By Asaye Bankole
Nigerian actor and social commentator, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has explained why he has reduced his public criticism of the government, saying he became tired of repeating the same concerns while facing criticism, abuse and threats.
Mr Macaroni spoke after Wazobia FM shared a video on Tuesday featuring an interview in which he discussed threats to his life following his involvement in the #EndSARS protests.
In posts shared on X on Wednesday, the actor explained that the interview was recorded more than two years ago, but maintained that the issues he raised remain relevant.
He said Nigerians often complain about problems in the country but quickly move on without sustaining pressure for meaningful change.
According to him, he had repeatedly spoken about the same issues and had reached a point where continuing to say the same things had become exhausting.
Mr Macaroni also referred to a statement he made in March 2026 in which he strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said that period marked the point when he decided to take a break from his frequent political commentary.
The actor argued that only a small number of politicians could continue making decisions affecting millions of Nigerians without sufficient resistance from citizens.
He said Nigerians needed to move beyond what he described as a “survival mentality” and demand an environment that would allow people to succeed rather than remain focused only on survival.
Explaining his decision further, Mr Macaroni said he had faced persecution, public criticism and threats since he began speaking out on political and social issues.
“I have been persecuted and vilified since I started speaking up against Government. Threats are a usual occurrence,” he said.
He stressed that his reduced commentary should not be interpreted as a loss of concern about Nigeria, explaining that he was simply tired of repeating the same messages.
Mr Macaroni said he would continue to speak when Nigerians were ready to demand accountability and change, but that he currently wanted to use the break to redefine himself and concentrate on his artistic career.
The actor also recalled the personal challenges he experienced during the #EndSARS protests, saying his activism attracted serious threats that caused concern among members of his family.
He said his mother frequently called him and pleaded with him to be careful, while his family at one point considered arranging for him to leave Nigeria because of the threats.
Mr Macaroni, however, said he refused to leave the country and continued to speak out.
He also remained politically active during the 2023 general election, encouraging Nigerians to vote wisely.
He said he disclosed the candidate he personally intended to support but did not tell other Nigerians to vote for the same candidate.
According to him, his political position attracted insults and verbal attacks from some Nigerians.
He said the outcome of the election also contributed to his decision to reduce his political commentary, as he began questioning what more he could say after Nigerians had already made their choices.
Mr Macaroni also said he had no intention of going into politics, despite his continued involvement in public affairs.
He recalled that some people he admired during his secondary school and university years later entered politics, but he claimed that their involvement affected the legacies they had previously built.
The actor said his current break was therefore intended to give him an opportunity to focus on his creative work while taking a step back from the constant political arguments and criticism surrounding his activism.
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