Honest Bunch saga: Nedu versus VDM, Deeone
The world of podcasting thrives on candid, relatable, and real talks. The Honest Bunch podcast was no different. It became a sensation, attracting listeners seeking unfiltered conversations. However, in a sudden turn of events, popular OAP Nedu, who was the face of the show, recently announced his departure from the show, surprising viewers and prompting […]
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The world of podcasting thrives on candid, relatable, and real talks. The Honest Bunch podcast was no different. It became a sensation, attracting listeners seeking unfiltered conversations. However, in a sudden turn of events, popular OAP Nedu, who was the face of the show, recently announced his departure from the show, surprising viewers and prompting a buzz of discussion online. In this featurre, Weekend Trust brings you the gist.
In recent years, Nigeria’s digital media space has witnessed the rise of several thought-provoking podcasts tackling topics often considered too controversial for public discourse. The Honest Bunch carved out its niche by engaging in blunt, often provocative discussions on millennial and Gen Z issues, leaving no stone unturned.
The podcast included four hosts: Chinedu Ani Emmanuel aka OAP Nedu, comedian Chukwudi Ezugwu (aka Husband Material), media personality, Adetoun Cole (Deity Cole) and Ezinne. While not all hosts appeared on every episode, they collectively brought their unique personalities to the show, creating a dynamic and sometimes opposing listening experience.
Guests on The Honest Bunch spanned various backgrounds, from activists to entertainers and online personalities. The platform served as a melting pot for unfiltered perspectives. Notable episodes included “The Double-Edged Sword of Fame,” where Olajumoke Orisaguna, the bread seller turned model, shared her struggles with sudden fame. In “Marriage: Submission and Partnership,” a 73-year-old fitness enthusiast, Rosalind Umar gave her candid views on marriage dynamics. Comedian Bovi tackled modern parenting, while activist Omoyele Sowore shed light on his fearless fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Recent controversy
Despite its success, The Honest Bunch was no stranger to controversy. The podcast often drew criticism for its raw, no-holds-barred discussions, but nothing compared to the firestorm ignited by a former Big Brother Naija housemate, Deeone.
In the episode titled, “Reality TV Shows: A Gift or Curse?” Deeone alleged that a social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was involved in same-sex relationships. The accusation sparked instant outrage, compelling The Honest Bunch’s producers, Glitch Africa Studios to issue a disclaimer, distancing themselves from the remarks.
VDM wasted no time responding. He took to Instagram, where he revealed that multiple people had sent him clips of Deeone’s statements, urging him to sue for defamation. However, he dismissed legal action and instead chose to handle the matter through the social media, branding the allegations as false and malicious.
VDM went further, slamming Nedu for allegedly using the podcast to spread misinformation. He shared WhatsApp screenshots proving that Nedu had repeatedly invited him onto the show—offers he had consistently declined. This, VDM claimed, was the real reason behind Nedu’s alleged grudge against him.
Taking the scandal up to another notch, VDM accused Nedu of soliciting sexual favours from a female content creator in exchange for movie roles. Not stopping there, he threatened to expose a list of celebrities who, according to him, were also involved in similar shady dealings.
Realising that the situation was spiralling out of control, VDM publicly challenged Television Continental (TVC), where Deeone had reiterated his allegations, demanding a chance to defend himself on the same platform.
Following his rumours that he was fired from his position, Nedu put out a statement thus, “I was not fired from the Honest Bunch Podcast. My job on the podcast was to play the devil’s advocate.”
Reactions
Many reactions have followed Nedu’s resignation from the show, with some stating that the show would not be as great without him, and others saying that Nedu’s exit was a mistake on his part.
Comedian Deeone, whose comments triggered the scandal, defended Nedu, stating, “Nigerians, Nedu is going through a lot; he did not tell me to post anything; that man is innocent. I swear with everything in this life, Nedu did not tell me to post anything. Please, all good, well-meaning Nigerians, please!
“That man is going through a lot; please don’t let him die. VDM manipulated and lied against Nedu.”
On X, opinions were divided as one X user @Fagbohun_AB stated, “Ever since Nedu dropped out of the Honest Bunch Podcast…. I can tell you for a fact that the podcast will lose some sauce and controversy. I just hope whoever is coming to replace Nedu on that show has the guts because Nigeria thrives on negative and controversial stories.
Also, @Not_tolulope_ stated, “Nedu did nothing wrong by hosting that particular Honest Bunch podcast that got him tackled. He was only doing his job.”
@numberonetweep noted, “In all this gbas gbos, Nedu Wazobia was just doing his job as a host, and I really think he added a lot of value in that Honest Bunch Podcast.”
@PlainBlak stated, “By resigning from the Honest Bunch, Nedu has done more harm to his reputation than anything that was said about him.”
@chosen__o_n_e, “Honest bunch will only get better. Husband material and co don’t need anybody else. I never understood why Nedu was on that show; he can team up with another comedian to gossip on another platform.”
@OriginalShowman, “Nedu leaving the Honest Bunch Podcast was a miscalculation! A terrible decision.”
@Onyyekachi, “The Honest Bunch had better find someone else with the moral turpitude of Nedu; someone whose eyes scream in excitement at the start of raunchy conversations.”
@darius4_d, “Nedu deserve all that’s coming on him. The way he asked funny questions on that podcast, sometimes he wants people to mention names. He can say, “Who is the poorest person in Nollywood, mention 5 names.” Honest Bunch is over. He should go back to making skit.”
@__Nash1, “It’s unfortunate that Nedu is facing so much backlash simply for being honest and calling out dishonesty on the Honest Bunch Podcast. His commitment to the truth should be appreciated, not met with dislike.”
What happens next?
While debates rage on regarding Nedu and VDM’s innocence, one thing remains clear – his presence on The Honest Bunch played a huge role in making the podcast a household name. His departure marks the end of an era, and fans are left wondering if the remaining hosts can sustain the podcast’s momentum. Will the show thrive without Nedu’s signature, wit and controversy? Or will this be the beginning of the end for The Honest Bunch? Only time will tell.