Controversial Nigerian disc jockey and social media personality Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken, has returned to social media with a public apology to Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, days after regaining his freedom from detention.

The internet personality, who was recently arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court over alleged threats against Seyi Tinubu and other cybercrime-related offences, triggered fresh reactions after repeatedly referring to him as “Daddy Seyi” during an Instagram livestream.

In the live session, DJ Chicken appealed for forgiveness, saying his time in detention had changed him. He admitted he had made mistakes and pleaded with Seyi Tinubu to pardon him, insisting he did not want to return to prison. Throughout the broadcast, he addressed the President’s son as “Daddy,” a gesture that quickly became a trending topic across social media.

The apology comes after the entertainer was granted ₦1 million bail with two sureties following his arraignment on charges bordering on alleged threats, offensive online publication and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges but remained in custody until he met the bail conditions.

Following his release from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, videos of DJ Chicken reuniting with his lawyer and supporters surfaced online. In subsequent livestreams, he spoke about his experience behind bars, describing it as a difficult period that gave him time to reflect on his actions.

He also expressed appreciation to everyone who supported him during his detention, while promising to be more mindful of his public statements going forward.

His apology, however, has divided opinion online. While some social media users commended him for taking responsibility and attempting to make amends, others questioned the sincerity of his remarks, suggesting the experience of detention may have influenced his change in tone. The repeated use of the phrase “Daddy Seyi” also spawned memes, jokes and debates across X, Instagram and TikTok.

Known for his loud personality, street-style humour and often controversial livestreams, DJ Chicken has built a sizeable following by sharing provocative content that frequently dominates online conversations. Over the years, he has been involved in several public feuds and controversies, making him one of Nigeria’s most talked-about internet personalities.

As legal proceedings continue, the case has also reignited broader conversations about the responsibilities of influencers and content creators, as well as the legal consequences of statements made on social media. For now, DJ Chicken’s courtroom battle appears far from over, but his post-release apology has ensured that the controversy remains firmly in the public eye.