Nigerian comedian Oluwaseyitan Aletile, popularly known as Seyi Law, has mocked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, aligning himself with the controversial stance taken by fellow comedian Mr Macaroni.
The drama began when Mr Macaroni, a popular skit maker and vocal activist, boldly declared he would continue snubbing Governor Sanwo-Olu. This declaration came after a user on social media, @OyesileJohn, criticized Macaroni for his stance, calling the comedian’s behavior a “disrespectful act” against the governor.
“I’ll Keep Snubbing the Governor”
In response to the criticism, Mr Macaroni wasted no time in defending his actions. The comedian, known for his outspoken nature and activism, posted a defiant message on his X handle, saying, “I will continue to snub your Governor. He doesn’t mean anything to me, neither do you or your father. I love that you slaves bring this issue up all the time. For every time you do, I will send you to your masters.”
Macaroni’s remarks were not just limited to a war of words. The comedian took to recounting a disturbing personal experience with the Lagos State government, citing alleged mistreatment during a previous detention. According to Macaroni, he had been “stripped naked, beaten, tortured, brutalized, and dehumanized,” actions he claims were carried out under the instruction of the authorities, who told him to “stop disturbing the governor.”
These explosive statements quickly went viral, sparking heated debates online. Supporters of the comedian rallied behind his condemnation of Sanwo-Olu, accusing the governor’s administration of mistreating civilians, while others criticized Macaroni for what they deemed as an act of defiance too far.
Seyi Law Takes Sides
As the controversy continued to spread, Seyi Law, a close friend of Mr Macaroni, joined the fray with his own scathing remarks about Governor Sanwo-Olu. In a post on his X handle, the comedian commented: “Nobody should blame Macaroni for the way he speaks to Gov. @jidesanwoolu. Gov. BOS will see me and act like he doesn’t know me, but he will be begging Macaroni for a handshake. Everybody get out.”
Seyi Law’s post, dripping with sarcasm, seemed to mock the governor for his perceived behavior of ignoring or pretending not to recognize Seyi Law while simultaneously seeking Macaroni’s handshake. The post quickly caught the attention of netizens, who were divided in their opinions. While some found the comedian’s remarks amusing, others criticized him for allegedly stoking the flames of division.
A Deepening Rift
The online spat has since escalated into a full-blown controversy, with social media users and followers of both sides taking to their handles to voice their opinions. Many supporters of Mr Macaroni and Seyi Law have rallied behind their stance, seeing the snub as a form of resistance against a government they believe has failed the people.
On the other hand, critics argue that the comedians are using their platforms to unnecessarily vilify the governor, who has long been seen as a reformist figure in Lagos politics. They argue that mocking a public official publicly, especially over personal grievances, is unprofessional and could undermine the credibility of the comedians.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has yet to comment publicly on the feud, though political analysts speculate that this incident could fuel further tension between him and the entertainment community. As one social media user commented, “The Governor’s silence might say it all. He’s allowing this to build, and who knows what could happen next.”
A History of Discontent
The tensions between Mr Macaroni and Governor Sanwo-Olu are not new. In recent years, Macaroni has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the state of affairs in Lagos, frequently calling out the government for issues such as road conditions, public safety, and the treatment of activists. The most notable of these incidents was during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, where Macaroni was among the many who were arrested by the police. His detention, which he claims involved physical abuse, only deepened his animosity toward the government.
