Nollywood actor Olaide Olabanji has criticised some of his colleagues for supporting politicians whom he accused of contributing little or nothing to Nigeria’s development.
Olabanji made the remarks in an Instagram video on Thursday while expressing concern over the welfare of Nigerians, particularly ailing celebrities, and the poor state of the country’s healthcare system.
The actor, who did not mention any names, condemned entertainers who allegedly refuse to use their platforms to speak out against poor governance. He warned that their failure to hold leaders accountable could eventually affect them and their children.
He also took aim at some actors who allegedly participated in election campaigns by distributing items such as rice and beans on behalf of politicians. Questioning the value of the money they reportedly received during the 2023 general elections, Olabanji asked whether such payments were still benefiting them today.
“Don’t destroy people’s lives because of what you are benefiting from bad leaders. Those who supported bad leaders in the past are responsible for the hardship that Nigerians are going through today,” he said.
According to him, celebrities and other influential Nigerians have a responsibility to speak truth to power, noting that silence in the face of poor governance could worsen the challenges confronting citizens.
“We contributed to where Nigeria is today. Yet, we keep supporting evil. Many Nollywood stars are on sick beds today because of nonchalant behaviour. Many of us have the opportunity to speak truth to power, but we refuse to do so simply because of our stomach infrastructure,” he added.
Olabanji argued that Nigeria’s healthcare system would have improved if more influential people had consistently demanded accountability from successive governments. He called for better hospitals, electricity, roads and security, stressing that many political leaders who receive medical treatment abroad do so with public resources.
“Nigeria deserves a good health system, good electricity supply, good roads and adequate security. Many of the bad leaders that you are supporting today don’t receive treatment in Nigerian hospitals. They travel abroad with their children and family members for medical treatment,” he said.
The actor further questioned the practice of celebrities turning to social media to solicit financial assistance whenever colleagues fall ill, arguing that a functional healthcare system should provide adequate treatment for Nigerians.
“Where can we travel to when we fall sick? If any actor is sick, we come to social media to seek financial support for them. Is it supposed to be so? Tell Nigerian leaders the truth. The citizens are hungry, there is hardship in Nigeria, yet you fail to speak up because of your stomach infrastructure,” Olabanji said.
He also criticised entertainers who allegedly acted as campaign promoters for politicians during the 2023 elections, accusing them of prioritising personal benefits over the long-term welfare of Nigerians.
“We have seen actors sharing rice and beans for the government. They turned themselves into politicians’ slaves. Is the money they paid you in 2023 still useful to you today? Fuel is now N1,400, yet we keep supporting them. You forget that you have children,” he said.
Olabanji concluded by urging his colleagues to consider the future of their families and the wider society before accepting benefits from politicians.
“Can the money you received for the campaign build your children’s future?” he asked.
