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Veteran actor Yemi Ayebo, known as Yemi My Lover, has broken his silence regarding rumours that rapper Olamide used his name in a song and subsequently avoided his calls to sidestep compensation demands.
PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Yemi My Lover, in a viral interview clip, alleged that Olamide ignored his calls after using his name in the song titled ‘Yemi My Lover’, which was released in 2013 as a track on his album ‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth.’
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The clip went viral, with netizens claiming that the actor was trying to reach Olamide because he was broke and homeless.
However, responding to the speculations, Mr Ayebo denied the allegation in a video posted on his Instagram page on Sunday and urged Nigerians not to pit him against Olamide.
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Rationale
He clarified that his calls were never about copyright infringement or any other dispute.
He said: “Olamide is a blessed child, and I wish we could meet and have fun together—that’s all. But people twisted the story, saying he used my name in his song and didn’t pay me. Please, Nigerians, don’t try to create conflict between Olamide and me. I beg you. I have always carried myself peacefully in this industry without fighting with anyone. I don’t want anything to stain my name or damage my reputation. Pasuma was just making jokes; I never involved the police to arrest Olamide.
“Even when Pasuma performed at the premiere, he used the same song to praise me. Olamide didn’t attend, and I didn’t see him, but I wasn’t angry. I moved on, believing that one day we would meet in person. Some people say I was broke and sleeping under a bridge, so I’m looking for Olamide. When I heard this, I found it so ridiculous that it made me laugh. I am grateful for what God has done in my life. Olamide and I are not enemies and will never be. God will forgive all of you for spreading false stories. Please, don’t create a fight between Olamide, Pasuma, and me.”
He further clarified that he never accused the singer of wrongdoing and bore no ill feelings towards him.
“Olamide, please don’t let people come between us. I’m not asking you for any copyright compensation. Nigerians, don’t twist the story. He only mentioned my name in his song, and I was happy. When I said he didn’t pick up my call, it was never because I wanted to ask him for money,” Yemi My Lover said.
Calls reason
Ayebo explained that he intentionally contacted the singer to invite him to the premiere of one of his films.
After Fuji legend Wasiu Alabi Pasuma gave him Olamide’s contact information, he stated this.
“One day, I was at Pasuma’s house, and we were joking. He said Olamide should have given me some money for the song because it became such a hit, but I told him no, and that we never met. He insisted and called Olamide.
“When Olamide picked up, Pasuma jokingly told him that the person whose name he used in his song was looking for him with the police. It was all just a joke. Olamide laughed and said, ‘That must be Uncle Yemi.’ Pasuma confirmed it. Olamide then asked Pasuma to give me the phone. When I spoke to him, he apologised for not contacting me after using my name in his song, and I said my contact was everywhere.
“We laughed about it, and he told Pasuma to give me his number to talk later. At that time, I was preparing to premiere one of my movies. I told Olamide I would like to invite him, and he promised, ‘I’ll be there, sir.’ It was Pasuma who performed at the premiere. I didn’t call Olamide four days after I got his number, but I called him once the invitation cards were ready. He didn’t pick up. I want to clarify that I called him to invite him to the event, not to ask for money. Indeed, he didn’t take my calls, but I wasn’t upset because I understand that people can be extremely busy and may not always have time to return calls,” he said.
He added that the song was valuable and benefited him far more than it did Olamide, noting that it was always used to introduce him wherever he went, whether at award ceremonies or other events.
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Yemi My Lover noted, “In my interviews regarding Olamide’s song where he used my name, I never insulted him, asked him for money, or condemned him for using my name in his music. I never raised any copyright issue and was genuinely happy when the song was released.
“The song was useful to me, and I benefited far more than Olamide did. The song was always used to introduce me wherever I went, whether for awards or other events. It was like when God sends an angel to someone—I can say that God used Olamide to publicise my name through that song. I even prayed for him. But, you know how people are. Whenever they see me outside, they’ll say I’ve collected money from Olamide.”
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