Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has stirred widespread reactions online after appearing to address a paternity allegation through the lyrics of a song performed at a public event, with many social media users criticising the remarks as dismissive and insensitive. 

The veteran musician made the comments while performing at the tenth coronation anniversary of the Onikate of Ikate, Oba Lateef Adams, in what became his first public response since allegations linking him to a 12 year old girl went viral online.

The controversy stems from claims made by a woman identified as Ogechi Eleana, who said in an interview that she worked as KWAM 1’s pedicurist and was involved in a relationship with him spanning more than seven years, alleging that he fathered a child with her who is now 12 years old before later distancing himself from both her and the child.

In the widely circulated video of his performance, the fuji star neither confirmed knowing the woman nor acknowledged any romantic history with her, choosing instead to respond obliquely through his music. He was heard telling his audience to take such matters to social media platforms, remarking that anyone dealing with what he called an unnecessary pregnancy was, in his words, already giving themselves away, and urging his listeners not to hold the children responsible for adult disputes.

The remarks quickly spread across social media platforms, with many Nigerians expressing disappointment at what they described as a flippant response to serious allegations involving a child’s identity and welfare.

Others defended the musician, arguing that he was well within his rights to dismiss unproven claims made without any accompanying evidence. It is worth noting that no DNA test or court ruling has established the paternity of the child in question, and the allegations at the centre of the controversy remain unproven at this stage.

This is not the first time KWAM 1 has found himself at the centre of public controversy, given his decades long career and outspoken personality within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

As reactions continue to trail his comments, calls have grown louder for a clearer and more direct response from the musician, with observers noting that the matter is unlikely to fade from public discourse until a more definitive resolution, potentially including a formal paternity test, is reached.

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