Do2dtun
A public row has broken out between popular Nigerian broadcaster Do2dtun and Ayo Animashaun, the founder of The Headies, after the on-air personality questioned the decision to take Nigeria’s biggest music awards to Canada. What began as criticism of the Toronto move quickly turned personal, with Animashaun alleging that Do2dtun once asked him for help with a US visa, a claim the OAP has firmly denied.
How the Feud Started
The disagreement began on X on Wednesday, October 15, 2026, when Do2dtun, whose real name is Adedotun Kayode, spoke out against The Headies holding its ceremony outside Nigeria.
He argued that a Nigerian award should stay rooted at home and build trust with the industry it serves. To make his point, he asked: “Have you ever seen them take the Grammys out of America before?”
He also said that “an award should be independent of your choices or how you choose to see it,” suggesting that a platform’s credibility should not depend on the personal preferences of its organisers.
The AMVCA Comparison
Do2dtun pointed to the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) as an example of a homegrown award that has kept its identity. In his words, the AMVCA “is built around an institution not a person and its consistent in its delivery.”
His view was that credibility is what attracts brands, sponsors and wider industry support, and that moving a ceremony abroad does not automatically build that trust.
Ayo Animashaun Fires Back With Visa Allegation
Animashaun, who is also the boss of Smooth Promotions and Hip TV, did not take the criticism lightly. He said The Headies has no monopoly on music awards and that anyone unhappy with how it is run is free to set up another platform.
He then made a more personal claim, alleging that Do2dtun had privately reached out to him for help getting a visa to attend the ceremony abroad.
“U criticise D Headies 4 goin abroad, yet slide into my DM asking me 2 help U attend Bcuz U want a visa,” he wrote, adding: “Hypocrisy at its finest!”
Do2dtun Denies the Claim
Do2dtun quickly rejected the allegation. He said he has travelled to the United States many times over the years and that his daughters were born there, so he had no need to ask anyone for visa help.
According to eelive, he explained that his earlier approach to Animashaun was about seeking justice, not obtaining a visa. He also insisted that his comments were about the wider Nigerian entertainment industry and not a personal grudge.
He challenged the Headies founder to come clean, posting: “Until you come out clean, I won’t leave your neck. The respect i have for you is off the table.”
Do2dtun further argued that criticising an awards ceremony is not the same as attacking its founder, and that awards should be judged by what they contribute to the culture. He added that he had supported The Headies in the past and had even invited Animashaun to discuss their differences privately.
Animashaun’s Earlier Swipe at Artistes
The clash came just a day after Animashaun used his Instagram stories to criticise Nigerian artistes who submit their work to foreign award bodies but skip The Headies, and then complain when they are not nominated.
He said “Tom, Dick and Harry” were sending entries to foreign awards that “don’t even care about them,” and ended one post with “Funny!!!” In a follow-up, he wrote: “Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but not every opinion carries equal weight.” He also said: “Posterity will be kind to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.”
He did not name anyone, but his comments came as several Nigerian stars publicised their entries for the next Grammy Awards. Davido submitted his album Oriadé and several songs, while Asake and Seun Kuti entered the Best African Music Performance category.
Why the Toronto Move Is So Controversial
The Headies started in 2006 as the Hip Hop World Awards and marks its 20th anniversary this year. In June, Animashaun announced that the 18th edition, themed “Africa to the World,” would hold in Toronto, Canada, citing partnerships, infrastructure and visibility.
The decision drew criticism from many fans from the start. Then, on October 10, organisers postponed the Toronto ceremony from October 23, 2026 to April 10 and 11, 2027, saying they needed more time to expand activities in both Nigeria and Canada. Animashaun apologised to guests who had already made travel plans, but some fans and ticket holders voiced frustration online.
This is not the first time the awards have left Nigeria. The 15th and 16th editions were held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, before the show returned home in 2024.
Quick Facts
- Who: OAP Do2dtun (Adedotun Kayode) and Headies founder Ayo Animashaun
- When it started: October 15, 2026, on X
- The issue: The Headies’ decision to hold its 18th edition in Toronto, Canada
- New Headies dates: April 10–11, 2027 (moved from October 23, 2026)
- The allegation: Animashaun claims Do2dtun sought his help for a US visa; Do2dtun denies it
- Headies history: Founded in 2006; marks 20 years in 2026
What This Means for The Headies
The row adds fresh pressure on The Headies at a sensitive time. Between the postponement, the debate over holding a Nigerian award abroad and artistes’ growing focus on international honours, the organisers face a big test of public confidence ahead of April.
For now, neither side has backed down. Fans remain divided, with some agreeing that a Nigerian award belongs at home, while others feel the founder has the right to take his brand wherever he sees growth. Whatever happens next, the clash has reopened one of Nigerian showbiz’s biggest debates: who local awards are really for, and where they should be held.
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