- Mr Macaroni, an actor and content creator, responded to a protester’s call for citizens to unfollow Nigerian celebrities on social media for their silence on current hardships.
- TeniBegiloju, a protester with X handle TeniBegiloju, argued that Nigerian celebrities, except for Mr. Macaroni, do not deserve to be followed by Nigerians.
Popular Nigerian actor and content creator, Adebowale Adedayo, widely recognized as Mr Macaroni, has addressed a viral protest urging citizens to unfollow celebrities who have remained silent about the country’s current economic struggles.
The protest was sparked by a lone activist on X (formerly Twitter), using the handle @TeniBegiloju, who accused Nigerian celebrities of ignoring the worsening conditions in the country. In a post that featured a placard reading, “Nigerians, let’s unfollow all useless celebrities keeping quiet now,” the X user captioned it, “They don’t deserve our follow. The only person worthy of our respect is Mr Macaroni.”
In reaction, Mr Macaroni appreciated the sentiment but expressed disagreement with the protester’s approach. He stressed that he does not support calling out or pressuring other celebrities, pointing out that they, too, are citizens and should not be forced into activism.
The skit maker emphasized that real change begins with the people, not public figures. According to him, if citizens truly desire transformation, they must be willing to lead the charge themselves rather than depending solely on entertainers or influencers.
His response has sparked fresh conversations online about the roles and responsibilities of public figures in times of national crisis.
He wrote:
“I would never endorse a post like this! Please do not ask celebrities to make sacrifices the people themselves are not ready to make.
“Celebrities are citizens like you. If the majority of the people are quiet, why should we blame celebrities?”
“Also, not all celebrities wish to speak on social issues. So it’s unfair to manipulate us into speaking about certain topics because even when we speak, we get attacked!”
“We can’t force people into advocacy simply because their line of work has made them famous.”
“Let me give an example: Nigerians will see their fellow Nigerian being brutalized by the police. Instead of coming together to stop it at that very moment, some will pass by, some will watch, and some will record. Then the same Nigerians will come online to attack celebrities for not speaking against police brutality.”
“When Nigerians truly want change, the people will not wait for any celebrity. The people will become their own celebrities, and they will lead and take charge!”
