Popular media personality IK Osakioduwa, has explained why he did not host the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
IK, who had hosted the award ceremony from its first edition in 2013, said his absence from the 2026 event was not caused by any dispute with the organisers.
According to him, the decision was based on his personal beliefs and principles.
Speaking during an interview on The Morayo Show, the broadcaster said he believes strongly in following God’s direction and felt that the 2026 edition was not meant for him to host.
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He also made it clear that his relationship with Africa Magic remains cordial.
IK described the television platform as a place that played a major role in his media career and stated that there was no misunderstanding between both parties.
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The veteran presenter further revealed that some of the sponsors linked to the 2026 edition were connected to industries he does not promote.
He explained that he does not associate himself with alcohol or tobacco-related brands and felt he would not have been able to carry out the hosting role in the manner expected if he participated under those circumstances.
According to him, accepting the role would have gone against principles he has maintained over the years.
He said he preferred to stay away rather than take up a responsibility he could not fully support.
“I have a few principles that didn’t agree with that particular edition,” he said.
“I don’t endorse alcoholic brands or tobacco brands. So I wouldn’t have been able to serve properly in that particular edition.
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“I won’t have effectively delivered what they needed.”
The 12th edition of the AMVCA took place on May 9, 2026, at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The ceremony marked the first time since the awards began that IK was not on stage as host.
For the 2026 edition, organisers selected comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha to co-host the event.
