INFLUENCER ASHERKINE SAYS HIS ‘CANTEEN WORKER’ CLIP ISN’T STAGED
Read Time:2 Minute, 49 Second
By: Fasasi Hammad
Content creator and influencer Asherkine, whose real name is Akinyemi Omotayo, has responded to criticism over a viral video in which he flew a canteen worker he met in Ogun State to South Africa.
Known for producing videos where he helps strangers with cash, gifts, and experiences—often in collaboration with brands—Asherkine came under scrutiny after social media users alleged that some of his encounters were staged.
In the video, a 21-year-old woman identified as Chiamaka Clare, who works at a local canteen in Ogun State, recounted meeting Asherkine there. During their first interaction, he asked to speak with her after work and later invited her on a post-Valentine’s Day date in Lagos after learning she had spent the day working.
Clare was seen calling her mother to get permission before leaving with him. The footage showed the pair traveling to Lagos, where she enjoyed a shopping spree across multiple stores, a dinner at a restaurant, and several gifts from Asherkine. He later surprised her with a trip to South Africa, a moment that left her visibly emotional.
Clips from the trip also captured the duo taking part in luxury experiences, including clubbing, helicopter rides, and other activities across the city.
READ MORE…
FUEL PRICE RELIEF: DANGOTE REFINERY CUTS PETROL TO N1,075 PER LITRE
Shortly after the video was posted online, social media users began questioning its authenticity. Some claimed the encounter appeared scripted and examined Clare’s social media accounts, suggesting her lifestyle did not align with that of a typical canteen worker. Posts indicated she might also work as a model and interior designer and had previously traveled outside Nigeria. Critics argued that her familiarity with luxury settings and her reactions to the influencer seemed inconsistent with someone encountering him for the first time.
Responding to the backlash on X on Tuesday, Asherkine defended the video, rejecting claims that it was fabricated.
“I understand that some people cannot fathom a young adult living and working in Ogun State trying to make a way for herself because she ‘looks too good’ for such a job,” he wrote.
He added that Clare’s family ties in Lagos made the interaction plausible. “This person has a sister living in Lagos, it’s a 2-hour drive & she’s 21. I have cousins in Ogun State,” he explained.
Asherkine also clarified that the video was not filmed in a single day, contrary to online speculation. “Most of my videos span a day, but this one unfolded over a week after our first meeting. I’m unsure how it looks like a 48-hour livestream,” he said.
Reflecting on his own journey into content creation, Asherkine shared that he started filming entertainers as a teenager to build a career. “I was 17, filming entertainers at events just to chase something from UNILAG. By 20, I was juggling Ikotun & Chevron to document Yhemolee, Asake, and Ashidapo,” he said. This early work eventually led to opportunities filming top music stars, including Olamide and Asake.
The influencer emphasized that he would not let criticism undermine his content. Over time, he has built a large following by producing videos showcasing acts of generosity, such as cash gifts, shopping sprees, paying school fees, and helping everyday Nigerians, including students, street workers, and transport operators.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0