Popular media personality IK Osakioduwa has opened up on the reasons behind his absence from the 2026 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

The broadcaster, who had become a familiar face of the awards ceremony since its inception in 2013, did not return as host for the 12th edition, marking the first time he stepped away from the role.

Speaking during an appearance on The Morayo Show, Osakioduwa dismissed suggestions of any disagreement between himself and Africa Magic, insisting that his decision was guided by personal convictions and his faith.

“This year, I wasn’t destined to host this year. I strongly believe in where God has sent you to be and at the time they sent you to be,” he said.

“Africa Magic will always be my first love when it comes to media. At least with TV, we are in love with each other, they love me, and I love them. So, there was no problem there.”

The veteran presenter explained that certain sponsorship affiliations linked to the event conflicted with principles he has maintained throughout his career.

According to him, he has consistently avoided partnerships involving alcohol and tobacco products, making it difficult for him to fully align with that year’s edition of the awards.

“I have a few principles that didn’t agree with that particular edition,” he said.

“I don’t endorse alcoholic brands or tobacco brands. So I wouldn’t have been able to serve properly in that particular edition.

“I won’t have effectively delivered what they needed.”

The organisers of the 12th AMVCA eventually appointed comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha as co-hosts of the event.

While Osakioduwa stepped aside in 2026, one of the night’s biggest talking points was the emergence of 16-year-old David Oluwatumininu Oke as co-host alongside the veteran broadcaster.

The teenager shared the stage with Osakioduwa at the 11th edition of the awards, becoming one of the youngest personalities to host the event.

Born in the United Kingdom and raised in a musically inclined family, David’s journey into entertainment began at an early age.

Reflecting on his beginnings, he recalled how family gatherings and small performances gradually opened doors to bigger opportunities.

“It started as a family thing. Then I began getting small gigs; birthdays, weddings. My first big break was Flytime Fest,” he said.

His appearance at Flytime Festival proved to be a turning point, helping him gain wider visibility within the entertainment industry. Subsequent performances followed, including appearances at the Headies, before the AMVCA opportunity arrived.

Despite his growing experience, David admitted he initially felt overwhelmed by the scale of the award ceremony.

“I was very tense at first. The kind of audience, the nerves… I didn’t think I’d be standing in front of that many people. But God has His ways, ” David confessed.

The opportunity came through Road 14 Studios, a creative platform known for nurturing emerging talents.