A public affairs analyst has called for stricter oversight of social media content in Nigeria, following a high-profile dispute involving the son of President Bola Tinubu and two online influencers. Blessing Akinlosotu urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to intensify monitoring and impose sanctions on creators to prevent abuse.
The controversy centers on claims by social commentator Martins Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who alleged that Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, and content creator Mitchel Mukoro, known as King Mitchy, threatened his life. The allegations relate to remarks VDM made concerning a N100 million donation. Seyi Tinubu has publicly denied the threats, issuing a detailed statement over the weekend to dismiss VDM’s account.
The situation intensified with a separate report alleging that King Mitchy attempted suicide. While the NBC and NCC have historically regulated traditional broadcasting and telecommunications, the rapid growth of social media has created a complex new environment for content governance. Akinlosotu specifically condemned the alleged suicide attempt and criticized VDM for involving Seyi Tinubu in the initial dispute.
In her statement, Akinlosotu argued that regulatory bodies must pay “closer and more serious attention” to daily content produced by creators nationwide. She advocated for “strong sanctions” and the example of “scapegoats” as a deterrent against future misconduct. Her call highlights growing concerns over online safety, misinformation, and personal attacks within Nigeria’s digital sphere.
The incident underscores the challenges regulators face in balancing free expression with accountability on social media platforms. With influencers and public figures frequently engaging in public spats that can spill into real-world harm, Akinlosotu’s appeal places pressure on the NCC and NBC to clarify their mandates in the digital age. Observers note that any regulatory response will need to navigate legal boundaries and technical limitations to effectively address such content disputes.
