Actor Yemi Ayebo says Olamide ignored his calls for six months after using his name in a song, despite being introduced through Pasuma

Olamide ignored Yemi My Lover despite using the Nollywood actor’s iconic name in a song that contributed to its widespread appeal.

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Veteran Yoruba actor Yemi Ayebo, popularly known as ‘Yemi My Lover’, has called out the singer for allegedly avoiding communication after benefitting from his popular nickname.

In a candid interview shared on social media, Yemi revealed that no musician or content creator has ever paid him or officially recognised him for using his moniker in their creative works.

He said the situation with Olamide, one of Nigeria’s most influential artistes, was particularly disappointing given how happy he was when he first heard the track.

“Olamide was the first to use my name in his song, and I was so happy. My name is blessed by God, that’s why both Davido, Olamide and others including skit makers are using it,” he said.

According to Yemi, it took the intervention of Fuji music icon Pasuma before he was able to speak with Olamide at all.

Recounting the moment, he said, “Pasuma said Yemo did Olamide settle you for singing with your name? And I told him no, I have never even seen him before not to talk of him settling me. Pasuma then picked up his phone and called him.”

Olamide reportedly asked to speak with Yemi during that call and promised further contact. “That was the first time we spoke and he told me to collect his number from Pasuma and call him.

Pasuma gave me his number and I called Olamide for more than six months, he didn’t pick my calls, I messaged him and he didn’t reply,” the actor said.

While acknowledging that the use of his name has brought him added popularity, Yemi My Lover lamented the lack of recognition and compensation, particularly from big names in the industry who have benefitted from the cultural cachet attached to his identity.

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The story reignites ongoing conversations around intellectual property, creative credit, and the often informal dynamics between Nigeria’s entertainment sectors.