Nigerian singer, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has explained the motive for his rebranding in the build up to the release of his sophomore album, ‘HEIS,’ last year.

The singer rebranded by ditching his signature mask, Teddy bear, and embracing tattoos, smoking, and darker colours. He also changed his sound and aesthetics.

Speaking on the one year anniversary of his sophomore album on Thursday, Rema clarified that his rebranding, including smoking, was just an expression of art and not betrayal of his personality as many presumed.

He explained that the controversial album cover was inspired by Japanese anime series Naruto character, Itachi Uchiha.

On his X handle, he wrote, “HEIS, the Anniversary.

“I expressed a lot of surface level reasons why I released this project over a course of interviews when it came out but, here are few “SYMBOLIC” details that wrap around the ENERGY of the project I kept for myself but now, I’d like to share.

“Consider this an Author’s note;

“The cover was inspired by Itachi in Naruto. The Truth masked as illusion, Love buried under what y’all thought was betrayal ( change of sound, smoking , looks, aesthetics & choice of color ).”

OSUNDAILY NG recalls that rapper Shallipopi also made similar claims last year when he stated that he doesn’t smoke despite posing with cigarettes in his pictures and videos.

He claimed that he uses cigarettes for aesthetics.

Political temperature in Ekiti State is already heating up as the 2026 governorship election approaches, with the opposition Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, locked in a war of words over Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership.

SDP State Chairman, Bamikole Ayodele, on Thursday, criticized the Oyebanji-led administration, accusing it of underperforming in critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, security, tourism, and job creation.

He alleged that the governor had mismanaged public resources and failed to meet the expectations of the electorate.

“The governor is not delivering on his mandate,” Ayodele said during a press briefing in Ado-Ekiti. “There is little to show in terms of infrastructure. Ekiti, being an agriculturally rich state, has seen no meaningful reform to empower our youth or boost food production.”

He also accused the administration of partisan governance, claiming that employment and development initiatives are being disproportionately directed toward APC loyalists.

“Governor Oyebanji must remember he governs the entire state, not just his party,” he said, urging the administration to embrace innovation, merit, and inclusivity.

In a swift reaction, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, dismissed the SDP’s criticisms as baseless and politically motivated. He described the opposition as “moribund” and its leaders as people seeking relevance ahead of the next election cycle.

“Oyebanji’s performance speaks for itself,” Dipe stated. “From agriculture to infrastructure, security to tourism, the administration is making meaningful progress. Visit the rural areas, projects are ongoing. Though the rainy season may slow construction, the development efforts are visible.”

He cited the restoration of electricity to long-neglected communities and road construction projects in remote areas as clear indicators of the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. Dipe also pointed to the governor’s high approval ratings among residents as proof of public confidence.

“The people of Ekiti know who is working for them,” The SDP’s claim that it can unseat the APC in 2026 is not only unrealistic but laughable. They lack the structure and visibility to mount a serious challenge,” he said.

Youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for calm over the controversy surrounding the installation of a Nigerian traditional leader, Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu, as ‘Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana’ (King of the Igbo People in Ghana).

This comes amid the widespread protests and public outcry across parts of Ghana over the installation.

The development, which has drawn criticism from youth groups and cultural advocates, is being opposed by protesters who say the presence of a foreign monarch undermines Ghana’s sovereignty and traditional chieftaincy institutions.

However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said there was no cause for alarm.

According to him, the title of ‘Eze Ndi Igbo’ did not in any way undermine the customs and traditions of the host communities.

He said, “it is a mere title that symbolizes the rallying figure of Ndigbo in their community of residence.

“We have Eze Ndigbo in different countries of the world and they have never turned to be traditional rulers of their host communities.

“The title has nothing to do with assuming the role of a monarch; far from that.

“The holder of that title is only a rallying point for Ndigbo in such locations, through whom they can aggregate, discuss issues of common interest and solve members’ problems as they arise.”

Okwu added that “our observation shows that Eze Ihenetu is committed to supporting education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. His scholarship and skills initiatives benefit Nigerian and Ghanaian youths alike, promoting a productive, confident, and self-reliant diaspora community.

“There is also evidence that he is a steadfast advocate for compassion, contributing to disaster relief, community health programs, and charitable outreach, irrespective of ethnicity or nationality.

“Contrary to all the allegations being made, he has also preserved and promoted Igbo culture through flagship events like the annual New Yam Festival, fostered peace and unity between Nigerian and Ghanaian communities and supported youth empowerment, education, and entrepreneurship regardless of nationality.”

He urged the people of Ghana not to be worried about the title as it was not in any way a challenge to their customs and traditions.