Veteran Nollywood actor Yemi Ayebo, popularly known as Yemi My Lover, has publicly expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of acknowledgment and compensation from Nigerian music star Olamide for using his iconic name in one of his songs.
This concern was raised during a recent interview, where Ayebo recounted his experience with the matter.
According to the actor, he had initially felt honored and excited upon hearing Olamide reference his name, “Yemi my lover,” in a track. However, his enthusiasm reportedly shifted to disappointment after it became clear that the artist extended no formal recognition or gesture of appreciation.
During a conversation with fuji star Pasuma, Ayebo mentioned that he had inquired whether Olamide had offered any compensation or at least reached out to him. He stated that Pasuma then facilitated contact between them by providing Olamide’s phone number. Despite this effort, Ayebo lamented that he attempted to contact the singer consistently over six months, but his calls and text messages were never answered.
The actor’s remarks have drawn attention to ongoing conversations about intellectual credit, cultural respect, and the importance of acknowledging public figures whose identities or legacies are referenced in popular media without prior consultation or consent.
“When Olamide used my name in his song Yemi My Lover, I was so happy but he didn’t compensate me. Pasuma gave me Olamide’s number & I called him for over six months but he never picked up, so I just let it go….”
See some reactions below;
@AbdulmaleekIx said: “No way Rihanna go after everyone that uses her name in a song 💀
you’re a public figure fgs 😂”
@dcruisedude wrote: “na wetin davido team sabi do be this… To activate this kain news when dem see say the person don dey surpass am”
@gre3t1 wrote: “Make he compensate cuz he used your name?
Wetin Dey worry these old men sef”
Watch the video below;
“When Olamide used my name in his song Yemi My Lover, I was so happy but he didn’t compensate me. Pasuma gave me Olamide’s number & I called him for over six months but he never picked up, so I just let it go.”
– Nollywood actor Yemi Ayebo (Yemi My Lover) pic.twitter.com/fLsscTTfhy
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) June 19, 2025