ABUJA — A wave of consumer boycotts has hit the Nigerian entertainment and beverage industry as angry youths have begun mobilizing for a mass rejection of products and digital content linked to celebrities perceived to be “aligned with the political elite.”
The movement, which gained massive traction on social media on Monday, February 9, 2026, specifically targets Odogwu Bitters—owned by socialite Obi Cubana—and the YouTube channel of popular actor Bolanle Ninalowo. Protesters allege that these public figures are leveraging wealth gained from the “poor masses” to support a political establishment accused of systemic oppression.
The ‘Odogwu’ and ‘Cucumber’ Backlash
The boycott was triggered by the recent high-profile political realignments of several South-East and entertainment figures.
- The ‘Cubana’ Factor: The anger appears to be a direct fallout of Cubana Chief Priest’s recent declaration to run for the House of Representatives under the APC. Although Obi Cubana and Chief Priest are distinct entities, the “Cubana” brand has become a lightning rod for those frustrated by the perceived “selling out” of regional interests.
- Celebrity Accountability: “You are making money from the poor masses and using the money to support their oppressors,” an influential youth activist posted in a viral thread. “We should also unsubscribe to Ninalowo’s YouTube channel; they are all our enemies.”
A Nation ‘Pushed to the Brink’
The call for a boycott coincides with a period of unprecedented socio-economic strain across the federation:
- Economic Pain: With petrol prices nearing ₦1,000 per litre and the national debt at ₦152 trillion, many youths see celebrity “lavishness” as an insult to the 133 million Nigerians in multidimensional poverty.
- The ‘Rigging’ Anxiety: The boycott momentum is being fueled by the ongoing protest at the National Assembly, led by Mr Peter Obi, over the Senate’s rejection of electronic result transmission. Youths argue that celebrities who “dine with the elite” while the electoral process is being “mutilated” are part of the problem.
The ‘Almajirization’ Sentiment
Critics of the boycott argue it is a “misplaced aggression,” but proponents maintain it is the only way to send a message to the “sacred cows.” They contrast the private jet luxury of politicians like Adams Oshiomhole and the ₦3 billion spent on SUVs for Sokoto officials with the ₦400/month slums of Makoko.
“If they won’t hear our voices at the Malami terrorism trial or the unilateral ₦7.6tn NNPCL debt write-off, they will hear us when their bank balances start dropping,” another post read.
Status of the Boycott
As of Monday afternoon, February 9, 2026, thousands of “unsubscribes” have been reported on several celebrity YouTube channels, and hashtags like #BoycottOdogwu have begun trending. Neither Obi Cubana nor Bolanle Ninalowo has issued an official statement regarding the “trafficking” of their brands into the 2027 political fray.
