Nigerian actor and social commentator Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has explained why he reduced his public criticism of the government, citing exhaustion, public backlash and threats linked to his activism.
Mr Macaroni made the clarification while reacting to an interview recently shared by Wazobia FM. He noted that the interview was recorded more than two years ago but said the issues discussed remained relevant.
The entertainer said he became increasingly tired of repeating the same concerns about governance without seeing what he considered sufficient public action.
According to him, Nigerians often complain about problems affecting them but quickly move on, making it difficult for activists to sustain pressure for change.
He said his decision to step back should not be interpreted as a retreat because of threats alone, noting that threats had been a recurring part of his experience since he began speaking publicly about government.
Mr Macaroni also recalled the personal pressure his activism placed on his family, particularly during the #EndSARS period.
He said his mother repeatedly called him in tears because of threats to his safety, adding that his family eventually considered arranging for him to leave Nigeria.
The actor said he rejected the idea, insisting that he had no intention of leaving the country because of the threats.
Backlash from Nigerians
Mr Macaroni said his public interventions also attracted criticism from some of the same citizens whose concerns he sought to highlight.
He explained that his comments sometimes resulted in him being portrayed as the person creating problems, while members of the public attacked him for speaking on political issues.
He recalled that he remained politically active after the #EndSARS protests and during the 2023 general elections, encouraging Nigerians to vote wisely.
He also stated his personal preference at the time but stressed that he did not instruct everyone to vote for the same candidate.
According to him, the reaction to his political position included insults and personal attacks.
‘I’m tired of repeating myself’
The actor said his decision to take a break from political commentary was also influenced by what he described as the tendency of Nigerians to return to everyday survival without sustaining pressure on those in authority.
He argued that citizens needed to move beyond simply coping with difficult circumstances and demand conditions that would allow them to prosper.
Mr Macaroni also referred to a statement he made in March 2026 criticizing the Tinubu administration, saying that period marked the point at which he decided to take a break from regular political commentary.
He said he intended to use the break to focus on redefining himself and his artistic work.
Despite reducing his political commentary, Mr Macaroni has continued to participate in discussions on social and civic issues.
He maintained that he would be prepared to speak out again when he believes Nigerians are ready to demand greater accountability from those in government.
