- Nigerian lawyer and filmmaker Ayo Shonaiya has provided his opinion on the ongoing legal dispute between Afrobeat star Burna Boy and internet personality Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi.
- Shonaiya’s comments came after Akpi’s Barrister Deji Adeyanju accused Burna Boy of re-arresting him for defamation.
- Akpi criticized Burna Boy for his association with Diddy, a controversial American rap mogul, sparking a saga of controversial behavior allegations.
Nigerian attorney and filmmaker Ayo Shonaiya has commented on the ongoing legal dispute between Afrobeat artist Burna Boy and the contentious internet figure Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi.
Shonaiya’s remarks followed accusations from Barrister Deji Adeyanju, who represents Akpi, claiming that Burna Boy had allegedly re-arrested his client on grounds of defamation.
The conflict originated when Akpi ridiculed Burna Boy regarding his association with American rap mogul Diddy, who has faced allegations of controversial conduct.
In retaliation, Burna Boy initiated legal proceedings, resulting in Akpi’s initial detention. However, Akpi was subsequently released after his mother made a public appeal for her son’s forgiveness on social media.
Despite his release, Akpi persisted in his online criticisms of Burna Boy, which led the artist to have him rearrested shortly after his return to Nigeria.
In light of these developments, Shonaiya asserted that Burna Boy’s legal measures were neither oppressive nor harassing.
He pointed out that Akpi’s continued defamatory statements, particularly while on bail, could result in additional legal repercussions. Shonaiya cautioned that if Akpi did not cease his actions, he would likely face re-arrest.
Taking to social media, Shonaiya wrote:
‘’I believe Deji Adeyanju is confusing being a Lawyer with being an Activist. A Plaintiff taking legal action against someone who’s defaming him is NOT oppression or harassment.
“If your Client keeps doing the same thing he was arrested for in the first place, especially while out on Bail, he will get rearrested. Simple. His Clients don’t know the difference between defamatory statements and freedom of speech, and it’s looking like he also doesn’t”
