Speaking out about the kidnapping of Oyo, AY Makun criticizes selective outrage.
Ayodeji Richard Makun, also known as “AY,” is a Nigerian actor and comedian. He has stated that his decision to postpone his Warri show was personal and should not be used to criticize or put pressure on other performers.
In response to public debates that followed the kidnapping of children and educators in Oyo State, AY stated that the choice was motivated more by introspection, empathy, and a sense of duty than by outside pressure.
The comedian also took issue with what he saw as unfair scrutiny of performers in times of national emergency. He pointed out that although celebrities are frequently chastised for endorsing television programs, movies, or songs, many companies and governmental organizations carry on with their regular operations.
Speaking out on national issues is a shared responsibility, according to AY. He contends that citizens, the media, civil society, leaders, and entertainers must work together to bring about true change.
He asked Nigerians to stop judging someone’s compassion based on whether they post online, promote a show, or release a song.
The comedian also took issue with what he saw as unfair scrutiny of performers in times of national emergency. He pointed out that although celebrities are frequently chastised for endorsing television programs, movies, or songs, many companies and governmental organizations carry on with their regular operations.
Speaking out on national issues is a shared responsibility, according to AY. He contends that citizens, the media, civil society, leaders, and entertainers must work together to bring about true change.
He asked Nigerians to stop judging someone’s compassion based on whether they post online, promote a show, or release a song.
Makun penned:
“I recently had to postpone my Warri show. I made that choice. It originated from a place of introspection, compassion, and accountability. I wasn’t forced to do it, and no one should take credit for it. I just did what I thought was appropriate at the time.
But my personal choice shouldn’t be used as a yardstick for criticizing or intimidating other people. Every time a tragedy strikes our country, performers are expected to put their lives and careers on hold to show that they care. A musician is deemed insensitive if they release a song. A filmmaker is considered insensitive if they advertise a film. A comedian is deemed insensitive if they promote a show.
However, society as a whole still operates. The markets are still open. Banks are still open. Fuel stations are still open. Companies are still trading. Airlines are still operating. Government offices are still in operation. Life continues.
So why does only one group of Nigerians have to shut down their means of subsistence in order to continuously demonstrate their compassion? Empathy is important. It’s important to speak up. It is important to use our platforms to raise awareness of national issues. But we all have these obligations, not just famous people. Collective action, not selective outrage, is what brings about meaningful change. Many people also fail to acknowledge another reality.
“Public figures frequently become targets when they are continuously pressured to be the face of every demonstration, conflict, and political struggle. They become susceptible to assaults, threats, victimization, blacklisting, and repercussions that many of the people who support them from behind their phones will never disclose. Those people are frequently left on their own to handle the fallout after the dust settles. This does not imply that we should keep quiet.
It simply means that advocacy needs to be sustained, responsible, and group-oriented. The weight of an entire country cannot be borne by one individual. The performer has a part to play. The media plays a part. Every citizen has a part to play. There is a role for civil society. There is a role for leadership.
“Let’s stop gauging compassion based on whether someone organized a show, put up a flyer, released a song, or advertised a film.”
