Reality show star and comedian Aderombi Adedayo, popularly known as DeeOne, has accused veteran singer Olu Maintain of contributing to Nigeria’s negative reputation through his hit track Yahooze.
Speaking on the Echo Room podcast, DeeOne argued that the 2007 chart-topping single helped normalize internet fraud, widely referred to as Yahoo Yahoo, at a time when the crime carried heavy social stigma.
“Do you know that Olu Maintain, great artiste, I love his work, but he is among the people that gave Nigeria a bad name?” DeeOne said.
He explained that before Yahooze, individuals involved in advance fee fraud were often shamed and reluctant to openly identify with the lifestyle. But the song, with its catchy beat and accompanying dance, turned it into a celebrated trend.
“Young boys then, babies at that time, were inspired listening to the song, enjoying the vibe. Yahoo Yahoo now became an accepted profession in Nigeria,” he said.
DeeOne further argued that the glorification of fraud spread beyond Nigeria’s borders, fueling stereotypes about Nigerians abroad.
“If we are complaining about this country now, Olu Maintain will say it’s the government. But he contributed to one of the sufferings we are facing today. When you travel out, people look at you as though you are into fraud,” he added.
The comedian’s comments have sparked debate online, reigniting long-standing conversations about the impact of pop culture on societal values.
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