has also dominated social traffic, with Daily Post and Vanguard amplifying the wider fan frenzy and the rapid search interest around the lyrics.

    **Echotitbits take:** Wizkid is pivoting. By teaming up with Asake—the king of the “Neo‑Fuji” sound—he is keeping relevance locked in with the younger street‑pop demographic. It is a strategic move that also counters claims his recent sound has grown too mellow for Lagos’ club circuit.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/wizkid-asake-release-joint-ep-real-vol-1/ 2026-01-23

    Photo Credit: Vanguard  (January 23, 2026)

  • Kendrick Lamar Within Reach of Jay-Z’s All-Time Grammy Record

    Kendrick Lamar Within Reach of Jay-Z’s All-Time Grammy Record

    Covers.com reports that Kendrick Lamar is heading into the 2026 Grammy Awards with nine nominations, positioning him to potentially break Jay‑Z’s all‑time record for Grammys won by a rapper. Lamar reportedly has 22 Grammys and would need four more wins to surpass Jay‑Z’s 25.

    Associated Press coverage cited in the item frames Lamar as a frontrunner in multiple major categories, while other outlets note the broader momentum around his recent chart dominance.

    **Echotitbits take:** The “Kendrick vs. the world” narrative has led to a possible coronation moment. If he surpasses Jay‑Z, the GOAT debate moves from barbershop talk to record books—especially if he delivers a headline performance that addresses the year’s lyrical and legal drama.

    Source: Grammy – https://www.grammy.com/news/rappers-who-have-the-most-grammy-wins  (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Grammy 2026-01-23

  • Davido’s Father Intervenes in Ongoing Paternity Controversy

    Davido’s Father Intervenes in Ongoing Paternity Controversy

    Legit NG reports that businessman Adedeji Adeleke has addressed renewed paternity claims involving a 12‑year‑old girl identified as Anuoluwapo. The report says multiple DNA tests have been conducted to settle the dispute, though the situation remains tense amid responses attributed to the girl’s mother.

    Daily Post Nigeria is cited as reporting a public pushback from Anu’s mother, including allegations of intimidation, while Vanguard notes Davido publicly thanked his father for stepping in.

    **Echotitbits take:** This has shifted from celebrity gossip to a high‑stakes reputational and legal contest. The patriarch’s involvement signals a bid for finality, but the public nature of counter‑claims suggests the controversy may not quiet down quickly.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/davido-thanks-father-for-publicly-defending-him-amid-paternity-drama/ (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Vanguard 2026-01-23

  • Drake Appeals Dismissal of ‘Not Like Us’ Defamation Lawsuit

    Drake Appeals Dismissal of ‘Not Like Us’ Defamation Lawsuit

    The Express Tribune reports that Drake has filed an appeal after a judge dismissed his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group (UMG), tied to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The dismissal reportedly hinged on a finding that the lyrics were non‑actionable opinion; Drake’s appeal argues the track caused measurable reputational harm.

    Reuters is cited as noting Drake’s team argues UMG’s marketing and distribution amplified allegedly defamatory claims, while AP News is cited as confirming the appellate process is underway.

    **Echotitbits take:** Drake is choosing a business‑logic target: the distributor, not the artist. If courts ever broaden liability around diss tracks, labels could face new risk frameworks for marketing and promotion. Still, the bar to win a defamation appeal over artistic expression is typically high.

    Source: AOL – https://www.aol.com/articles/drake-appeals-dismissal-not-us-224500392.html (January 22, 2026)

    Photo Credit: AOL 2026-01-22

  • Tiwa Savage and IShowSpeed Viral Meet-up Shakes Lagos

    Tiwa Savage and IShowSpeed Viral Meet-up Shakes Lagos

    Vanguard News reports that a TikTok clip showing Tiwa Savage hosting U.S. streamer IShowSpeed in Lagos has gone viral, drawing millions of views in under a day. The item notes that Speed—who has amassed a massive subscriber base—has been touring Nigeria and publicly praised Nigerian Jollof rice during the trip.

    Vanguard adds that the meet‑up was arranged in part for Tiwa’s son, Jamil, and Daily Post Nigeria is cited as reporting Speed marked his 21st birthday in Nigeria with heavy fan turnout.

    **Echotitbits take:** This is cross‑continental branding done right. Tiwa’s “cool mom” framing keeps her culturally sticky with Gen‑Z audiences, while Speed’s Nigeria content reinforces the country as a primary hub for viral tourism and creator‑driven travel.

    Source: Legit.ng – https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1693659-tiwa-savage-shares-how-arrange-meet-son-ishowspeed-lagos/  (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Legit.ng 2026-01-23

  • Jimmy Butler’s Season-Ending ACL Tear Devastates Warriors Fans

    Jimmy Butler’s Season-Ending ACL Tear Devastates Warriors Fans

    CBS Sports reports that Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler suffered a season‑ending ACL tear during a game against the Mavericks, dealing a major blow to the team’s title ambitions as the trade deadline approaches.

    Sports Illustrated is cited as suggesting the Warriors may explore aggressive offseason options, while AP News is cited as confirming the seriousness of the injury and the broader roster implications.

    **Echotitbits take:** If the Butler experiment ends this abruptly, the Warriors face a fork in the road: sell at the deadline to preserve assets or swing big for a superstar pathway. The reactions from Steph Curry and Draymond Green will be telling, because the championship window is tightening.

    Source: ESPN – https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47667747/warriors-jimmy-butler-helped-knee-injury-vs-heat
    Photo Credit: BBC News 2026-01-23