Nigerian actor and activist, Mr Macaroni, has once again made it clear that he has no intention of acknowledging Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in public.
This comes after he faced online criticism for allegedly ignoring the governor at a public event. The controversy began when a Twitter user accused an unnamed individual of deliberately snubbing Sanwo-Olu, claiming it was an attempt to embarrass him.
The post quickly gained traction, drawing mixed reactions from social media users, with many speculating that the person being referenced was Mr Macaroni.
In response to the online backlash, Mr Macaroni took to Twitter to express his thoughts, making it clear that he has no interest in engaging with the governor. Writing in Yoruba, he stated:
“O ni jere! Olofo! Ko ni ragba fun e! Eleda mi a ba mi fi iya je e!!! O le ma je nisiyin, igba kugba ti yo je, Eleda mi a fi iya je e!!!”
He further explained that his statement was a direct message to those criticizing him and that he was choosing to leave the matter at that.
Clarifying his stance, Mr Macaroni addressed his followers more directly, emphasizing that his personal decision should not concern others.
He said, “E ye do ara yin Eyin people yi. No part of me wishes to fraternize with Governor Sanwo-Olu. I don’t have anything against anyone who associates with him. So why won’t you people leave me alone?? I dey my own since all these days!! Na una start am oooo! Ok!”
His words suggested frustration at the continued scrutiny and attacks from people who believed he was obligated to interact with the governor.
As the debate continued, Mr Macaroni doubled down on his position, stating that he would not be pressured into changing his stance. He asserted that the issue was not significant enough to take away his peace of mind.
“This is the last time I will address this matter. It is not worth my peace of mind. Since you people won’t stop attacking me because I didn’t greet Governor Sanwo-Olu, next time I see him, I still won’t greet him. And this time, even if he calls me, I won’t answer. You people will cry today, tomorrow, and forever!”
His firm response indicated his unwillingness to conform to societal expectations, especially regarding political figures.
Mr Macaroni’s outspokenness on governance and human rights is not new. He has been an active critic of the Nigerian government, particularly in the aftermath of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where he played a significant role in advocating for police reform and justice for victims of brutality.
His refusal to acknowledge Governor Sanwo-Olu may stem from his disapproval of how the state government handled the events surrounding the protests and its aftermath.
Despite the backlash, Mr Macaroni remains unwavering in his beliefs, standing firm in his principles regardless of public opinion. His stance has sparked discussions about personal choice, political accountability, and the expectations placed on public figures in Nigeria.
While some believe he should let go of past grievances, others support his right to choose whom he interacts with. One thing is clear—Mr Macaroni is not backing down.
