In the vibrant world of Nigerian entertainment, where celebrity fashion choices often spark heated debates, Afrobeats superstar Davido found himself at the center of controversy once again. This time, it wasn’t his lavish spending or cultural missteps that drew fire, but something as seemingly trivial as his footwear. On September 13, 2025, Davido performed at the opulent wedding of Tosan Ejiro Ikuku, daughter of billionaire businessman Chief Dr. Michael Edematie-Ikuku, and her husband Samuel Adebayo Tayo in Warri, Delta State. The event, a star-studded affair attended by the likes of actors Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), Osita Iheme (Pawpaw), singer Simi, and comedian Bovi, was meant to be a celebration of love and luxury. Instead, it became fodder for online outrage when Delta State Governor’s aide, Ossai Ovie Success, publicly called out the singer for showing up in a pair of casual slippers.
Ossai Success, a vocal social commentator and special assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, didn’t mince words in his scathing Facebook post. “I was disappointed to see Davido performing in a pair of slippers in Warri during Chief Ikuku’s daughter’s marriage. Wearing a pair of slippers for a performance is out of pride and is disrespectful and disappointing,” he wrote. For Ossai, the choice wasn’t just a fashion faux pas but a deliberate act of arrogance—hence the “proud” in the viral headline that amplified the story. He argued that such informality at a high-profile event undermined the occasion’s significance, especially given the cultural expectations around respect and decorum in Delta State’s social circles.
Davido, ever the showman, had shared glimpses of his Warri visit on social media, including photos and videos of his high-energy performance that had the crowd buzzing. Dressed in a sleek outfit that screamed effortless cool, the 30BG boss belted out hits while the billionaire host himself joined him on stage, dancing with unbridled joy. But the slippers—a simple, open-toed pair—stole the spotlight, turning what should have been a feel-good moment into a flashpoint. Netizens quickly piled on, with some echoing Ossai’s sentiments: “It’s like going to church in beachwear—disrespectful to the hosts,” one commenter noted. Others defended Davido, pointing out his grueling schedule—he’d jetted in from Ghana just hours earlier to honor the invite, proving his “hustler” ethos.
This isn’t the first time Ossai Success has taken aim at Davido, making him a recurring target in the aide’s crusade against perceived celebrity excesses. Just last month, Ossai slammed the singer’s $3.7 million white wedding to Chioma Rowland in Miami as a “waste of money,” comparing it unfavorably to the frugality of billionaires like Aliko Dangote and Elon Musk. Before that, in June 2024, he accused Davido of disrespecting Igbo culture by wearing Yoruba attire in pre-wedding photos with his Igbo fiancée. Ossai’s pattern is clear: he’s a self-appointed moral arbiter, quick to call out what he sees as cultural insensitivity, wasteful spending, or lapses in modesty among the elite. His critiques often blend traditional values with a dash of populism, resonating with some while alienating others who view him as overly judgmental.
The backlash against Ossai was swift and fierce, particularly from Davido’s loyal fanbase. Social media erupted with memes mocking the aide’s “slippers obsession,” and supporters flooded his post with retorts like, “Let the man breathe—Davido’s too busy building empires to worry about shoes.” One fan quipped, “If slippers are pride, then Ossai’s posts are jealousy in flip-flops.” The singer himself hasn’t directly responded yet, but his history of brushing off critics with humor or silence suggests he might let the noise fade. After all, Davido’s Warri performance was a hit, with videos of Chief Ikuku vibing to “Unavailable” racking up millions of views, slippers and all.
At its core, this spat highlights the tightrope Nigerian celebrities walk: adored for their glamour yet scrutinized for every detail. In a country where weddings are cultural spectacles and respect is currency, Ossai’s slam taps into broader conversations about humility amid wealth. Whether it’s a genuine call for decorum or just another round in the endless celebrity roast, one thing’s certain—Davido’s slippers have cemented themselves in Naija pop culture lore, proving that in the game of fame, even the smallest step can cause a big stumble.