Controversial Nigerian-American rapper Speed Darlington has publicly contradicted his legal team’s efforts to smooth over tensions with Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy. Just days after his lawyers issued a formal apology, Speed Darlington took to Instagram Live on October 16, 2024, declaring his intent to delete the apology post and continuing his provocative statements against Burna Boy.
The drama unfolded at approximately 9:30 PM Nigerian time when Speed Darlington, whose real name is Darlington Okoye, initiated an Instagram Live session from what appeared to be his Lagos residence. Despite claims that his legal team had confiscated his phone, the rapper seemed unfazed, boasting about his continued access to social media.
They took my phone, but I still have social media, so I didn’t count it as a loss,” Speed Darlington stated, his characteristic bravado on full display. This statement alone garnered over 10,000 live viewers within minutes.
In a startling revelation, Speed Darlington disclosed that the recent apology posted on his official Instagram account was not his idea. It was my lawyer that begged me to post the apology statement on my page,” he admitted, visibly irritated. The rapper then dropped a bombshell, announcing his intention to delete the post, effectively nullifying his legal team’s efforts at reconciliation.
This development has left many in the Nigerian music industry bewildered. Entertainment lawyer Oluwaseun Adebayo commented, “This is an unprecedented situation where a client is publicly undermining their legal representation. It raises serious questions about the relationship between artists and their legal teams in the age of social media.
Speed Darlington’s latest outburst comes less than a week after his release from prison, details of which remain unclear. In this short period, the rapper has made at least three provocative posts about Burna Boy, each more controversial than the last.
His first post claimed superiority over Burna Boy both as an artist and in terms of wealth. The second was the now-disputed apology from his legal team. This third incident, the Instagram Live session, seems to have thrown all attempts at reconciliation out the window.
Instagram user @chigozie_ehim1 humorously commented, “They are trying to reduce Akpí nwa mama to a complainant. Let no one disturb the opening of the 18 room mansion biko. Hahaha,” referencing Speed Darlington’s often-touted claims of wealth.
Another user, @jonathan.justina, expressed sympathy for the rapper’s legal team: “Mama come n see ooo Akpi don start agai lawyer sef go don tire.
Notably absent from this unfolding drama is Burna Boy himself. The Grammy-winning artist has maintained silence on the matter, neither acknowledging Speed Darlington’s initial claims nor the subsequent apology and retraction.
Music industry insider Tunde Ednut speculates, “Burna Boy’s silence speaks volumes. He’s likely viewing this as beneath his concern, which in itself is a powerful statement.”
As this story continues to develop, the Nigerian entertainment industry watches with bated breath. Will Speed Darlington face legal consequences for his actions? How will this affect his career and relationships within the industry? And will Burna Boy eventually break his silence?
Speed Darlington’s latest social media outburst has not only contradicted his legal team’s efforts at reconciliation but has also reignited controversy surrounding his relationship with Burna Boy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of celebrity disputes in the age of social media, where a single live stream can undo days of careful legal maneuvering. As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that the intersection of law, entertainment, and social media in Nigeria’s music industry is more complex than ever.
