A long-running online feud between Nigerian social media critic VeryDarkMan (commonly known as VDM) and entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly called Blord, has resurfaced and intensified, making headlines and dominating conversations across social media platforms and online forums in Nigeria and beyond.
What began as a public disagreement has evolved into one of the most talked-about digital rivalries, blending allegations of fraud, business disputes, legal challenges, personal attacks, and even claims of strategic staging.
Who Are VDM and Blord?
VeryDarkMan (VDM) — whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse — is a prominent Nigerian social media activist and commentator known for calling out perceived scams, unethical behaviour, corruption, and questionable practices online. He rose to prominence by exposing alleged misconduct and encouraging public accountability, earning millions of followers across platforms.
Blord, on the other hand, is a Nigerian tech entrepreneur and businessman whose profile emerged in the worlds of fintech, gadgets, and online business. He is known for promoting a lifestyle of success, engaging in crypto and tech ventures, and positioning himself as a youthful business figure within digital economy circles.
The Feud Started Over iPhone Pricing
The modern phase of their feud gained major traction in late 2025, when VDM publicly criticised Blord’s marketing and pricing of what Blord described as a modified iPhone XR converted to an iPhone 17 Pro Max priced at around ₦450,000.
VDM accused Blord of misleading consumers and selling “fake luxury” gadgets at inflated prices, arguing that the devices were no more than repackaged versions of older phones with cosmetic changes. Blord strongly rejected the allegation, describing it as unfounded and accusing VDM of attacking his credibility for attention.
The dispute quickly moved beyond gadget pricing and escalated into heated exchanges on social platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with supporters of both sides weighing in.
Accusations and Allegations Got Personal
Soon, the feud crossed into personal territory. Private video clips allegedly involving VDM reportedly surfaced online, and social media users claimed Blord had offered money to obtain and share those clips. VDM hit back, dismissing claims and accusing Blord of attempting to divert public attention from the core issues of fraud and consumer exploitation.
In the heat of the dispute, Blord’s Instagram account was temporarily taken down, a development that ignited further reactions from fans. Some supporters interpreted the account removal as a consequence of the feud, especially after Blord posted contentious content involving VDM’s private materials.
Trademark Clash Over “Ratel”
The rivalry took another dramatic twist in early 2026 when Blord announced that he had legally secured the trademark for the name “Ratel”, a brand term closely associated with VDM’s online identity and his base of followers. Blord claimed to have instructed his legal team to issue a cease-and-desist to VDM over the name’s use without permission.
This move sparked intense debate because “Ratel” had become synonymous with VDM’s voice and activism on social media. Many online users saw Blord’s trademark move as provocative and an attempt to weaken VDM’s brand presence.
VDM fired back, insisting he had registered the trademark months earlier and challenging Blord to produce evidence of his claim. He also framed the name as more than a piece of legal property, describing it as a representation of resilience and community identity among his supporters.
In the ensuing backlash, Blord reportedly changed the build or name of his app from “Ratel” to “Ratels,” a decision that did little to settle the dispute.
New Twist: Staged Controversy?
In a surprising development, Blord publicly claimed that much of the online drama with VDM was strategically orchestrated to create buzz around the “Ratel” app and capture wider public attention. According to posts attributed to him, he and VDM planned parts of the feud to boost engagement and visibility for their respective brands.
Blord emphasised that the exchanges and controversy were not just conflict but were meant to keep their ventures in the spotlight, a tactic some digital marketers refer to as “controversy marketing.”
Public Reaction and the Bigger Conversation
Netizens have been deeply divided. Some view VDM as a champion for consumer rights and accountability, someone willing to call out perceived deception. Others see Blord’s entrepreneurial efforts as legitimate business pursuits that should not be vilified simply because they are unconventional. The trademark episode in particular raised broader discussions about intellectual property, personal branding, and how online communities align themselves behind personalities and causes.
Social media spaces like X, Instagram, Facebook groups, and TikTok have been flooded with debates, memes, clips, and livestream commentary about the feud — further amplifying the conflict every day.
What This Feud Says About Online Influence
Experts say conflicts like this are not just personality clashes. They reflect deeper issues in today’s digital economy, including:
- The blurred lines between criticism and defamation
- How personal branding can become a business asset
- The power of viral attention for building or damaging reputations
- The lack of clear regulation around influencer conduct and online commerce
This saga also highlights how quickly local online disputes can capture national attention and spark conversation among audiences who might otherwise not be engaged with technology or business trends.
What’s Next?
At the time of writing, neither VDM nor Blord has signalled a complete end to their disputes. With new developments surfacing and public reactions continuing to shift, the feud remains a top topic among Nigerian social media watchers and digital commentators.
Whether this rivalry ends in collaboration, legal resolution, or further escalation remains to be seen — but for now, it shows no sign of fading.