By Yahaya Idris
Controversy has continued to trail a viral video involving Egbura Heritage Promoter, Yusuf Abdullahi, after he disclosed that the controversial exchange between himself and Jamila Sabo Asebe was allegedly staged as a social media prank.
Abdullahi made the clarification after a video circulated online in which he was perceived to have criticised individuals within Egbura communities for allegedly prioritising the construction of mosques while neglecting healthcare and other basic needs of the people.
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The development generated reactions among Egbura stakeholders and youths, with some interpreting Abdullahi’s remarks as an attack on prominent individuals supporting religious projects in the community.
A Facebook video posted by Jamila Sabo Asebe further fuelled the controversy, as she accused Abdullahi of allegedly undermining successful Egbura leaders by portraying their contributions to society in a negative light.
‘The Video Was Meant to Create Social Media Traffic’
However, reacting to the controversy, Abdullahi said the entire episode was a prank jointly conceived and acted by him and Asebe to generate attention on social media.
He explained that the video had been recorded about three weeks earlier and that, at the time, he was not aware of any mosque project in Gegu Beki.
According to him, the development later became controversial after his video was interpreted as an attack on the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu.
Abdullahi said he initially did not want to respond to the reactions but was compelled to clarify the situation in order to protect his integrity and set the record straight.
‘I Never Insulted the Commissioner’
The Egbura advocate insisted that he had never insulted Commissioner Gegu or made derogatory remarks against him.
He said the reaction to the video caught him off guard, adding that he received several calls after posting his own response, including calls from people seeking clarification and others allegedly threatening him.
Abdullahi said:
“The whole thing was a prank. It all started yesterday around 5pm when she said we should create something that will cause traffic on social media, which I agreed to the plan.”
He added that after seeing the attention generated by Asebe’s video, he decided to release his own video the following morning, saying both parties had achieved the social media attention they initially wanted.
‘Something She Planned Turned Against Me’
According to Abdullahi, the situation subsequently took an unexpected turn, with the narrative changing from a social media prank to an alleged political confrontation.
He said:
“Something she brought the idea and planned now turned against me. The narrative now is that I am against the commissioner. I blamed myself for accepting to act as a victim, but I now realise my mistake.”
He maintained that many people misunderstood the videos and attempted to create a conflict where, according to him, none existed.
Abdullahi Announces Exit From Egbura Advocacy
In a dramatic development, Abdullahi said the controversy had made him reconsider his continued advocacy for Egbura communities.
He announced that, from August 9, 2026, he would no longer actively advocate for Egbura communities, while indicating that his promotion of Egbura issues would be significantly reduced.
He also hinted that he could change the name of his social media page.
He said:
“At this junction, my life and that of my family matter a lot to me. From today, being the 9th of August 2026, I will not be advocating for the Egbura communities any longer and my promoting Egbura will be limited and possibly I will change my page name.”
He added that he wished the younger generation well, saying many youths already know what they want.
Praises Saad Sultan
Despite the controversy, Abdullahi praised a community leader he identified as Saad Sultan, describing him as someone he had respected since the first time he heard him speak.
He urged him to maintain what he described as an inclusive approach to Egbura affairs.
Abdullahi recalled an earlier statement allegedly made by Saad Sultan during their first visit to Gegu, where he said political differences should not divide Egbura people when they gather for community functions.
According to Abdullahi, such a mindset would help promote unity among the people.
‘History Will Judge My Efforts’
Concluding his statement, Abdullahi said he remained confident that future generations would recognise his efforts toward the development of Egbura land.
He said:
“Generation to come will see my videos and appreciate my efforts towards the development and betterment of our dear land. God bless Egbura Land.”
The clarification is expected to calm tensions generated by the viral videos, although the controversy has already triggered significant reactions across social media among members and supporters of the Egbura community.