Nigerian musician, Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington has extended an ‘olive branch’ to colleague Afrobeat singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy for a contentious video in which he allegedly mocked Burna Boy’s association with American rapper Diddy, who is facing legal issues with the FBI over charges of sexual exploitation.
Speed Darlington was arrested on the 4th of October 2024 over allegations of defamation and cyberstalking but was released after an emotional plea by his mother Miss Queen to Burna Boy.
In a statement released by his lawyer Stan Alieke Esq. on the 16th of October 2024, he stated that the statement wasn’t an admission of guilt but to make it clear that he never made the video to malign or defame the Grammy winner.
He, however, having recognised his role as an influential member of the society vowed to use his position positively and has committed to ensuring peace and setting a good example moving forward.
In an Instagram live session, Speed Darlington stated that while he has no resentment against Burna Boy, but complained about the torture by the Nigerian Police, who are still holding his mobile phones.
“Let me just be direct, I have no beef with Burna Boy. I and Burna Boy are not quarrelling, nor are we, enemies. It is the Nigerian police that did me dirty. They are still withholding my phone at the moment, and I do not have access to it.
“Burna Boy felt like I was spoiling something for him. The amount of effort Burna Boy put into this case. I feel like I am even more successful than him,” he said.
He stated that even though he was not aware of the cybercrime law, it was childish for someone to get upset over an insult and boast that he was bigger than Burna Boy, who pays bloggers to promote his music.
“He pays big money to blogs to push him, but I’m way bigger than him. But you, on the outside looking in, would not see it. I am stronger than Burna Boy. Back in 2016, they used to call me gay because I usually attended events alone, and they thought I was gay. The same thing happened to Burna, and now he is calling the police.”
“I’m stronger than him. I was not aware of the cybercrime law. It surprised me that such laws exist. It’s childish for someone to get upset over an insult. Why would you be angry because someone insulted you?”
