Nigerian media personality Patrick Doyle has unleashed a scathing critique of socialite Sophia Egbueje following her public display of a newly acquired Lamborghini. The controversy erupted after Egbueje shared images of her luxury purchase on social media, which came shortly after leaked audio recordings detailed her alleged intimate relationship with Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy.
The leaked audio, which circulated widely across Nigerian social media platforms last week, reportedly featured Egbueje describing her relationship with the Grammy-winning artist and claiming he had promised to buy her a Lamborghini—a promise she alleges went unfulfilled. In what appears to be a direct response to the public scandal, Egbueje subsequently announced her purchase of a white Lamborghini, emphasizing she acquired it independently without the singer’s financial support.
Doyle, a respected figure in Nigerian entertainment circles and former husband of acclaimed actress Ireti Doyle, took to Facebook to express his disapproval of Egbueje’s conspicuous consumption. His pointed critique questioned the moral implications of such extravagant displays of wealth.
She boasted about the value of her wristwatch and flaunted a 600 million Naira car. The combined value of both items is in the range of 650 to 750 million Naira,” Doyle wrote, converting to approximately $430,000 to $500,000 USD at current exchange rates. “Some half-wits were impressed and effusively congratulated her as she smiled and flaunted both items. As if we hadn’t heard about her shameful means of livelihood.”
Doyle’s comments reflect growing concerns among some Nigerian cultural commentators about the celebration of wealth without consideration for its source or the broader social responsibilities that might accompany financial success. He specifically highlighted what he perceives as a disconnect between Egbueje’s lavish spending and potential hardships facing members of her extended family.
Meanwhile, I can bet that there are members of her extended [family] who are going through a tough time,” his post continued. “The romanticizing of iniquity has become the stock in trade of dim wits amongst us.”
This controversy touches on deeper tensions within Nigerian society regarding wealth display, morality, and the increasing influence of social media in shaping public discourse about success. The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public figures and the values being promoted to younger generations through such displays.
Cultural analysts note that Doyle’s response represents a traditional viewpoint that stands in contrast to evolving attitudes among younger Nigerians about wealth acquisition and display. For many elder statesmen in the entertainment industry like Doyle, there remains a strong emphasis on dignity, discretion, and moral considerations in public behavior.
This is not the first time Doyle has spoken out on matters of public conduct and relationships. Several months ago, he addressed men specifically about maintaining dignity when faced with public humiliation from former partners. In that instance, he referenced a situation involving a friend who had responded publicly to actions by an ex-wife—a response Doyle indicated he did not support.
Last year, Doyle also commented on the public marital difficulties of Isreal DMW, who serves as logistics manager for another Nigerian music superstar, Davido. In that situation, Doyle stated that “it takes a special species of low-life man to engage in a social media saga with his former partner,” reinforcing his consistent position that private matters should remain private, particularly when they involve intimate relationships.
The controversy surrounding Egbueje’s Lamborghini purchase highlights the complex intersection of celebrity culture, social media, wealth display, and traditional values in contemporary Nigerian society. It reflects tensions between different generational perspectives on success and the appropriate ways to handle both wealth and personal relationships in the public eye.
As the story continues to develop, it has prompted broader discussions about accountability in the age of social media, the responsibilities that come with wealth and influence, and the values that should guide public figures in their interactions with fans and followers.
Neither Burna Boy nor Egbueje has publicly responded to Doyle’s comments at the time of reporting, though the situation continues to generate significant engagement across Nigerian social media platforms, with commentators divided in their responses to both Egbueje’s display of wealth and Doyle’s criticism of it.
