In a candid interview with Naija FM, Omawumi expressed deep disappointment that her name was dragged into what she called an unfounded narrative. According to her, the alleged incident simply "never happened."
“That thing no happen. What hurt me the most about it is that I have been friends with Timaya… I don’t like talking down on my colleagues. That’s how I built my brand,” she stated.
A Story She Says Has No Basis
The controversy stems from a claim made by Timaya in December 2024, during which he recalled an old encounter in the studio where Burna Boy allegedly expelled Waje and Omawumi for not believing in his future success. Omawumi, however, insists she has no memory of such an event and finds the story implausible, especially considering her values and professional approach in the music industry.
She clarified that the only time she was ever in the same space with Burna Boy, Waje, and Timaya was back in 2010, when Waje invited them while recording a song with Burna Boy. Omawumi explained that she left early that day and has no knowledge of anything untoward that may have occurred afterward.
"Why Drag My Name?"
Beyond correcting the record, Omawumi questioned Timaya’s motivation for bringing her name into a story she describes as unnecessary and potentially damaging.
“My irritation is that Timaya was trying to make a point about Burna Boy—why involve me? Why did he bring my name into it?” she asked. “Even Burna Boy has never said such things. Whenever he sees us, he respects us.”
She went further to suggest that Timaya’s decision to mention her might have been an attempt to generate buzz through controversy, noting that “negative news trends more than good news.”
“Timaya has been in a lot of embarrassing situations that I would never bring to the public just because I want to promote my music,” she added. “So, why did Timaya feel he could say such?”
Emphasising Respect and Integrity
Omawumi reiterated that she has built her career—spanning nearly two decades—on respect, professionalism, and integrity, and found it unacceptable that anyone would try to undermine that with baseless claims.
“He wants to tarnish the reputation of my brand that I’ve worked to build for almost 20 years... Now, when people want to talk about me, they would reference his claim that I was thrown out of the studio. I felt so irritated.”
She concluded by affirming her respect for her colleagues and her refusal to tolerate being dragged into controversial narratives she had no part in.
As of now, Timaya has not responded to Omawumi’s statements. Waje has also not publicly commented on the matter.