Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, better known as Ola Dips, isn’t your typical Nigerian rapper. He’s won national competitions, sparked industry feuds, and once shocked the entire country by announcing his own death. Whether you see him as a talented indigenous rapper or a controversy magnet, there’s no denying he’s one of the most talked-about figures in Nigerian hip-hop today.
Biography
Ola Dips was born on March 24, 1995, in Ogun State, a predominantly Yoruba region in southwestern Nigeria. His father, Mr Olabode Oladimeji, worked as a gospel singer, while his mother earned the affectionate nickname “Iya Aje.” That nickname would later inspire one of his stage aliases, “Omo Iya Aje,” which translates to “son of a witch” in Yoruba. It’s a name that captures his rebellious, unconventional approach to music.
Growing up in Ogun State shaped much of his musical identity. The region’s rich cultural heritage and street vernacular would later become central themes in his music. He attended the University of Jos in Plateau State, where he earned a first-class degree in Economics.
Before finding mainstream success, Ola Dips cut his teeth as a text battler on Facebook. These online rap battles might seem trivial now, but they were crucial in building his reputation. His notable victory over rapper Don Geo gave him underground credibility and demonstrated that he could hold his own against established names.
Career
Ola Dips launched his music career in 2012 at age 17. His debut was a cover of Drake and Trey Songz’s “Successful,” which got people talking. But it wasn’t until August 2015 that everything changed. He entered D’banj’s nationwide “King is Here” rap competition, competing against over 8,000 contestants. When the dust settled, Ola Dips emerged victorious from a final five that included Officialbils, Aonethalyricist, Itsme_itse, and Tushkido.
That victory should have been his golden ticket, and in many ways, it was. Olamide, the CEO of YBNL Nation, showed interest in signing him. However, the deal fell through because Olamide felt Ola Dips’ style was too similar to Chinko Ekun, whom YBNL had just signed. “I cannot sign two artists with the same style,” Olamide explained, “as it will have a negative impact on his career.” It was a setback, but another door was about to open.
In 2016, Ola Dips signed a three-year contract with Edge Records, also known as LRR (Les Roses Rouges), owned by veteran rapper Reminisce. His debut single, “Bounce,” featuring Reminisce, marked his official entry into the professional scene. That same year, he dropped his first studio album, “Dreams and Realities,” featuring collaborations with Phyno, Lil Kesh, and Reminisce. The album earned him a nomination for Best Rap Album at the City People Music Awards 2018.
His biggest commercial hit came in October 2017 with “Lalakukulala,” featuring Reminisce and produced by the legendary Sarz. Naijaloaded crowned him the number one indigenous rapper to watch in 2017. Singles like “Champagne” and “Places” featuring Mayorkun kept his momentum going through 2019.
But when his contract expired in June 2019, things got messy. On July 1, 2019, Ola Dips released “Maybe,” a diss track that pulled no punches. He accused LRR of contract fraud, claimed they cut him off from earning money, and, most shockingly, revealed that he left the label with only ₦23,000 (about $63) in his account. Reminisce’s camp fired back, saying they’d “only provided assistance” and disputed the exploitation claims. The beef reignited in January 2022 when Reminisce dropped “Alaye Toh Se Gogo,” prompting Ola Dips to respond within 24 hours with “Anaye Toh N Kpo Zobo” (“A Chairman Telling Lies”).
Death Hoax
On November 14, 2023, at 10:14 PM, Ola Dips’ management posted a death announcement on his verified Instagram page. “We are saddened to inform the general public that Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji, aka OLADIPS, has passed away,” the post read. Nigeria’s music industry, still mourning Mohbad’s death two months earlier, went into collective grief. Candlelight processions were planned.
Then, just one day later, on November 16, 2023, Ola Dips released his 17-track album “Superhero Àdúgbò (The Memoir).” The timing was suspicious, to say the least. Singer Qdot posted a photo with the caption “My gee is alive,” and Ola Dips himself shared a “Proof of life” video. The backlash was brutal. Veteran rapper Eedris Abdulkareem publicly called him out, saying the stunt was “wrong and dishonest” and caused people “emotional distress.”
In a December 7, 2023, interview on Naija FM, Ola Dips apologised while insisting the near-death experience was real. “I apologize to Nigerians and my followers,” he said. “It was never a prank.” He claimed he was unconscious for two to three days and underwent traditional revival rites at his mother’s direction. His team supposedly thought he was dead because he wasn’t responding, but his mother insisted on traditional healing instead of hospital treatment.
Exactly one year after the death controversy, on November 14, 2024, Ola Dips released his second studio album “Lazarus (The Apparition).” The 10-track project directly referenced his alleged death and resurrection, with Ola Dips revealing he was in Abule Ijoko undergoing traditional fortification that required cutting his dreadlocks. He promoted it on social media with the cheeky tagline: “Stream before I die again.”
His recent releases show he’s still productive. He dropped “Beg Tinubu” in September 2025, offering political commentary on Nigeria’s economic hardships. Early 2025 saw singles like “Flenjo” and “AEROPLANE.” But controversy followed him again in November 2024, when the EFCC arrested him during a midnight raid on his estate. Detained for five days, he alleged the agency extorted ₦10 million before releasing him. Zlatan Ibile reportedly sent him daily meals during detention, and the EFCC has since launched an investigation into his extortion claims.
Personal Life
Ola Dips keeps most of his personal life under wraps, preferring to let his music and controversies speak for him. What we do know is mainly shaped by his public persona and the dramatic events that have defined his career. His relationship with his mother appears particularly strong, given that she directed his traditional healing process during the 2023 near-death incident.
His stage name and alias “Omo Iya Aje” is his connection to his Ogun State roots and Yoruba heritage. These cultural ties run deep through his music, which blends Yoruba, English, and Nigerian Pidgin. He’s cited late indigenous rap pioneer DaGrin as a significant influence, paying tribute with his track “Let Dagrin Down.” Other influences include Lord of Ajasa, 9ice, and 2Baba.
Currently, Ola Dips operates as an independent artist under The Dipsciples Music, also known as Omo Iya Aje Records. He’s maintained an Instagram following of approximately 1 million people despite, or perhaps because of, the controversies that have marked his journey.
Net Worth
Ola Dips’ net worth is estimated at around $80,000. This figure appears most consistent with his status as an independent artist who earns from streaming revenue, performances, and music shows.
However, his alleged ₦10 million ($13,000) payment to the EFCC in November 2024 may have significantly impacted his finances. As an independent artist since 2019, he doesn’t have the financial backing of a major label, which makes such unexpected expenses even more devastating. His income streams include music sales, streaming royalties on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, performances at local and international events, and collaborations with other artists.
