A fresh war of words has broken out between Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Ayekooto Akindele over comments made by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the role of successful entertainers in supporting Nigerians.
The exchange followed Falz’s criticism of the First Lady after she urged top Afrobeats artistes to spend less on luxury cars and instead invest more in charitable causes and support for small businesses.
Ayekooto, reacting to the rapper’s comments, accused him of speaking “jargons” and claimed the First Lady’s appeal was not directed at him.
The APC chieftain made his remarks in a post on his verified X account, where he also took a swipe at Falz’s music career.
“Falz, stop talking jargons. The First Lady didn’t mention your name, she knows you yourself need help due to career capsizing. She only mentioned Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy,” Ayekooto wrote.
“So, why you’re the one replying is what I don’t understand.”
The exchange is the latest in a series of public debates involving politicians and celebrities over the responsibilities of government and wealthy individuals in addressing poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria.
The controversy began after the First Lady spoke during an event in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, on Saturday.
Addressing some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, she appealed to them to channel more of their wealth into helping struggling Nigerians, particularly small business owners.
According to her, many young entrepreneurs require financial support to grow their businesses, while the government alone cannot meet every need.
She urged successful entertainers to consider establishing charity foundations and investing more in projects that would improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Her comments quickly attracted widespread attention on social media, with many Nigerians expressing differing opinions on whether such an appeal should come from the First Lady.
Falz, speaking during an interview on Arise Television, strongly disagreed with the suggestion that private individuals should shoulder responsibilities he believes belong primarily to the government.
According to the rapper, reducing poverty and supporting small businesses are core responsibilities of elected leaders.
He questioned why citizens and celebrities were being asked to fill gaps that government institutions were established to address.
“Why asking individuals when this is actually your job to do?” Falz asked during the interview.
“What do you mean by pressure on the government? Did anyone force you to take up the job?”
The rapper also referred to the campaign slogan “Emi Lokan,” which was widely associated with President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign.
According to him, those who sought political office should be prepared to handle the challenges that come with governing.
“The campaign slogan for this administration was ‘Emi Lokan,’ which means ‘It’s my turn,'” he said.
“From day one that you set out your political journey, this is the day you have been waiting for, so how can you come and say pressure is much on you?”
Falz’s comments generated mixed reactions across social media, with some Nigerians agreeing that governments should take primary responsibility for improving citizens’ welfare, while others argued that wealthy individuals also have an important role to play in supporting their communities.
Ayekooto was among those who defended the First Lady, insisting that her appeal was merely a call for successful entertainers to give back to society.
His response, however, went beyond defending the First Lady, as he also criticised Falz personally by suggesting that his music career had declined.
The remarks have since sparked another round of debate online, with supporters of both men exchanging views over the issue.
The disagreement comes against the backdrop of growing discussions about corporate social responsibility and philanthropy among Nigeria’s wealthy individuals.
Over the years, several Nigerian entertainers, including musicians, actors and comedians, have established foundations, donated to hospitals and schools, provided scholarships and supported victims of disasters.
Artists such as Davido, Burna Boy and Wizkid have also made charitable donations at different times, although the scale and frequency of such interventions have varied.
At the same time, many Nigerians continue to argue that while charitable giving is commendable, it should not replace the constitutional responsibility of government to provide basic services, create jobs and improve living standards.
The debate has become more prominent in recent years as the country faces rising inflation, unemployment and the high cost of living.
Economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market, have increased pressure on many households and businesses.
Government officials have maintained that the reforms are necessary to strengthen the economy in the long term, while critics argue that more support should be provided to cushion their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
Against this backdrop, comments by public officials and celebrities on poverty, economic hardship and social responsibility often generate widespread public interest and political debate.
Although neither Falz nor Ayekooto has indicated any intention to continue the exchange, their remarks have once again highlighted the differing opinions on where the responsibility for addressing poverty should lie.
While the First Lady and her supporters believe wealthy Nigerians can complement government efforts through philanthropy and community support, critics such as Falz insist that the primary duty of lifting citizens out of poverty rests with elected governments.