
Popular social media commentator Daniel Regha has stirred conversations online after openly calling on Afrobeats superstar Davido to intervene in the ongoing controversy involving Big Brother Naija winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, and the Dangote Group over an accident involving Phyna’s sister. In a tweet that has since attracted wide attention, Regha urged Davido to use his personal relationship and influence with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, to help secure justice for Phyna and her family. According to Regha, this would cost Davido nothing more than a phone call or a text message. “Davido should use his connection with Dangote to help Phyna get justice; get Dangote's attention via a call or text since his company is involved, it costs him nothing,” Regha wrote, triggering an avalanche of reactions from fans, critics, and neutral observers alike.
The drama stems from an incident that has been trending on social media for days, where Phyna accused the Dangote Group of negligence and insensitivity over the treatment of her sister following an accident allegedly involving one of the company’s vehicles. Phyna, who is known for her bold and unfiltered personality, took to her platforms to publicly call out the conglomerate, demanding accountability and adequate compensation for the injuries sustained. The company, on its part, reportedly issued a statement addressing the matter, but Phyna was quick to dismiss their response as unsatisfactory, insisting that they were trying to downplay the incident. Her strong words and emotional appeals have since gone viral, with many Nigerians expressing solidarity while others urged her to pursue legal redress.
Now, Daniel Regha’s intervention has added a new twist to the saga, putting Davido’s name into the conversation. The singer, who has previously been seen in public and private gatherings with Aliko Dangote, has often spoken of his family’s long-standing relationship with the business mogul. Davido has described Dangote as a mentor figure who once advised him on the importance of saving and investing wisely. With this context, Regha believes Davido is in a unique position to bridge the gap between Phyna and the Dangote Group, potentially facilitating a swift and fair resolution.
Social media quickly erupted into debate over Regha’s suggestion. Some users agreed wholeheartedly, arguing that celebrities should use their influence to help others, especially in matters of justice and fairness. “If you have the access, why not use it to help someone in need? It’s not about clout, it’s about doing the right thing,” one user commented under Regha’s tweet. Another wrote, “Davido doesn’t even have to make it public, he could just place a call and get Dangote’s people to sit down with Phyna. Problem solved.”
However, not everyone was on board with the idea. Critics pointed out that Davido is not obligated to get involved in every dispute that comes across his radar, especially one he has no direct link to. Some argued that putting him on the spot publicly might be unfair, as it could be interpreted as using his name to pressure him into action. “People need to stop dragging celebrities into every issue,” a critic wrote. “Davido can choose who and what he supports. You can’t demand it like it’s his job.” Another detractor added, “If Phyna wants justice, she should hire a lawyer. Dangote Group is a corporate entity, not something you solve with personal favours.”
Phyna herself has not yet publicly responded to Regha’s statement involving Davido, leaving fans wondering whether she would welcome such assistance or prefer to handle the matter through official legal channels. Meanwhile, Davido has also maintained silence on the matter, neither acknowledging the tweet nor making any public comment. Given his history of philanthropy and his reputation for stepping in to help fans and strangers alike, some believe it is only a matter of time before he weighs in, while others think he may prefer to stay out of what could become a protracted legal dispute.
Observers note that the case highlights broader issues surrounding corporate responsibility, access to justice, and the role of public figures in social causes. In Nigeria, high-profile cases involving ordinary citizens and powerful corporations often gain traction when celebrities and influencers amplify the matter. This increased visibility can sometimes lead to swifter action, but it also raises questions about why the legal system alone cannot resolve such disputes without the weight of public pressure. In this instance, Daniel Regha’s call has brought an extra layer of urgency and moral expectation, especially given Davido’s well-documented rapport with Dangote.
The Dangote Group, a multinational industrial conglomerate with business interests ranging from cement to sugar, has built a reputation over decades as one of Africa’s most successful companies. However, like many large corporations, it is no stranger to public scrutiny and criticism, particularly when accused of corporate negligence or when its vehicles are involved in accidents. While details of the incident involving Phyna’s sister remain under review, the matter has already evolved beyond a personal grievance to become a trending public debate about power, privilege, and responsibility.
For Phyna, the fight for justice appears far from over. Since winning Big Brother Naija in 2022, she has remained in the public eye as an outspoken and sometimes controversial figure, unafraid to challenge powerful institutions or individuals. Her determination in this case has won her both praise and criticism, but one thing is clear: she has managed to keep the issue alive in the public consciousness. Whether or not Davido heeds Regha’s advice, the continued spotlight on the case may work in her favour by keeping the pressure on the Dangote Group to address her concerns more substantively.
As the situation develops, many will be watching closely to see how Davido responds to the public call-out and whether he chooses to intervene. If he does, his involvement could significantly shift the dynamics, potentially leading to a private settlement or at least a more conciliatory approach from the Dangote Group. If he doesn’t, the debate over whether celebrities should be compelled to use their influence in such cases will likely continue, especially in a society where connections often play a decisive role in the pursuit of justice.
In the court of public opinion, Daniel Regha’s statement has already succeeded in sparking widespread conversation, drawing attention not only to Phyna’s plight but also to the broader question of how relationships and influence intersect with matters of accountability. For now, both Phyna and her supporters remain hopeful that justice will prevail, whether through legal means, corporate goodwill, or the intervention of well-connected allies. Whether Davido becomes that ally may well determine how quickly — and how fairly — this dispute is resolved.