Nigerian Afrobeats star Zlatan Ibile has sparked widespread praise online after firmly distancing himself from a political group during a recent award ceremony. The “Zanku” crooner, born Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, made it clear that he would not allow his brand or celebratory platforms to be used for political mobilization.
The incident occurred during a homecoming-style event held at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where the singer was being honored for his achievements. While presenting a certificate on stage, the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) made the unexpected move of inviting a representative of the “City Boy Movement” to join them.
At the mention of the group a prominent youth mobilization wing backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election agenda Zlatan immediately grabbed the microphone, interrupting the SUG President. The singer pointedly explained to the crowd that the gathering was not organized for political groups and emphasized that partisan politics had no place in the event.
Protecting the Brand from Partisan Politics
Zlatan’s swift shutdown of the political mention earned him immense praise across social media platforms. In a climate where public sentiment is highly sensitive due to ongoing economic challenges, many Nigerians appreciated his refusal to let a student-centric, cultural celebration be hijacked by political actors.
By drawing a clear line, the artist successfully protected his brand from partisan narratives. Netizens commended his quick thinking and professionalism, with many noting that entertainers must safeguard their platforms from being weaponized for political agendas. The consensus online remains that keeping entertainment and partisan politics separate is a step in the right direction for the industry.