Leader of OBIdient movement in UK Oluomo of Derby embroiled in financial scandal, accused of fraud, turning Nigerian community in UK into business venture

January 24, 2025

By Adedoja Adesoji

A prominent leader of the Obidient movement, Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as Oluomo of Derby, has been accused of fraud and unethical activities within the Nigerian community in the UK.

Kuti, a supporter of Peter Obi and President of Nigerians in the UK community (NIUK), has been criticized for his handling of financial matters, including allegations of commercial partnership deals with companies like Lemfi, a migrant international money transfer company.

According to reports, the Lemfi deal is valued at around £45,000 for two years, while another deal allegedly worth £100,000 has been made with other companies.

These deals were made without the knowledge of the community, sparking outrage among members.

The controversy surrounds Kuti’s decision to register NIUK as a company instead of a charity organization, allowing him and two other executives, Violet Ibeh and Sikuru Owolewa, to use the community as a business entity.

NIUK’s website reveals commercial partnerships with at least four entities, including Lemfi, EverythingdeyUk, LabMedExpress, and The Millions.

Critics have accused Kuti of deleting posts by members that discuss services provided by competing firms, sparking calls for his resignation and an election.

Despite denying allegations of impropriety, NIUK has confirmed that it has started the process of registering as a charity in the UK, with audited accounts and financial reports available on its website.

However, the website lacks a financial report for 2024, with the next report due in November 2025.