Damilola Adeyemi, popularly known as Queen Dami, has petitioned the Ogun State Police Command, accusing controversial singer Habeeb Olalomi, known as Portable, of cyberbullying, blackmail and threatening her life.

The petition, dated 9 February, marks a new escalation in a dispute that has played out publicly on social media for months.

Why it matters

The case highlights growing concerns about cyberbullying and online harassment in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Legal experts say the increasing use of live-stream platforms to air personal disputes raises questions about digital responsibility and possible criminal liability.

Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 criminalises certain forms of online harassment, threats and blackmail.

If formally investigated, the case could test how authorities handle celebrity-driven online disputes.

How the dispute escalated

Portable and Adeyemi’s relationship first became public in August 2023.

It reportedly ended in December 2024 after the singer accused her publicly of “polygamy and prostitution”.

Tensions resurfaced on Sunday during a live session with content creator Afeez ‘Salo’ Ojesanmi, when Adeyemi stated that Portable was no longer part of her life.

Portable responded in his own TikTok live broadcast, disputing her claims.

“A few days ago, Salo asked Queen Dami about me during her live video and she said I didn’t exist. Meanwhile, we still spend time together, get intimate,” he said.

“I wanted to ask her why she was denying me. Does she not want people to know that we are back together? She is supposed to come online and tell the people of lbadan to forgive me because we are now together again. This is someone I am taking care of.”

The singer later shared what he described as a recorded phone conversation, in which Adeyemi allegedly admitted she denied their relationship publicly “so that he can trend with it”.

The petition to police

In her petition, Adeyemi said she had separated from the singer and accused him of spreading misinformation and harassment through repeated live streams.

“It’s the brief of our client to report recent acts of cyber bullying, blackmail and threat to life by Habeeb Olalomi (Portable) who has been going on live streaming to blackmail our client who has since separated with Portable as his wife,” the petition read.

“Mr Portable was seen on live streaming, boasting to have been ‘sleeping with our client’, harbouring her despite public belief that our client was no longer in any relationship with him, ‘the allegation which is far from the truth’.”

“This misinformation on Life Stream by Portable is an attempt and strategy of Mr. Portable to bully and blackmail our client, which has exposed her to ridicule and serious public embarrassment, which threatens our client’s life and reputation.”

“We hereby seek the indulgence of your nobler office to investigate this case as Habeeb Olalomi (Portable) continues this bullying and cyber crimes against our client with impunity as if he is above the law.”

As of the time of publication, the Ogun State Police Command has not publicly commented on the petition.

What happens next?

Police may review the petition to determine whether an investigation is warranted.

If pursued, authorities could examine digital evidence, including live-stream recordings and shared audio files.

The case could also fuel wider conversations about privacy, consent and accountability in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital entertainment space.

Transitions:

But this is not the first time a celebrity dispute has moved from social media to the courts.

Meanwhile, digital rights advocates warn that online allegations can have real-world consequences.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has accepted to serve as Royal Father of the Day at the New Telegraph Awards Night and Dinner in Lagos this Friday.

Former Ogun State Governor and veteran journalist, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, will chair the event.

The ceremony will take place at the Grand Ballroom of Oriental Hotels, Lagos.

Organisers say nine state governors have confirmed attendance, alongside business leaders, bankers, public officials and sports personalities.

The awards recognise individuals in politics, business, finance and public service.

Why It Matters

The presence of the Ooni of Ife, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional rulers, adds cultural and political weight to the event.

His participation reflects the growing intersection between traditional institutions and modern governance.

For Osoba, a former Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Times and past governor, the role underscores the continued influence of journalism veterans in public life.

What the Organisers Said

In a letter to the monarch, the Management of Daily Telegraph Publishing Company said the Ooni’s selection was based on his record of leadership.

“Your Highness, it is important to let you know that you were chosen because of your position as not only the Paramount Ruler of one of the largest and homogenous nations in Nigeria, but also because of your dedication to service, excellence, reward and honesty in your over 10-year reign on the throne of your ancestors.”

The letter was delivered personally by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Mr Ayodele Aminu.

Speaking on Osoba’s selection, Aminu said:

“Osoba reflects the dream of not only journalists but every profession because he did not forget his roots and easily identifies with his colleagues, no matter the gap in age and experience.”

Osoba, a Grand Patron of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, remains active in media circles years after serving as governor.

What’s Next

The awards night is expected to draw political heavyweights and corporate leaders.

Organisers say the event will celebrate “excellence across sectors.”

Observers will be watching not just the award recipients, but also the networking and political signals emerging from the gathering.

Veteran actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has criticised the growing trend of actors dancing on social media to promote films, saying she will not take part in such campaigns.

Speaking on TVC Entertainment, the award-winning star said while she enjoys dancing, she draws a clear line between personal expression and forced publicity.

“I’m sorry, I would not be doing the dancing. I dance. I love to dance, but there’s a difference between dancing because you want to and dancing because you have to. The problem arises when it becomes a chore,” she said.

Her comments come amid increasing use of TikTok-style dance challenges to market Nollywood productions.

Why it matters

Social media has become a powerful promotional tool in Nollywood, with producers often relying on viral content to drive cinema attendance.

However, Omotola’s stance highlights growing concern about creative pressure on actors and the blurring line between performance and marketing.

‘Marketing should be done by professionals’

Omotola stressed that an actor’s primary responsibility is storytelling, not publicity stunts.

“Once I complete a project, my job is to talk about it and let those trained in promotion handle its distribution and advertising,” she said.

She added that backlash against dance-based promotions often stems from coercion, not from dancing itself.

According to her, forcing actors into viral campaigns risks undermining artistic integrity.

Industry reactions

Her remarks echo recent comments by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, who also questioned the logic behind the trend.

He had said he would not dance to promote a movie, arguing that producers should reassess marketing strategies, especially when blockbuster films still generate relatively low earnings.

Some filmmakers and actors agree that while social media engagement is important, it should not replace structured marketing plans.

Others argue that digital trends reflect changing audience behaviour and must be embraced strategically.

What’s next for Nollywood marketing?

Experts say the debate may push producers to invest more in professional marketing teams, audience research, and distribution networks.

As Nollywood expands globally, the industry faces pressure to balance virality with sustainability, creativity with commerce.

For now, Omotola’s position signals that not all stars are willing to dance to the algorithm.