Actor Aremu Afolayan has apologised following widespread backlash after defending President Bola Tinubu and downplaying Nigeria’s insecurity crisis during a TV appearance.
Aremu Afolayan, the Nigerian actor and brother of filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, issued a public apology after comments he made on JUJU TV on March 15th sparked outrage online.
In the interview, Afolayan expressed his intention to vote for Tinubu in the 2027 elections, praising what he described as the president’s efforts to unite Nigerians and his role in lifting the UAE’s ban on Nigerian travellers.
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He also made controversial remarks about the country’s hardships. “When people say the country is hard, I don’t really care because I’m doing very well,” he said. On insecurity, he added, “When you watch the news about insurgency, don’t mind them, it’s all scripted.”
For a nation where millions face daily struggles with fuel costs, unreliable electricity, and a security situation that has displaced communities and claimed lives, these comments provoked widespread anger.
Social media users quickly flooded his comment sections with criticism.
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Four days later, Afolayan returned with a public apology. In a video posted on March 19th, he addressed Nigerians directly, saying, “To all Nigerians, please forgive me. I’m very sorry. The curses you guys are raining on me are too much.”
He clarified that he had not received any payment for his previous statements, responding to accusations of being a sellout.
Afolayan also attempted to explain his original comment about insecurity, saying he meant that anyone dismissing insecurity was the one “reading a script,” not those affected. He cited a personal example: his best friend’s mother had been kidnapped and a ransom paid. “How would I say there’s no insecurity?” he asked.
He concluded by announcing his withdrawal from political discussions, adding in Yoruba, “Epe yi po,” meaning the curses are too much.
The apology has drawn mixed reactions online, with many users suggesting the reversal may have been motivated more by public pressure than a genuine change of heart. At the time of writing, the reaction on social media continues.
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