Organizers of the Mr. Nigeria pageant, Honest Bunch, have addressed claims of manipulation leveled by the 2023 winner, Ugo Nwokolo, describing the allegations as “unfounded and misleading.” Naija247news reports that the controversy erupted after Nwokolo, in a viral social media post, accused the organizers of undermining his reign and failing to fulfill their contractual obligations.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, Nwokolo claimed that Honest Bunch deliberately sidelined him during his tenure as Mr. Nigeria, denying him opportunities to represent the brand at key events. He also alleged that the organizers manipulated the selection process for international pageants, favoring other contestants over him.
In a statement released on Thursday, Honest Bunch refuted the allegations, stating that Nwokolo’s claims were “a misrepresentation of the facts.” The organization emphasized its commitment to fairness and transparency in all its operations. “We followed due process in every decision made during Mr. Nwokolo’s reign. Any insinuation of manipulation is false and damaging to our reputation,” the statement read.
Naija247news gathered that the dispute stems from Nwokolo’s exclusion from the Mr. World 2024 pageant, which Honest Bunch attributed to “logistical challenges and contractual disagreements.” According to Naija247news, the organizers explained that Nwokolo’s participation in international events was subject to specific terms, which were not fully met.
Naija247news understands that Nwokolo’s allegations have sparked mixed reactions among fans and stakeholders in the pageant industry. While some have expressed support for the winner, others have called for a thorough investigation into the matter. A former pageant contestant, who spoke to Naija247news on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “unfortunate” and urged both parties to resolve their differences amicably.
According to Naija247news, Honest Bunch has also accused Nwokolo of breaching his contract by making public statements without prior consultation. “Mr. Nwokolo’s actions violate the terms of our agreement, which prohibit public disputes without mediation,” the organization stated.
In response, Nwokolo has vowed to pursue legal action if his grievances are not addressed. “I am not against Honest Bunch, but I will not allow my hard work and dedication to be undermined,” he said in a follow-up post obtained by Naija247news.
As the controversy unfolds, Naija247news gathered that stakeholders in the pageant industry are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management of such events. The incident has also raised questions about the treatment of pageant winners and the need for clearer contractual terms.
The dispute between Ugo Nwokolo and Honest Bunch remains unresolved, casting a shadow over the Mr. Nigeria brand.
