LONDON: British YouTuber and BMX rider Ryan Taylor has finally spoken out, more than two years after ending his high-profile engagement to Nigerian billionaire heiress and DJ Cuppy (Florence Otedola).
Their whirlwind romance dominated headlines in late 2022 when they got engaged just 25 days after meeting. But what started as a fairytale quickly spiraled into one of Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity breakups.
Appearing recently on The Ladders Podcast, Taylor made surprising claims about his former fiancée’s attitude toward Nigeria and Nigerian staff.
Is it weird that I told you that she [Cuppy] didn’t like Nigerians? She came into my business and didn’t even want Nigerian staff, he said.
I never signed any NDA or contract I wasn’t into all that. Honestly, what I got from that relationship were lessons.
Reflecting on the short-lived romance, Taylor added: “Everything happens for a reason. The time I met her was something that needed to happen. Do I regret it? No. Lesson learned. Next!”
When asked about his biggest takeaway from the experience, the 32-year-old influencer replied, “I learned that money isn’t everything — but not having it is.”
Cuppy, daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, confirmed her engagement to Taylor in December 2022 after the pair met during the Gumball 3000 rally.
By July 2023, observant fans noticed they had unfollowed each other on Instagram — fueling breakup rumours. Taylor later posted a cryptic message that read, “If it’s blocking your spiritual growth, let it go.
Cuppy appeared to fire back with her own subtle jab: I never run into my exes… They can’t afford to be where I be without me. Taylor cheekily replied, “Neither can you
The breakup played out under intense social-media scrutiny. Shortly after their engagement, an old video resurfaced showing Taylor with UK influencer Fiona Williams, sparking backlash from Nigerian fans who accused him of chasing clout through his relationship with Cuppy.
The DJ, however, brushed off the speculation, posting: Who wants that ‘perfect’ love story anyway? Cliché.
Cuppy later addressed the end of the engagement during the 2023 Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) conference in London, where she described it as part of her growth journey.
“Last year I got engaged, and I am no longer engaged but such is life, she told the audience. My story is still unfolding, and I’m okay with the uncertainties.
Taylor’s recent remarks suggest deeper cultural and personal rifts in the relationship, touching on issues of identity, wealth, and privacy.
While Cuppy has chosen grace and optimism in moving forward, Taylor’s comments reignite public curiosity about one of Nigeria’s most memorable celebrity relationships.
