Popular Nigerian singer Oniyide Azeez, widely known as Zinoleesky, has publicly addressed a controversial video showing him in a physical altercation. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 3, 2026, sparked widespread debate online after clips circulated on social media.
The Viral Altercation and Zinoleesky's Explanation
A video that went viral captured the Marlian Music signee exchanging punches with a young man. Onlookers attempted to separate the two, with the clip being shared under captions suggesting the singer was fighting a fan. Breaking his silence via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Zinoleesky offered a starkly different narrative.
The artist firmly denied the individual was a fan, revealing the confrontation's catalyst. Zinoleesky claimed the man threw a stone at his car while his family members were inside the vehicle. He expressed his disbelief with the tweet: "Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?" accompanied by a laughing emoji, challenging the notion that such an aggressor could be considered a supporter.
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The singer's explanation ignited a fresh wave of reactions across social media platforms. While some users came to his defense, others remained critical of his decision to engage physically.
One user, big_tyrod, defended Zinoleesky's actions, stating the artist is generally calm but was provoked by a serious wrong. The user noted that Zinoleesky handled the matter personally instead of sending others, framing it as a direct response. Conversely, another user, ICEofcalifornia, criticized the singer, questioning why such incidents seem to frequently involve him and fellow artist Portable, and advising him to stop embarrassing his fans.
The debate highlighted a divide in public opinion on how celebrities should respond to provocation and threats to their safety and that of their families.
Context and Recent Spotlight
This incident places Zinoleesky back in the news amid his rising career. The singer, known for hits like "Kilofeshe," is a prominent figure under Naira Marley's Marlian Music label. The altercation video quickly became a hot topic, overshadowing other entertainment discussions.
Legit.ng also recalled a recent light-hearted moment where Zinoleesky was put on the spot during a live session. Streamer Peller posed a tricky question, asking the singer who he would save if colleagues Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid were all drowning. This playful interaction contrasts sharply with the serious tone of the recent physical confrontation.
The event serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny and unpredictable challenges faced by public figures in Nigeria's vibrant but often overwhelming entertainment landscape.
