By Sabiu Abdullahi
Nigerian actor and social commentator, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has explained his decision to reduce his public criticism of the government, citing exhaustion from repeating the same concerns, attacks from Nigerians and threats to his life.
Mr Macaroni made the clarification after Wazobia FM shared a video on Tuesday in which he discussed threats he received during the #EndSARS protests.
In a series of posts on X on Wednesday, the actor noted that the interview was conducted more than two years ago. He, however, maintained that the issues he raised during the interview remained relevant.
“Forget about the threats. My issue with us as Nigerians is how we move on quickly. We complain and move on. There is nothing I will say now that I haven’t already said hundred times over. Until we as a people are ready to fight for what is ours, saying the same thing over and over again is just TIRING,” he wrote.
He also referred to a statement he made in March 2026, in which he described President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “the Most Useless Government in the history of Useless Governments.” He said that period marked the point at which he decided to step back from political commentary.
According to him, a limited number of politicians continue to affect the lives of more than 200 million Nigerians “so brazenly without any resistance.”
He further argued that Nigerians must move beyond a “survival mentality” and demand conditions that allow citizens to thrive.
“then we are truly not ready,” he added.
Addressing the perception that he had become less vocal, Mr Macaroni said his reduced commentary should not be interpreted as a withdrawal from the issues he previously raised.
“I have been persecuted and vilified since I started speaking up against Government. Threats are a usual occurrence. Please don’t mix things up. I am only tired of saying the same thing over and over again. When Nigerians are finally ready, I will be ready too! But till then, please let me continue enjoying my break by redefining myself and Art, which I love as dearly as I love Nigeria.”
In the earlier Wazobia FM interview, the actor spoke about the personal consequences of his activism and the criticism he received from some members of the public.
He said his outspoken position often made him appear to be the source of trouble, even when he believed he was speaking on behalf of Nigerians.
“Nigeria is a very funny country. Nigerians are also very funny. And I say this with all seriousness, because I’m not so happy about how things have been. And you keep talking, and it seems like you are the troublesome person. It seems like na you be the—the same Nigerians that you speak for turn against you. They start to fight you,” he said.
Mr Macaroni also said he had no interest in becoming a politician. He expressed disappointment over the political careers of some individuals he once admired.
He recalled people he looked up to during his secondary school and university years who later entered politics and, in his view, harmed the reputations they had previously established.
On his activities after the #EndSARS protests, the actor said he continued to speak publicly despite receiving threats and facing pressure from his family.
“So, you know, End SARS came at risk to my life, threats here and there, serious threats. My family, no time, they were every time calling me, crying, ‘Debo, please. Debo, please.’ Every—every blessed time, my mother. Every blessed time. It was so bad they wanted to fly me out of the country. I said, ‘For what? I’m not running anywhere,’” he said.
He also recalled his involvement in the 2023 general election, when he urged Nigerians to vote wisely while publicly stating the candidate he intended to support.
“And I didn’t—I didn’t go silent after End SARS. I still came out. I said, ‘We must vote wisely.’ I did series of videos, series of tweets, series of—and not only me, a lot of other people too did, saying, ‘Vote wisely. Do this, do that wisely.’ And I said, ‘Okay, this is the person me I will vote for.’ I did not say vote—everybody should go and vote for this person,” he said.
According to him, his decision to identify his preferred candidate drew insults and verbal attacks from some Nigerians.
“See curse, see insult. ‘You are a omo ale, you are this one, you are that one.’ Now, everybody—people vote. Whether, uh, rig, I no know, there no rig, e—e no concern me, but president dey, yes or no? E dey,” he said.
Mr Macaroni said the experience surrounding the election also affected his willingness to continue making repeated political statements.
“Now, everything don dey as e be. Is affecting me too. But what—okay, okay, oya, what should I come and say again now?” he said.