Nollywood actor Olatayo Amokade, widely recognized as Ijebu, recently ignited a firestorm across social media with a shocking declaration. The popular comedian asserted that he had spent an astonishing ₦1.8 trillion on internet data in 2025, a figure that immediately sparked widespread disbelief and debate. This extraordinary Ijebu data claim has become a major talking point, drawing both amusement and sharp criticism from observers attempting to reconcile such an amount with reality.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) in a now-viral video, Ijebu expressed his deep distress over the expenditure, stating that the colossal sum had left him sleepless. He relayed being overwhelmed with messages and calls following his revelation, though specifics regarding the monthly breakdown of this astronomical internet bill were conspicuously absent from his statement.
What is the controversy surrounding Ijebu’s data claim? The controversy stems from the actor’s assertion of spending ₦1.8 trillion on internet data in 2025, a sum so immense it dwarfs the net worth of many wealthy individuals and strains credulity, prompting widespread skepticism and humor online.
Ijebu further elaborated, emphasizing the sheer scale of the purported spending: “From January till today, it’s 1.8 trillion. I opened my mouth, it’s too much.” This direct quote underscored the actor’s own apparent astonishment at the figure, yet it did little to quell the skepticism that rapidly spread across social media platforms. The public’s reaction was swift and largely incredulous.
Reactions from X users provided a vivid snapshot of the public’s sentiment, ranging from outright disbelief to sarcastic humor. One user, Introvert, remarked, “Be like nah only you and 2 other people dey sub for Nigeria 😂 Una go just carry phone talk wetin Una want. You think we still dey wear pampers abi?” This comment highlighted the perceived absurdity of the claim, suggesting it was an impossible feat for an individual.
Another user, The Guy, questioned the logic, stating, “How will you tell me you spent more than your net worth on something?” This pointed observation underscored the financial implausibility of the claim, as ₦1.8 trillion is a sum that would place an individual among the wealthiest on the continent, far exceeding typical celebrity earnings in Nigeria. Felix explicitly dismissed the claim, writing, “This is not true, can’t be true and will never be true. Not even 1.8 trillion kobo.”
Unstoppable Sam, while initially suggesting a possibility, quickly pivoted to demonstrate the hyperbole, calculating his own substantial data spending of ₦730,000 annually. He then humorously added, “So if I add 3 zeros like this man wey de lie for this video now. E go come be 7.3 Billion ontop data,” illustrating the vast gulf between typical high usage and Ijebu’s reported figure. This response encapsulated the blend of bewilderment and amusement many felt.
Considering the typical internet data packages explained in Nigeria, even the most premium, unlimited plans for businesses or high-net-worth individuals would not approach such an expenditure. The cost of data in Nigeria, while a significant household expense for many, is still relatively affordable on a per-gigabyte basis compared to global averages, making Ijebu’s figure an extreme outlier that defies all known economic and technological realities.
This sensational disclosure has inevitably drawn attention to the broader topic of Nollywood celebrity internet usage and the financial transparency often expected from public figures. While entertainers are known for their flamboyant lifestyles and sometimes exaggerated statements, a claim of this magnitude demands scrutiny, particularly when the year 2025 is mentioned, adding a layer of temporal confusion to the already baffling assertion.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the virality of unverified claims in the digital age and the public’s role in discerning fact from fiction. It also highlights how quickly a celebrity’s statement, however outlandish, can capture collective attention and spark widespread discussion across various online communities, making the Ijebu data claim a memorable moment in recent Nigerian social media history.
Ultimately, the Ijebu data claim stands as a testament to the power of a bold statement to generate buzz, even if the figures involved stretch the bounds of belief. The actor’s revelation has certainly achieved its goal of widespread attention, albeit for reasons that challenge conventional understanding of financial reality and internet consumption.
“I calculated the total amount I’ve spent on internet data from January to December and it is ₦1.8 trillion.”
— Nollywood actor, Ijebu. pic.twitter.com/4D7wRu61kV
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) December 29, 2025
