A video circulating on social media has sparked a wave of criticism after Fuji legend K1 D’Ultimate was caught openly praising Abidemi Rufai, the former aide to Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun, who recently regained his freedom after a US conviction.

The clip shows Rufai approaching K1 during an event, prostrating fully on the floor before presenting bundles of cash to the singer.

In response, K1, who wants to become the next Awujale, hailed him warmly, calling him “the pride of Ijebu-Ode,” a phrase that caused immediate online conversations.

Rufai, once a senior special assistant in Ogun State, became internationally known in May 2021 when he was arrested at JFK Airport, New York.

He was later convicted of multiple counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, leading to a five-year jail sentence handed down by a US federal court in September 2022.

However, on November 15, 2024, three years after his incarceration, he was released from the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

His freedom followed a successful motion requesting a reduction of his sentence. Nigerians were stunned to see Rufai in a celebratory setting so soon after his return.

Many questioned why a man convicted of financial crimes would be publicly honoured, particularly.

Below are some reactions below

@bidemiafii noted: "He who have not sin before should throw the 1st stone.... Eyin oloriburuku yin. Enikurrrrrrreee gbogbo yin. He served his time and he's out. Did he escape from prison. Ori yin gbale. Elebiiii ni gbogbo yin"

@chrismode76 wrte "Another bowale. The next Ogun state governor. E ku imora"

@kibamslightberry declared: "I will prostrate like that finish& am being dragged to get up not gently or help up. Then I will come & spend my money like that again I will think about it again to process it well"

@iam_buggatii shared: "Go hard or go home, if you can't serve the term don't do the crime But Risk"

@bimbola_abass shared: "Grace makes a way even when everyone thinks your story is over.

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