IN the last few years, Nigeria’s entertainment space has seen repeated headlines on women publicly claiming pregnancy or paternity from big-name celebrities. Two names that have come up in different public conversations are Fuji icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and Afrobeat artist, David Adeleke (Davido). While the details of each case differ and many were resolved privately or legally, the public debate they sparked is the same: Why do some women intentionally pursue pregnancy with famous men, and what can we learn from it? There’s a fresh paternity allegation against Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM 1, that has been trending on social media. A woman identified as Ogechi Amauzu who spoke about her pregnancy in an interview, where she revealed how she dated Kwam 1 for seven years and got pregnant. The said woman alleged that he asked her to terminate the pregnancy and promised money for abortion, which she said never came while she carried the pregnancy and gave birth to a girl later.

The woman claimed that she visited KWAM 1’s mother, who shed tears and said the 12-year-old girl looked like member of the family. Meanwhile, KWAM 1 has not directly addressed the paternity claim. However, days after the interview surfaced, a viral video showed him performing at the 10th coronation anniversary of the Onikate of Ikate in Ikate. He sang, “Anybody who has an unnecessary pregnancy is just doing a giveaway,” and added, “Go and say it on TikTok.” But after singing the tune, he did not state that the song was about the allegation. His saxophonist, Olawale Adekoya, later apologised on TikTok, taking full responsibility for interpreting the drum rhythm that people linked to the controversy. He said the beat had existed in the band for some time.

This is not about shaming anyone. It’s about reality, choices, and consequences. It is easy to assume that being linked to a star means financial security, clout, and a guaranteed future. The truth is that fame brings money, but it also brings pressure, multiple responsibilities, legal processes, and public scrutiny. When a child is involved, courts and lawyers, not Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook comments, decide maintenance and custody. Betting your future on “he is famous” without structure, communication, and legal clarity often leaves women and children vulnerable. Every child deserves to be wanted, planned for, and protected from adult drama. When pregnancy becomes a strategy for relevance, endorsement, or securing the bag, the child grows up in the middle of headlines, family tension, and social media debates.

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KWAM 1 and Davido’s cases drew massive public attention. Years later, people still reference them online. The question is, what kind of story do we want a child to inherit about how they came into the world? A lot of young women are told that dating up is the fastest way to level up. But influence borrowed from a man’s brand expires when the relationship does. The women who last in business, media, and community are those who build skills, income, and identity outside of any celebrity. If love happens, fine. If partnership happens, fine. But don’t make fame the foundation. Nigerian law provides for child rights, maintenance, and custody regardless of a man’s status. Yet many cases start on social media and end in court, or worse, in silence. Before any decision, document, communicate, and seek counsel. Virality fades in two weeks. Legal and emotional consequences last a lifetime for you and for the child.

This conversation is not only about women. Public figures also bear a responsibility. With fame comes influence, and with influence comes the duty to model accountability, respect, and clear boundaries. Fans also play a role by not rewarding drama with clicks. The KWAM 1 and Davido conversations trended because they touched on money, fame, power, and relationships, things Nigerians are passionate about. But beyond the gist, there’s a quiet lesson: Don’t outsource your future. Don’t trade long-term stability for short-term spotlight. Choose education, choose business, choose mental health, choose partners who show up without cameras. If motherhood comes, let it come from readiness, not strategy. The internet will move to the next scandal. But you and any child involved will live with the choices.

•Ogunwade is on the staff of Nigerian Tribune.