By John Umeh
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has cautioned social media activist VeryDarkMan against further dragging Seyi Tinubu into the ongoing controversy surrounding humanitarian donations to content creator King Mitchy.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Council described the dispute as one that began as a personal disagreement between influencers but has since taken on a political dimension with broader socio-psychological implications.
How the Dispute Escalated
According to the Council, the controversy intensified after King Mitchy disclosed that her humanitarian activities had received financial support amounting to millions of naira from Seyi Tinubu.
Following the disclosure, VeryDarkMan publicly criticised both King Mitchy and Seyi Tinubu, allegedly questioning the motives behind the donations and using language the Council described as offensive and inflammatory.
Council’s Position
The Executive Director of NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, stated that while the matter might ordinarily have remained a private conflict, the involvement of the President’s son warranted intervention.
The Council maintained that:
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Philanthropic donations to individuals or NGOs are neither unusual nor illegal.
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Financial support from politically exposed persons should not automatically be politicised.
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Focus should remain on the impact of humanitarian work rather than the identity of donors.
“As a non-partisan Special Interest Group, the Council finds no fault in financial donations made by anyone, governmental or non-governmental, to King Mitchy or VeryDarkMan,” it said.
The group also described Seyi Tinubu’s philanthropic gestures toward youth and civil society organisations as commendable and worthy of encouragement.
Concerns Over Social Media Content
Beyond the donation controversy, the NCSCN expressed concern about videos allegedly shared by both parties that depicted the consumption of harmful substances, warning that such content could negatively influence teenagers and minors.
“These acts are anti-social and damaging to mental health. Content creators must be mindful of the impact of their actions on vulnerable audiences,” the Council warned.
Call for Restraint and Apology
The Council urged:
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VeryDarkMan to apologise for what it described as vulgar and inflammatory remarks.
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King Mitchy to approach public disagreements with greater emotional intelligence.
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Regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission, to monitor online content more closely.
The group stressed that activism should be guided by patriotism, professionalism, and sensitivity to national cohesion and mental health considerations.
Broader Implications
The Council warned that politicising private donations risks discouraging well-meaning individuals from supporting charitable causes. It further cautioned that unchecked toxic narratives online could undermine public trust and national unity.
The dispute continues to generate debate on social media, reflecting broader conversations about influencer accountability, philanthropy transparency, and the intersection of politics and digital activism in Nigeria.
