Mr Macaroni Explains Why He Took a Break From Criticising Government

Nigerian actor and social commentator Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has explained why he recently reduced his public criticism of the government, saying he became tired of repeatedly making the same points without seeing the change he wanted. The actor made the clarification on Wednesday while reacting to an old interview in which he discussed the threats and backlash he faced after speaking out during the #EndSARS protests. Mr Macaroni revealed that the interview being circulated was more than two years old but said the concerns he raised at the time remained relevant. According to him, his decision to step back from political commentary was not because he had stopped caring about Nigeria or because he was intimidated by the threats he had received. Instead, he said he had become exhausted from repeatedly calling attention to the same issues. “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,” he said. The actor argued that citizens must be prepared to demand better governance rather than simply complain about problems and eventually return to their daily struggles. He also recalled that in March 2026, he criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu in strong terms, describing it as the “Most Useless Government in the history of Useless Governments.” Mr Macaroni said that period marked the point when he decided to take a break from political commentary. He explained that he had been criticised and vilified since he began speaking publicly about government and governance issues, with threats becoming a recurring part of his experience. “I have been persecuted and vilified since I started speaking up against Government. Threats are a usual occurrence,” he said. The entertainer stressed that his reduced political commentary should not be interpreted as a change in his position. “I am only tired of saying the same thing over and over again,” he explained, adding that he would continue to speak when Nigerians were ready to demand change. Mr Macaroni recalls EndSARS experience During the earlier interview, Mr Macaroni spoke about the personal consequences of his activism during the #EndSARS protests. He said speaking publicly about national issues sometimes made him appear to be the troublesome person, while some of the Nigerians he believed he was speaking for eventually turned against him. The actor also recalled receiving serious threats during the period, saying the situation became so concerning that his family considered sending him out of the country. He said his mother frequently called him in tears because of the threats he was receiving. Despite the pressure, Mr Macaroni said he refused to leave Nigeria. He also remained politically active during the 2023 general election, encouraging Nigerians to vote wisely and publicly stating which candidate he personally intended to support. However, he said his decision to disclose his preferred candidate attracted insults and abuse from some Nigerians. Reflecting on the experience, he questioned what more he could say after the election had produced a president and the political reality had moved forward. Why he is taking a break Mr Macaroni said his current break is therefore more about taking time to redefine himself and focus on his creative work. “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,” he said. He also stated that he had no interest in becoming a politician himself, despite his sustained involvement in conversations about governance and civic responsibility. For now, the actor says he intends to focus on his art while waiting for what he considers a greater willingness among Nigerians to demand accountability and better conditions. His comments have since renewed discussions about the pressures faced by entertainers and public figures who become involved in political and social issues, particularly when their views attract criticism from both government supporters and other members of the public.