Nigerian rapper and singer Oludemilade Alejo, popularly known as Ycee, has expressed concern over what he describes as an unhealthy obsession with wealth in Nigeria, warning that the pursuit of money is gradually eroding the country’s moral values.
Speaking in a recent interview, the “Juice” hitmaker said many Nigerians have become willing to excuse unethical behaviour as long as it leads to financial success.
According to Ycee, the trend has become so widespread that even societies facing more severe challenges often display stronger moral standards.
“I hate what the pursuit of money has done to us as a society. There are societies that are worse off than Nigeria—war-torn societies where people do not behave as badly as Nigerians. And the excuse is always, so long as you make money,” he said.
The rapper also revisited the controversy surrounding the phrase “Olodo Uprising,” which sparked heated discussions online over issues of education and class.
Ycee maintained that he did not originate the expression and argued that many critics misunderstood his comments, accusing him of being elitist despite his educational background.
He disclosed that he only holds a secondary school certificate and never obtained a university degree.
The artiste explained that he had hoped to study Computer Science at the University of Lagos but was unable to meet the admission cut-off mark at the time.
Recalling that period, Ycee said he lost interest in academics while in Senior Secondary School 2 and eventually abandoned plans to pursue higher education.
He added that if he were applying under the current admission requirements, he might have qualified to study his preferred course.
Ycee’s remarks have since reignited conversations on social media about the impact of financial success on societal values, as well as broader discussions about education, merit and public perception.
