After 6 years, 9ice says Payne, Ruggedman affair was a rumour

Six years after the rumour mill was agog with reports that Toni Payne, ex-wife of Abolore Ajifolajifaola, indigenous Nigerian rapper popularly known as 9ice, had an affair with Michael Stephens, better known as Ruggedman, the Photocopy crooner has set the records straight.

Back then, all attempts to make 9ice clear the air met brick wall, as he insisted on keeping sealed lips.

Shortly after he separated from his wife of two years, the multi-award winning artiste released the track: ‘Once Bitten, Twice shy’, which left tongues wagging based on its lyrics.

However, as time progressed, the estrange couple that had a son together, started getting along yet 9ice still chose to be silent.

But responding to recent attacks on his ex, who took side with Ice Prince, who is at the moment having issues in his own relationship, 9ice spoke out on allegations of the affair Payne had with Ruggedman.

Below is a statement which he issued on Friday:

It has come to my attention that yesterday some people were up to some mischief harassing Toni Payne regarding an evil rumor that was spread years ago. I would like to use this opportunity to state categorically that the song Once Bitten Twice shy was not and can never be about Toni Payne. I have NEVER accused her or told anybody that she cheated on me because she DID NOT. It did not happen and it was never an issue. Let me be very clear. Toni Payne NEVER cheated on me. Some marriages do not work for different reasons.

Unfortunately I released my album at a very delicate time in our relationship and a song from the album was taken the wrong way and things were blown out of proportion due to my silence.

I have apologized to her in person and she has accepted my apology. I have moved on to a fresh start and she has moved on too. I would appreciate if the general public do the same.

I would appreciate if people refrain from insulting her for something she is not guilty of.

Once again, the song Once Bitten Twice Shy was NEVER about TONI PAYNE. It was just a song. I wish I had come out sooner but I cannot change the past, I can only try and make amends for the future.

It is a new dawn for us all and I hope this closes the topic permanently. If it does not, maybe it is best I release a song clarifying this issue for the 100th time because what started all this was a song and all my effort to clear that air via interviews have been futile. I assure you, I will stop at nothing to make sure this evil rumor is put to sleep once and for all. Again It was never my intention to cause her pain. My apologies to everyone who was affected. God Bless!