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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has cautioned social media activist, VeryDarkMan, against further dragging the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi, into the ongoing controversy surrounding humanitarian donations to content creator, Mitchelle Mukoro, popularly known as King Mitchy.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Council said the dispute, which began as a personal disagreement between the two influencers, had assumed a political dimension with far-reaching socio-psychological implications, particularly for young Nigerians exposed to the content on social media.
Its Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, noted that while it would ordinarily have treated the matter as a private conflict, the involvement of the President’s son and the nature of the content circulated online necessitated its intervention.
According to him, the crisis escalated after King Mitchy disclosed that her humanitarian activities had received financial support running into millions of Naira from Seyi Tinubu.
The disclosure, he said, prompted VeryDarkMan to publicly criticise both King Mitchy and Seyi Tinubu, allegedly using offensive language and casting aspersions on the motives behind the donations.
“In our considered opinion, VeryDarkMan erred in dragging Seyi Tinubu into the matter in the manner he did,” he stated, adding that philanthropic support to non-governmental organisations and charitable causes is neither unusual nor illegal.
He maintained that financial donations to activists and foundations by individuals, whether politically exposed or not, are common practice globally and should not automatically be politicised.
He further expressed concern over videos circulated by both parties, which it said portrayed the consumption of harmful substances in a manner capable of negatively influencing teenagers and minors.
“These acts are anti-social and damaging to mental health. Content creators must be mindful of the impact of their actions on vulnerable audiences,” the Council warned.
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In addition, he stressed that it found no fault in Seyi Tinubu’s decision to support humanitarian causes, describing philanthropic gestures by private citizens as commendable, provided they are lawful and devoid of ulterior motives.
He said: “As a non-partisan Special Interest Group (SIG), the Council finds no fault in financial donations made by anyone, whether governmental or nongovernmental, to King Mitchy or Very Dark Man. We even applaud and encourage such support and patronages, so long as the motives are not ill intended against any person or persons.
“It is in this light that NCSCN outrightly condemns the views or reaction of VDM to the donation made by Seyi Tinublu to King Mitchy, which is just one out of the numerous support she receives for her humanitarian services. The Council is still lost as to why Very Dark Man chose to go this route, which has now become traditional of him whenever the name of Seyi Tinubu is mentioned.
“The numerous philanthropic gestures of Seyi Tinubu to many Nigerians and organisations within the youth, students and civil society groups are highly commendable and unprecedented by any son of a President so far in the history of Nigeria, and this must be encouraged rather than dampened.”
He argued that undue emphasis on the donor’s identity, rather than the impact of the charity, risks discouraging well-meaning Nigerians from supporting social causes.
He, however, urged both VeryDarkMan and King Mitchy to exercise restraint, demonstrate maturity and avoid creating content capable of inflaming political tensions or promoting harmful behaviour.
While calling on VeryDarkMan to apologise for what it described as vulgar and inflammatory remarks, the Council also advised King Mitchy to handle public disagreements with greater emotional intelligence.
He called on relevant regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission, to pay closer attention to online content creation, warning that unchecked toxic narratives could undermine national cohesion and public well-being.
He stated that activism must be guided by patriotism, professionalism and sensitivity to national security and the mental health of citizens.
