Yoruba Union Slams Pro-Tinubu Nollywood Stars, Accuses Them Of Betraying Colleagues, Says Their Actions Contradict Movie Roles

Ikeja,  Lagos State– The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has criticised several Yoruba Nollywood actors and actresses publicly supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, accusing them of betraying struggling colleagues and ignoring the worsening hardship faced by many in the entertainment industry and the broader Nigerian society.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group questioned the moral stance of the actors and actresses, many of whom have been seen campaigning or speaking publicly in favour of Tinubu’s administration.

The statement was signed by the Convener of the union, Olusola Badero, through the organisation’s Home Director, Princess Balogun.

According to the union, it is deeply troubling that celebrities who once portrayed themselves as advocates for justice, accountability, and social morality in their movies are now openly backing an administration whose policies have pushed millions of Nigerians into deeper hardship.

The group accused the actors of hypocrisy, claiming their public support for the government contradicts the moral values they portray on screen.

“Those Nollywood actors who are constantly teaching Nigerians morality through their movies and telling stories about how society has been polluted by criminal elements and corrupt politicians are now the same people supporting what they once acted against,” they said.

The organisation further questioned whether the actors had used their access to political leaders to assist struggling colleagues within the Yoruba film industry.

“How many of your members who go to social media to beg for financial help have you taken to President Tinubu? How many of them has the President helped out of their ordeal?” the union asked.

The group explained that in recent years, numerous Yoruba Nollywood stars have taken to social media platforms seeking public donations to cover medical bills, rent, and other basic needs.

According to the statement, the union finds it disturbing that while many actors struggle to survive due to economic hardship, some prominent figures in the same industry have chosen to openly campaign for the continuation of the current administration.

“Hundreds of Yoruba Nollywood stars have been forced to come online begging Nigerians for financial assistance because the anti-people policies implemented by the same government you are campaigning for have destroyed the livelihoods of ordinary citizens,” Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá said.

The union went further to accuse some actors of attacking critics who question their political stance, describing such actions as irresponsible for individuals regarded as role models by millions of fans.

“We have seen where some selfish Nollywood actors and actresses go on public platforms, giving speeches and making defamatory statements about those who criticise them for supporting a failing party and an incompetent president seeking a second term.”

“Yoruba Union uses this medium to say that those who betrayed Yoruba people and believe they can continue to enjoy ill-gotten benefits while the majority of citizens suffer under this administration should be expecting karma.”

The group also highlighted several national challenges it said the celebrities have ignored while publicly supporting the government.

According to the union, despite rising insecurity, a growing number of out-of-school children, worsening economic hardship, and increasing tax burdens on ordinary citizens, many of the actors have failed to speak out or call on the government to respond to the suffering of Nigerians.

The union drew comparisons with the reaction of some entertainers during the administration of former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, particularly during the controversy surrounding fuel subsidy removal.

“These same people once participated in protests and activism demanding accountability when former President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to remove fuel subsidy. They occupied public spaces and demanded answers from government.”

“But today, when Nigerians are facing even more severe hardship, they have suddenly become silent or are now actively supporting the very system that is hurting the people.”

The organisation also lamented the welfare situation within the Nollywood industry itself, claiming that many actors have died due to their inability to pay medical bills.

“Many of their colleagues have died because they could not afford proper medical care. Nigeria’s healthcare system is in shambles and highly commercialised. Ordinary citizens cannot even afford treatment in public hospitals, let alone private ones.”

“Yet these same celebrities have not demanded better healthcare policies, social welfare protection, or support systems for creative industry workers.”

The union added that several actors within the Yoruba film industry reportedly struggle with homelessness and lack access to affordable housing.

“Many of their colleagues do not even have stable accommodation. Some have nowhere to sleep, yet those who claim to represent the industry have never demanded public housing programmes that would make housing affordable for ordinary Nigerians.”

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá emphasised that celebrities must understand their public responsibility, especially when they choose to publicly support political figures or policies.

“Once you are called a celebrity, you become a public figure. Your actions and inactions will be questioned by the people. Nigerians have the right to hold you accountable.”

While the group acknowledged that every citizen has the constitutional right to support any political candidate, it warned that celebrities should not misuse their influence.

“We are not dictating to you who you should support or vote for. Every Nigerian has the right to support any political candidate of their choice.”

“However, as role models who know very well that millions of your fans belong to different political parties or remain politically neutral, you should not come to the public space to display hypocrisy while your movies preach values that contradict your real-life actions.”

The union also urged Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora not to compromise their conscience for financial incentives during political campaigns.

“We call on Nigerians everywhere not to sell their conscience for peanuts. Those who sold their conscience in the past are still alive today and are regretting it.”

The statement claimed that some individuals who supported the current government are now suffering serious consequences.

“Some people who once supported this government are now captives of terrorists, while others have died due to depression and frustration caused by the economic situation in the country.”

However, the union criticised the popular political slogan “Yoruba Ronu”, which was widely used during the 2023 election season to encourage Yoruba voters to support Tinubu.

“It is time to think carefully about the present and the future of your country and your children.”

“Stop telling people ‘Yoruba Ronu’ simply because your kinsman is in power. Those who made such statements during the 2023 elections are now regretting it.”

They called on celebrities, political actors, and citizens to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians over personal gain, warning that history will judge those who remain silent in the face of widespread suffering.