Nigerian rapper Chibuzor Azubike Nelson, known to fans as Phyno, has strongly denied a viral claim accusing him of selling his Lagos estate to an Arab investor due to ethnic bias.
The allegation, which surfaced on social media through a now-deleted tweet, suggested that the rapper had expressed regret for investing in Yoruba land and planned to relocate his assets to his native Enugu.
The report sparked heated online debate, tapping into Nigeria’s complex ethnic tensions and raising questions about unity in the entertainment and real estate sectors.
The controversial tweet was posted by a journalist operating under the pseudonym JustSociety4All, who alleged that Phyno sold his N10 billion estate in Lagos to a Libyan businessman.
The post quoted Phyno as saying, “The last election opened my eyes. The hatred towards Igbos is something that seems like it will last forever. Instead of building in Yoruba land, I’m relocating my estate to Enugu, where my people will make good use of it and it will remain safe for generations.“
The journalist claimed that these statements were made in response to the rapper’s disappointment with perceived ethnic hostility following the 2023 elections.
However, Phyno wasted no time in responding to the accusation, taking to social media to firmly shut down the rumor. Clearly angered by the allegation, he called out the journalist for fabricating such a divisive story.
“You are a fool for cooking up this type of lie!!! Where are you heading with this? Anwu nta,” Phyno wrote, using the Igbo phrase “Anwu nta” to express his utter disdain for the baseless report.
His blunt response drew support from many of his fans who saw the tweet as a dangerous attempt to stir ethnic tension.
Phyno’s reaction underscored the damage misinformation can cause, especially when it targets public figures and exploits national sensitivities.
While Nigeria’s ethnic diversity remains one of its strengths, it can also be easily weaponized for controversy. The rapper, who has consistently celebrated both his Igbo roots and his nationwide appeal, emphasized in past interviews that his investments, music, and collaborations are not defined by tribe.
His quick and emotional response highlighted how damaging and personal these kinds of narratives can be, particularly in a country still healing from post-election tensions.
