Tochi shades VeryDarkMan for abandoning activism, accusing him of hypocrisy over iPhone 17 drama with Blord
Tochi shades VeryDarkMan in a fiery social media post, accusing the controversial activist of abandoning genuine causes in favour of social media clout and materialism.
The former Big Brother Naija housemate, Tochukwu Okechukwu—popularly known as Tochi—called out VeryDarkMan (VDM) following his online clash with businessman Blord. The dispute centred on allegations that Blord sold upgraded XR models falsely branded as the new iPhone 17.
In a post that quickly gained traction, Tochi questioned VDM’s priorities and accused him of inconsistency.
“It takes real discipline to call yourself an activist; being stubborn doesn’t make you one,” he wrote.
“Now you’ve made a little money, and suddenly the nation’s problems have turned into an obsession with the iPhone 17.”
Tochi contrasted VDM’s early days—when he was known for raw, relatable takes on Nigerian issues—with his current focus on luxury gadgets and online fame.
“Back when you were in your room drinking pure water, you actually made sense,” he added.
Tochi went further, arguing that true activism is proven when one has wealth but still chooses to speak truth to power.

“You can’t claim to be an activist until you have enough to live comfortably and still choose to stand with the people,” he wrote.
“All these flashy phones and gadgets you’re flaunting—it’s all just noise. You’re not different from the rest of them. Same game, same hypocrisy. You just want to sell your market.”
The pointed remarks echo growing sentiments online from critics who feel that VDM—once hailed for his outspoken critiques on social justice—has shifted focus toward sensationalism and personal branding.
While some fans continue to defend VDM’s approach as bold and unfiltered, others, like Tochi, see it as a descent into performative activism driven by visibility rather than values.
The clash with Blord marks yet another instance where VDM’s tactics have polarised public opinion—raising fresh questions about the line between activism and influence in Nigeria’s digital age.
With Tochi shades VeryDarkMan trending across platforms, it appears the debate over authenticity, influence, and activism in the social media era is far from over.