It was an unforgettable night at the 17th Headies Awards on Sunday, April 27, 2025 but not for the reasons celebrity entrepreneur and nightlife kingpin Cubana Chief Priest might have hoped.
The popular socialite faced an embarrassing moment at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos after being denied entry to the prestigious event due to the absence of an invitation card. Despite his high-profile status and close ties to top stars like Davido, security personnel firmly enforced the rules, barring him from accessing the ceremony.
A now-viral video, posted by Rommiroyal TV on TikTok, captured the heated exchange between Cubana Chief Priest and the event’s security at the entrance. In the footage, he was seen arguing passionately, attempting to gain entry, but the bouncers held their ground. The incident quickly sparked mixed reactions across social media, with some users applauding the security team’s professionalism while others questioned why a figure of his stature hadn’t been officially invited.
The 17th Headies, themed “Back to Base” and “Apologetically African,” was attended by high-profile guests including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tanzanian artist Juma Jux, and Nigerian celebrities Nancy Isime and Bamike Olawunmi-Adenibuyan (BamBam).
Notable winners on the night included Odumodublvck, who won the coveted Next Rated award; late singer Mohbad, honoured posthumously; as well as global stars Davido, Tems, and Rema, who all took home major trophies.
Cubana Chief Priest’s ordeal has ignited debates online. While some argue that no one should be above protocol at a prestigious event like the Headies, others feel the organisers dropped the ball by not ensuring that one of the country’s most influential entertainment figures was properly accommodated.
Regardless of where opinions fall, one thing is clear, at the 17th Headies, not even celebrity clout could bend the rules.
