Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has publicly thrown his weight behind his close associate and celebrity talent manager, Ubi Franklin, following an online controversy accusing Franklin of stealing a luxury wristwatch during the singer’s lavish wedding celebration in Miami, United States, over the weekend.
The speculation, which surfaced on social media platforms on Wednesday, quickly gained traction after being published by a popular gossip blog. The post alleged that Franklin, a long-time ally of Davido and a regular face at his public events, had taken a high-end watch belonging to another guest at the star-studded ceremony.
However, Franklin wasted no time in addressing the claims. Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the music executive described the accusation as “false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image.” He stressed that such baseless rumours were not only damaging but also hurtful, given the nature of the friendship and trust he shares with the Adeleke family.
In a swift and decisive response, Davido himself waded into the matter to defend Franklin, making it clear that his associate owed “nobody any explanation.” The multiple award-winning artiste, who recently tied the knot with his long-time partner Chioma Rowland, dismissed the gossip as the work of “fools” trying to stir unnecessary drama.
“You owe nobody any explanation… fools,” Davido wrote on X, signalling his outright rejection of the allegations and expressing solidarity with Franklin.
Davido’s backing appears to have silenced some critics, but the incident has also reignited discussions on the growing trend of viral misinformation within Nigeria’s entertainment scene. With celebrities often targeted by false claims, many fans and commentators argue that such stories can easily damage reputations if not swiftly addressed.
Industry watchers note that Davido and Franklin’s friendship goes beyond business. Franklin, who is also the founder of Made Men Music Group, has been spotted at numerous private and public events involving the Adeleke family. His close involvement in the planning and execution of Davido’s Miami wedding further underlines their bond, making the allegations all the more shocking to some observers.
This is not the first time Davido has publicly defended those close to him against social media backlash. In recent years, the “Unavailable” hitmaker has used his influence to call out cyberbullying, online defamation, and what he describes as “clout-chasing antics” by certain blogs.
The incident comes just days after Davido’s high-profile wedding dominated headlines, attracting celebrities, political figures, and international guests. While the celebration was hailed as one of the most glamorous Nigerian weddings in recent memory, the watch theft rumour briefly shifted the spotlight from the festivities to online controversy.
As of press time, Franklin has maintained his innocence and expressed gratitude for Davido’s public support. Fans of both men have flooded social media with messages urging the public to disregard the claims and focus on the music and successes they continue to deliver.