Nigerian artist Iyanya has publicly defended music executive Ubi Franklin against theft allegations following reports claiming the latter stole a luxury watch during Davido’s high-profile wedding in Miami last weekend. The rumors, which circulated online Wednesday via a blog post reported by Media Talk Africa, alleged Franklin took the wristwatch from the event. Both Franklin and Iyanya have since dismissed the claims as a coordinated smear campaign.
Iyanya took to his X account (formerly Twitter) to condemn the reports, describing them as falsehoods manufactured by individuals within Davido’s inner circle aiming to damage Franklin’s reputation. “This is a Big lie,” he wrote. “The jeweler has come out to deny this; it was a gist fabricated to tarnish Ubi’s name by those who don’t like him within that circle. I will not let my brother be dragged for nothing.” His remarks emphasized solidarity with Franklin while pointing to the jeweler’s denial as evidence of the story’s falsity.
Franklin independently addressed the allegations the same day, issuing a statement through his X account in which he categorically denied any wrongdoing. He called the accusations “false and misleading,” further stating that Benny, the luxury watch dealer linked to the incident, had already refuted the claims earlier Wednesday. Franklin did not elaborate on the motives behind the rumors but echoed Iyanya’s suggestion that individuals hostile to him had orchestrated the narrative.
The fallout from the viral claims highlights the rapid spread of unverified gossip in celebrity circles, particularly around major events. Davido’s wedding to Chioma Rowland, held on June 25, drew global attention, with dozens of high-profile Nigerian entertainers and influencers in attendance. While the festivities were largely celebrated, the theft allegation introduced an unexpected controversy. Observers note that disputes and rumors within Nigeria’s entertainment industry often escalate quickly on social media, where unsubstantiated stories can gain traction before facts are verified.
Neither Davido nor his representatives have publicly commented on the incident. The jeweler mentioned in Iyanya’s post, identified only as Benny, has also not released an official statement beyond the private confirmations cited by both Franklin and Iyanya. Legal experts suggest that false accusations of theft, if proven defamatory, could lead to litigation under Nigerian law, though such cases remain rare in the entertainment sector.
As the situation unfolds, Franklin’s supporters have rallied online, sharing messages of support and criticizing the spread of unverified allegations. The incident underscores the challenges public figures face in combating misinformation while maintaining their reputations in an era of rapid digital storytelling.
