Year in Review: 5 controversies social media users spoke about the most in 2023

The Nigerian entertainment industry has always been a hotbed of glitz, glamour, and talent.

However, with fame comes scrutiny, and 2023 has proven to be a year filled with shocking scandals that have captivated the nation.

From the music industry to Nollywood, these controversies have dominated headlines and sparked intense debates across the country.

Yul Edochie, Judy Austin and May-Yul Edochie saga

One of the biggest entertainment scandals of the year is one involving Nollywood stars, Yul Edochie, Judy Austin and Yul Edochie’s now ex-wife.

Apparently, Yul-Edochie has been having an affair outside of his marriage, with colleague movie star, Judy Austin. Yul Edochie and May Yul-Edochie were married for more than a decade until their marriage hit the rocks after Judy Austin had a child for Yul-Edochie.

May, who could not share her home with another woman, opted for a divorce. They are still in court going through the divorce processes.

Nigerians have heavily criticized Judy Austin for ‘breaking’ another woman’s home, and also slammed Yul Edochie for trying to ‘break’ his ex-wife for not agreeing to a polygamous marriage.

Judy Austin and Yul Edochie has since then been trolled continuously on social media, as according to netizens, the woman they tried to break (May) is achieving massive success and travelling around the world, but same cannot be said of them.

Mohbad’s death

Nigerians were thrown in a state of anger after the news of the mysterious death of rising music star, Mohbad broke out. Mohbad died on September 12, at the tender age of 27.

His sudden demise sparked outrage across Nigeria as his fans held protests and candlelight marches on the streets demanding justice for him.

According to reports, he was bullied in the industry with several threats of death before his unfortunate demise. Naira Marley, owner of Marlian Records - a record label he previously worked under was arrested in connection to his death, but was released shortly after.

The nurse in the hospital where he was declared dead has also been arrested.
His body was exhumated for a proper post-mortem to be done to give accurate details about the circumstances in which he passed away.

#justiceformohbad has been trending since his death.

Anita Brown and Davido’s pregnancy bruhaha

American socialite, Anita Brown came out in August 2023, and revealed that music star, Davido had impregnated her.

The Nigerian social media went agog, as they wondered if Anita was going to be Davido’s fourth baby mama.

Anita went on Instagram live taking a pregnancy test and talked at length about how Davido asked her to have an abortion but she refused.

She added that she had no idea Davido was married to Chioma, and she feels deceived.

However, after Davido and his wife, Chioma welcomed their twins later in October, Anita confessed to not being pregnant.

According to her, she has finally decided to let go of Davido and let him enjoy his marriage and the birth of his twins.

Annie and 2face Idibia

Popular musician 2face Idibia has been trolled by Nigerians after a video of him saying that it was normal for men to cheat went viral.

Annie and 2face were on the Young, Famous and African reality show when he made the statement.

What made the issue more uncomfortable was when said this right in front of his wife, Annie Idibia who appeared very hurt and shocked.

The video trended for days, with many Nigerians saying that it was disrespectful for him to say that while Annie was around. Others also ridiculed Annie for continuing to date 2face after he cheated on her multiple times and even had a child outside their marriage.

Portable in court for assaulting a police officer

Controversial singer, Portable appeared in court in April 2023 for assaulting a police officer. Nigerians took this news with a hint of excitement because Portable is a well-known ‘troublemaker’.

His was also trolled for his silent demeanour in court, as he was known to be a very chaotic and loud person.

According to some Nigerians, the court had humbled him and he would at least give second thoughts to some actions before carrying it out.
Portable got a N300,000 bail.

BEB