The fragile alliance between Afrobeat maverick Seun Kuti and controversial social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has dramatically imploded. In a swift escalation of online hostilities on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the two former allies officially severed ties, unfollowing each other on Instagram after a heated exchange that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian entertainment landscape.

​The fallout was triggered by Kuti’s public defense of activist Omoyele Sowore, who recently clashed with VeryDarkMan over the legal dispute involving businessman Blord. In a viral live session, Kuti clarified that Sowore’s involvement was not a personal defense of any individual but a stand against the Nigerian police’s alleged tendency to take sides in civil disputes.

​The tension reached a breaking point when VeryDarkMan’s fiercely loyal fanbase—often referred to as “Ratels”—began “dragging” Kuti for his comments. The Grammy-nominated musician wasted no time firing back. In a scathing Instagram story, Kuti mocked the critic’s supporters, dismissing their tough-guy persona with a biting label.

​”You are rats, not ratels. Why una dey disguise?” Kuti wrote, directly mocking the branding of VDM’s movement.

​The symbolic “unfollowing” on Instagram marks a stark reversal from just months ago, when VeryDarkMan famously stood by Seun Kuti during his high-profile social media feud with Wizkid. Fans across social media platforms have noted the irony, with many suggesting the partnership was merely a “marriage of convenience” designed to spite other industry giants.

​The current drama unfolds against the backdrop of deeper political tensions. Kuti recently revisited his time in police detention at Panti, alleging that supporters of the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had once attempted to take his life while he was in custody. Kuti credited Sowore for encouraging him to come forward with these claims, further solidifying the bond that has now put him at odds with the “Ratel” camp.

​As the two outspoken figures continue to trade indirect jabs, the Nigerian digital space remains on high alert for the next chapter of what is quickly becoming 2026’s most volatile celebrity fallout. Observers are now watching to see if VeryDarkMan will release one of his signature long-form video responses or if the “Rats” and “Ratels” will take the battle to the streets of the comment sections.