The ongoing feud between Cubana Chief Priest and Burna Boy has intensified, particularly concerning the detention of Speed Darlington, a fellow artist embroiled in the conflict. Cubana Chief Priest, a prominent socialite and celebrity barman, has vowed to assist Speed Darlington in regaining his freedom from custody. This situation has escalated over recent weeks, primarily due to remarks made by Darlington that have drawn the ire of Burna Boy, leading to legal actions and public exchanges.
The conflict traces back to Speed Darlington’s release of a diss track titled “Baby Oil,” which mocked Burna Boy’s connection to American music mogul Diddy. This track gained traction on Spotify Nigeria’s Top 100 chart and insinuated that Diddy’s influence played a role in Burna Boy’s Grammy win. In response, Burna Boy accused Darlington of cyberstalking and subsequently had him arrested in November 2024. Darlington’s lawyer, Stan Alieke, claims that his client has been unjustly detained despite being granted bail by a Federal High Court on Christmas Eve 2024.
Cubana Chief Priest entered the fray after Burna Boy referred to him as “Owerri Rick Ross,” suggesting he was merely a middleman in the industry. In retaliation, Chief Priest took to social media to mock Burna Boy, stating that “Diddy oil is the fastest way to get PTSD,” implying that Burna Boy’s Grammy win was not entirely legitimate. This exchange has added fuel to the fire, with both parties trading insults online.
Chief Priest has publicly declared his intention to help Speed Darlington regain his freedom, stating on social media that they would be taking action soon: “Tomorrow we are coming for you akpi nwamama Monday is almost here. Make we now show power”. This statement indicates his commitment to supporting Darlington amidst the ongoing legal battles.
Speed Darlington’s legal troubles have been compounded by Burna Boy’s aggressive approach to dealing with perceived slights. Alieke has challenged Burna Boy to arrest Cubana Chief Priest for making similar allegations about his Grammy win as those that led to Darlington’s arrest. He emphasized that if Burna Boy is serious about protecting his reputation, he should act against Chief Priest as he did against Darlington. Alieke stated, “Your petition claims that the Diddy and baby oil banter has caused irreparable damage to your international reputation… so the world is expecting you to engage the police and arrest him”.
This legal back-and-forth highlights a troubling aspect of celebrity culture in Nigeria, where public figures often resort to legal threats over social media exchanges. The implications of these actions not only affect the individuals involved but also reflect broader issues within the entertainment industry regarding freedom of speech and accountability.
The public reaction to this feud has been mixed. Many fans are entertained by the drama unfolding on social media, while others express concern over the serious nature of the allegations and legal actions involved. The situation raises questions about how far public figures will go to defend their reputations and whether such conflicts should be handled through legal channels or resolved privately.
Burna Boy has defended his lifestyle against accusations of debt and insecurity projected by Cubana Chief Priest, asserting that he pays for everything in cash and does not owe anyone anything. His comments have sparked speculation about his ongoing rivalry with other artists, particularly Davido.
The feud involving Cubana Chief Priest, Speed Darlington, and Burna Boy illustrates the complexities of celebrity interactions in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. As tensions rise and legal battles unfold, it remains to be seen how this situation will resolve itself. Cubana Chief Priest’s vow to assist Speed Darlington signifies solidarity among artists facing similar challenges, but it also perpetuates a cycle of public disputes that can overshadow their artistic contributions.
As this drama continues to develop, fans will likely keep a close eye on social media for updates on both the personal and professional ramifications for all parties involved.