Social media users have expressed divided opinions following criticism by popular online commentator Daniel Regha of activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over his allegations concerning members of the Adeleke family and the use of public funds in Osun State.
Regha, in a post on X, questioned VDM’s decision to raise concerns about alleged money laundering and the misuse of public funds after his relationship with Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, reportedly deteriorated.
He argued that VDM had previously enjoyed the benefits of his association with Davido, including reportedly staying in an expensive hotel, eating a plate of rice said to cost more than N12,000, and attending the singer’s lavish wedding, which was also attended by political figures, including the Osun State governor.
Regha questioned whether VDM had been unaware of the Adeleke family’s lifestyle and spending habits during the period when he enjoyed a cordial relationship with Davido.
He also accused the activist of inconsistency, citing his past criticisms of music producer Don Jazzy, whom he allegedly praised after a N100 million donation was made to his non-governmental organisation.
Regha further referenced VDM’s criticism of Nigerian footballer Victor Osimhen over an alleged donation, contrasting it with the activist’s reported trip to Turkey with his brother on a free flight to celebrate Osimhen at Galatasaray.
The commentator also recalled VDM’s position during the August 1, 2024, #EndBadGovernance protest, alleging that the activist initially sought to be at the forefront of the movement, later turned against peaceful protesters, and subsequently changed his position following public backlash.
Regha concluded that VDM appeared to choose positions based on convenience and what benefited his NGO.
Regha’s comments triggered heated reactions, with some users questioning VDM’s credibility and the timing of his allegations, while others defended his right to criticise public figures regardless of past relationships or perceived benefits.
A user identified as Borboss argued that Davido’s source of wealth was accountable and described criticism of the singer’s lifestyle as unnecessary. However, the user said the same could not automatically be said of Davido’s cousins.
Borboss added that he did not consider the evidence presented by VDM concerning the cousins sufficient to substantiate the allegations, particularly the issue of dummy cheques.
Nevertheless, he insisted that accountability remained necessary, arguing that Osun State’s condition warranted public scrutiny.
He also recalled that Davido had once posted an aerial view of the state on X before deleting it following backlash and insults, saying the incident highlighted concerns about the state’s condition.
Another user, identified as lostcausetarth, accused Regha of attempting to discredit VDM despite understanding the activist’s objectives.
The user challenged Regha to identify another philanthropist who had achieved a comparable level of impact in people’s lives.
Reverse Truth, another commentator, argued that human actions were often motivated by self-interest, adding that people who failed to understand this were unfairly criticising VDM.
Sleek, however, offered a broader criticism of public attitudes towards accountability, saying Nigerians often believe that receiving a favour from someone removes their right to question that person’s decisions.
“Once someone does you a favour, they suddenly feel you have no right to question their decisions, no matter how obvious or concerning they are,” the user wrote, arguing that poverty was being weaponised to discourage criticism.
Erudite William described VDM as a social media niche, alleging that criticism of him had become a way for commentators to attract attention or financial benefits.
The user also expressed concern about people who followed influencers unquestioningly.
Musan Zariya went further, describing VDM as a fraud and arguing that the public had given him excessive attention.
Another user, posting under the handle @moladegbolahan, accused the activist of selfishness, greed, jealousy and attention-seeking, alleging that he prioritised personal interests.
Some users also supported Regha’s concerns about the timing of VDM’s allegations.
A user identified as @asakentmrmoney cited an old video allegedly showing VDM excitedly displaying a hotel room associated with Davido’s hospitality, as well as his attendance at the singer’s wedding.
The user argued that the sequence of events raised questions about why the activist’s concerns became prominent after the relationship reportedly soured.
Another user, tesssss, similarly questioned the timing, arguing that if the alleged conduct was wrong, VDM should have spoken up earlier.
Several users rejected Regha’s argument, insisting that receiving assistance or maintaining a relationship with someone should not prevent a person from speaking out against alleged wrongdoing.
Hecto Crypto questioned the logic behind suggesting that VDM should remain silent because he had benefited from his association with Davido.
“So because all this benefit when he sees wrong he shouldn’t call it out?” the user asked, arguing that such a mentality contributed to Nigeria’s governance problems.
MO.JUNIOR.10 defended VDM’s activism, saying the activist had taken risks to speak on behalf of Nigerians and should not be judged as though he were responsible for the country’s problems.
Obi Ransome also argued that VDM had consistently criticised people he believed were doing wrong.
Although expressing admiration for Davido, the user maintained that allegations involving the singer’s relatives should be examined if public funds were involved.
Another user, identified as umukoro1, argued that VDM would continue to criticise wrongdoing even if he received a substantial financial gift, insisting that personal relationships should not override accountability.
Vicky similarly defended the activist, saying that the ability to criticise people despite personal connections was what distinguished him from others.
The user cited VDM’s willingness to praise or criticise public figures depending on their actions.
Olorunjedalo Baruwa also challenged Regha’s argument, asking whether VDM should have deliberately avoided comfortable accommodation and ordinary meals simply to prove his independence.
The user further claimed that Davido had previously said he tried to give VDM money on several occasions but that the activist refused.
Another defender, OLAYINKA, argued that Regha was judging VDM based on past events without adequately considering whether the activist had known enough at the time to raise the concerns now being discussed.
Kross urged Regha to reconsider his position, asking whether VDM should remain silent about alleged wrongdoing simply because he had eaten an expensive meal.
A separate point of disagreement concerned the claim that Davido had paid for VDM’s hotel accommodation and food.
While Regha referred to reports that the singer had lodged the activist in an expensive hotel, some users disputed that account.
Nacho claimed that VDM paid for the hotel himself and only associated the experience with Davido as a matter of friendship.
Olamide also challenged Regha to revisit VDM’s video, alleging that the activist had explicitly said Davido did not pay for his accommodation or other expenses.
DOZZY BOY echoed the claim, insisting that VDM had stated that he paid his own bills.
These competing claims remained unresolved in the social media exchanges.
Other users also accused Regha of selectively criticising VDM while overlooking the substance of the activist’s allegations involving members of the Adeleke family.
FREE MINDED, however, challenged Regha to demonstrate achievements beyond criticising politicians and public figures, while another commenter accused him of repeatedly targeting VDM.
VDM has built a substantial following through online activism, public-interest interventions and confrontational commentary on issues involving celebrities, public officials, businesses and alleged wrongdoing.
His activities have attracted both support and criticism, with supporters describing him as a campaigner for accountability and critics questioning his methods, motives and the evidence behind some of his claims.
Davido, meanwhile, is one of Nigeria’s most prominent Afrobeats musicians and comes from the Adeleke family, which has significant business and political connections. His uncle, Ademola Adeleke, is the governor of Osun State.
The latest controversy has brought renewed attention to the relationship between celebrity influence, activism, personal associations and public accountability.
At the centre of the dispute are two competing arguments: whether VDM’s past association with Davido undermines the credibility of his subsequent allegations, and whether a person’s receipt of hospitality or other benefits should prevent them from questioning alleged wrongdoing.
However, the social media debate alone does not establish whether money laundering or the misuse of public funds occurred. Such allegations require credible documentary evidence and appropriate investigation by the relevant authorities.
#DAVIDO
