Popular on-air personality Dotun has tackled Headies founder Ayo Animashaun over claims that he once sought help to secure a US visa using the award show as an excuse.

The exchange began after Animashaun criticised people who opposed hosting The Headies abroad while privately requesting assistance to attend events in the United States or Canada for visa purposes.

In a post, Animashaun specifically addressed Dotun, asking if his criticism of the awards had nothing to do with the fact that he could not help when Dotun allegedly asked for assistance to secure a US visa using The Headies.

Dotun responded firmly, stating that he has always travelled to the United States and that his two daughters were born there.

“I have always travelled to the United States. Had my two beautiful girls there. So maybe you don’t get the jerk, it was never for visa but for justice,” he wrote.

He added that the only reason some industry figures reached out to Animashaun on his behalf was related to his personal ordeal involving his children.

Dotun further accused Animashaun of viewing access as power rather than using it to advance the culture, and insisted his support for The Headies over the years had been genuine.

The public exchange has drawn reactions from entertainment industry watchers as debate continues over the decision to host editions of The Headies outside Nigeria.