British-Nigerian social media sensation Olajide Olatunji, popularly known as KSI, has announced his exit from the Sidemen, a group of seven men who post lifestyle videos ranging from sports, relationships, and adventures.

KSI, also a Britain’s Got Talent judge, joined the Sidemen about 13 years ago, and the group has over 23 million subscribers. He has more than 18 million subscribers on his personal YouTube channel.

“This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life,” KSI said on YouTube Sunday, explaining that the decision was difficult.

“I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is,” he explained. “But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I will no longer be doing Sidemen videos. Today, 31 May, will be my final Sidemen video.”

KSI clarified that there was no bad blood between him and other Sidemen members, stressing that “nothing bad has happened” between him and the group.

“This decision is completely my own,” he said.  

The former professional boxer said he had reached a point in his life where he felt overwhelmed by all his work commitments, adding that his group members “deserve somebody who can give 100 per cent”.

“Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions than ever before. Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed, at 100mph,” KSI said.

Sidemen, in a statement on social media, responded that KSI’s exit “came as a surprise to us”.

“We had an amazing time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours,” Sidemen said. “This came as a surprise to us and we know it will be an adjustment for you, but we’ve got lots of exciting stuff planned that we can’t wait to share.”