Popular OAP Do2dtun Calls Out Headies Founder Ayo Animashaun Over Awards Held Abroad
Popular Nigerian On-Air Personality Do2dtun and Headies founder Ayo Animashaun have traded heated words over the decision to stage Nigerian music awards outside the country, reigniting the debate over local recognition and the industry’s apparent fascination with international validation.
The drama began when Do2dtun questioned why Nigerian award ceremonies were taking their events abroad, arguing that homegrown awards should remain firmly rooted in the country and serve the industry that built them.
Taking a swipe at the arrangement, the media personality asked, “Have you ever seen them take the Grammys out of America before?”
Using the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards as an example, Dotun maintained that Nigerian awards should preserve their identity and independence rather than be driven by the personal interests of individuals.
According to him, awards must operate on credibility and fairness, stressing that brands are more likely to invest in platforms that are independent and professionally managed.
However, Animashaun was not having it. The Headies founder fired back, suggesting that Dotun’s criticism was less about the future of Nigerian music awards and more about a personal disagreement between them.
In a pointed response, Animashaun alleged that the OAP had previously sent him a private message seeking assistance with securing an American visa to attend an event abroad. He claimed that Dotun became resentful after he was unable to help.
“U criticise D Headies 4 goin abroad, yet slide into my DM asking me 2 help U attend because U want a visa. When I can’t help, U become even more bitter & criticize. So, is it really about Headies, or UR personal interests? Hypocrisy at its finest!” he wrote, also questioning Dotun’s attendance at awards ceremonies previously held in Nigeria.
But Dotun was quick to push back, demanding that Animashaun identify the person who allegedly contacted him for visa assistance and provide the full context of their conversation.
Dismissing the claim, the broadcaster said his criticism had nothing to do with obtaining a visa, adding that he had travelled to the United States several times and that his daughters were born there.
He further argued that the real issue was the value Nigerian artistes and industry stakeholders derived from attending award ceremonies held locally, noting that he had attended and supported such events on several occasions and had even presented awards twice.
Accusing Animashaun of turning an industry-wide conversation into a personal feud, Dotun insisted that the debate was about the culture surrounding Nigerian entertainment, not an attack on the Headies founder.
“The one we attended in Nigeria, what benefit did it do for us?” he asked, challenging the awards boss to focus on the substance of his criticism rather than alleged private dealings.
Dotun also made it clear that his respect for Animashaun would not stop him from speaking out, insisting that both men had the right to express their views on the industry.
With the exchange growing increasingly personal, the disagreement has once again brought the spotlight on a familiar question in Nigerian entertainment: should major homegrown awards remain in Nigeria to strengthen the local industry, or can taking them abroad help expand their reach and prestige?
For now, what started as a debate over the location of an awards ceremony has turned into a public war of words, with both men standing their ground.
