Renowned food critic Opeyemi Famakin has sparked fresh controversy with another unfavorable review of the jollof rice served at Donald’s Restaurant, owned by celebrated socialite and businessman Cubana Chief Priest.
The latest development comes amid an already tense relationship between the two personalities, with Famakin taking to Instagram to share threatening messages he allegedly received from the celebrity barman. The messages, dripping with disdain, labeled Famakin a “broke food critic” who could only afford burgers, suggesting that legitimate critics purchase entire menu selections to provide comprehensive reviews.
In the controversial message shared by Famakin, Cubana Chief Priest reportedly wrote a stern warning, threatening consequences should the critic be spotted near any of his establishments nationwide. The businessman’s message emphasized “boundaries,” suggesting a complete ban on Famakin’s presence at his venues.
Undeterred by the threats, Famakin proceeded with another review of the establishment’s jollof rice, this time sending his director to make the purchase to maintain objectivity in the assessment. The resulting review was far from flattering, with Famakin describing the rice as “dry and not well made,” a criticism that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s social media landscape.
Adding weight to his critique, Famakin’s director corroborated the assessment, offering his independent opinion that the food tasted stale. This double verification approach appears to be Famakin’s way of ensuring transparency and credibility in his review process, particularly given the heightened tensions surrounding this evaluation.
The situation highlights a growing trend in Nigeria’s culinary scene, where social media has given rise to influential food critics whose reviews can significantly impact restaurant reputations. Famakin, known for his straightforward and sometimes controversial reviews, has maintained that his latest assessment is genuine and not a targeted attack on Cubana Chief Priest or his business interests.
This incident raises important questions about the relationship between critics and establishment owners in Nigeria’s evolving food industry. The clash between Famakin and Cubana Chief Priest represents a larger debate about the role of food criticism in the country’s culinary landscape and the sometimes volatile reactions it can provoke from business owners.
Industry observers note that this situation mirrors similar conflicts in more established food markets worldwide, where critics and restaurateurs often find themselves at odds over negative reviews. However, the public nature of this dispute, played out on social media platforms, adds a unique dimension to the controversy.
The tension between maintaining honest criticism and managing relationships with influential business owners presents a challenging balancing act for food critics like Famakin. His insistence on conducting the review despite the apparent threats demonstrates a commitment to his role as a critic, even in the face of potential consequences.
For Cubana Chief Priest, whose reputation extends beyond his restaurant ventures into Nigeria’s broader entertainment and nightlife scene, the criticism touches on both his business interests and personal brand. His aggressive response to the initial review suggests the significant impact that such critiques can have on high-profile establishments.
As this situation continues to unfold, it appears likely that another public confrontation between these two personalities is imminent. The incident has already generated significant discussion on social media platforms, with supporters on both sides weighing in on the legitimacy of the review and the appropriateness of the restaurant owner’s response.
This ongoing controversy also raises broader questions about the future of food criticism in Nigeria’s digital age, where social media platforms have democratized the ability to influence public opinion about dining establishments. The incident may serve as a catalyst for discussions about professional standards in food criticism and the appropriate ways for business owners to respond to negative reviews.
As both parties maintain their positions, the Nigerian public watches with interest to see how this clash between a prominent food critic and a celebrated business owner will ultimately resolve itself, and what implications it might have for the future of restaurant reviewing in the country.
