Controversial statement follows his earlier revelation of 18 years practising as Babalawo, with Nigerians divided over his rejection of traditional deities

Veteran Nigerian singer, 9ice, has triggered widespread reactions after publicly declaring that his parents are his ‘God’, rejecting the worship of any other deities. The statement was made in Lagos on Sunday through a video posted on his Instagram page, where he asserted that the reverence often reserved for God should instead be directed at one’s parents.

In the video, 9ice said, “Today I’ll tell you something I don’t really talk about, but I’ll talk today. I love my mum, I love my dad, my god is my mum, my father is my god.” He further emphasised in the comment section that he does not believe in what he described as ‘inferior Gods’, distancing himself from both conventional religious practice and other spiritual beings.

The remarks have sparked fresh debate across social media platforms, with many Nigerians questioning the singer’s motives and mental state. Some accused him of seeking attention or being under influence, while others dismissed his views outright. The controversy comes just months after 9ice revealed in April that he has been practising as a Babalawo—a Yoruba traditional priest—for over 18 years, which itself drew significant public scrutiny and criticism.

Religious discourse remains highly sensitive in Nigeria, where Christianity and Islam dominate and traditional beliefs are often stigmatised. In his previous viral outburst earlier this year, 9ice criticised Nigeria’s religious culture for what he perceived as prioritising rituals over productivity. At the time, he questioned why decades of national prayers had not translated into tangible progress for the country and compared Nigerian work ethic unfavourably to that of London.

While some Nigerians agreed with his critique of performative religiosity affecting productivity, few have supported his latest stance equating parents to God. The majority view online remains critical or mocking rather than reflective. As at Monday afternoon, neither major religious bodies nor government officials had issued formal responses to 9ice’s comments. It is yet unclear whether this will prompt broader conversations about spirituality and cultural values in the country.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/9ice-parents-god-spiritual-comments-2026062311393056938

NFF yet to respond as fans question transparency in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations squad selection process

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has claimed she was dropped from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after refusing to comply with what she described as inappropriate demands from certain officials. The allegation emerged on Sunday, ahead of the tournament slated for Morocco, and has ignited debate among supporters and stakeholders across Nigeria.

Plumptre, who plays for Leicester City and is one of the most recognisable faces in the national team, said her exclusion from the WAFCON squad was not due to sporting reasons but rather linked to her resistance against demands by unnamed officials she referred to as “corrupt.” Her comments have circulated widely online, prompting reactions from both fans and football observers questioning the integrity of the selection process.

The defender’s revelation comes at a time when Nigerian football authorities are under scrutiny over issues of transparency and fairness in player selection. The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, have enjoyed considerable success on the continent, but recent administrative controversies have raised concerns about governance within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

As at press time, NFF had not issued any official statement responding to Plumptre’s claims. However, supporters and some former players have expressed surprise at her omission given her consistent performances in previous tournaments. “We expect accountability from those managing our national teams,” one fan posted on social media following news of Plumptre’s exclusion.

With WAFCON approaching, calls for greater transparency in team selection are growing louder. Analysts say unresolved allegations could affect morale within the squad and damage Nigeria’s reputation as Africa’s leading women’s football nation. Stakeholders are urging NFF to address the matter promptly and ensure that merit remains the guiding principle for all national team call-ups.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/i-was-dropped-after-refusing-to-heed-demands-from-corrupt-officials-plumptre/

Controversial post ignites fresh arguments as Nigerians question if multiple-partner marriages benefit women’s career growth

A social media post by a Lagos-based user, Abdulwahab Abubakar, has triggered a nationwide debate after he argued on X (formerly Twitter) that ambitious women may achieve more by entering polygamous marriages. The comment, posted on Saturday, has drawn sharp reactions from Nigerians across different backgrounds, with many challenging the suggestion that polygamy supports women’s career advancement.

The online discussion intensified after Abubakar, using the handle @AbdoollGiwa, wrote that “as a young lady aiming to attain the height of your professional career and personal goals, polygamy is the best option for you.” His statement quickly gained traction, especially in Lagos and other urban centres, as conversations about marriage and gender roles continue to dominate social platforms.

This renewed interest comes in the wake of Netflix’s series The Polygamist, which follows the story of Jonasi Gomora—a wealthy banker whose death reveals hidden wives and mistresses battling for his estate. The show’s portrayal of betrayal and power struggles within multiple-partner households has reignited public scrutiny of polygamy’s real-life effects on women and families in Nigeria.

Reactions have been mixed. Some critics argue that polygamy rarely reduces domestic responsibilities for women or creates genuine opportunities for growth. A respondent stated: “Because the moment a man feels he is financially secure he starts marrying multiple wives… we are supposed to keen into that?” Another added: “You assume she’ll have less marital responsibilities to focus on her career—forgetting she might face higher expectations if her co-wives are older or also career-minded.” Others linked women’s participation in polygamous unions to poverty, insisting that economic empowerment would lead to a decline in such arrangements.

However, a minority supported Abubakar’s view, accusing opponents of responding emotionally rather than objectively. One user asked: “Are your female family members in polygamous settings, and have they attained that height?” Another claimed: “Now watch how most ladies will fail to see the sense in this and argue from an emotional POV.”

While there is no consensus, the debate highlights deep divisions over marriage norms in Nigeria. The conversation continues online as Nigerians weigh whether polygamy can truly offer advantages for women pursuing personal and professional ambitions.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/polygamy-is-the-best-option-for-ambitious-women-nigerian-man-sparks-debate-2026062311292225406