Threats to Life and Family Safety

Popular Nigerian skit maker and social commentator, Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has revealed that threats to his life and concerns over the safety of his family forced him to reduce his public criticism of the government. Mr Macaroni made the disclosure while featuring as a guest on Wazobia FM, where he responded to questions from Nigerians who had noticed a shift in his vocal activism.

The content creator stated that his outspoken views on political issues attracted serious threats, noting that the situation became particularly disturbing when his family began experiencing fear over his safety. He disclosed that his mother would frequently call him in tears, pleading with him to be careful, while the family also noticed what he described as strange movements around their home.

At risk to my life, threats here and there, serious threats. My family had no time; they were every time calling and crying. They were calling me to say, ‘Please.’ My mother, every blessed time.

— Mr Macaroni, Skit Maker and Social Commentator, Wazobia FM

Pressure to Leave Nigeria

According to the comedian, the situation became so serious that individuals close to him suggested he leave Nigeria for his safety. However, Mr Macaroni said he rejected the suggestion, insisting that he had done nothing wrong to warrant fleeing the country. He emphasized that he was not running anywhere despite the pressure from loved ones.

Explaining why he eventually became less vocal about the government, Mr Macaroni said the safety of his family became a major consideration that he could no longer ignore. He highlighted that the surveillance around his home was a primary factor in his decision to scale back.

I stopped talking about the government because I was receiving so many threats, and my family wasn’t safe. My mom would call me crying that there were strange movements around the house. They wanted to fly me out, but I said, ‘No, I’m staying.’

— Mr Macaroni, Skit Maker and Social Commentator, Wazobia FM

Reflections on Political Activism and the 2023 Elections

Mr Macaroni also reflected on his activism following the 2020 #EndSARS protests, stressing that he did not immediately withdraw from political discourse. He remained active in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, using his social media platforms to encourage Nigerians to participate in the electoral process and vote wisely through a series of videos and tweets.

The comedian explained that although he publicly stated the candidate he intended to vote for, he did not demand that Nigerians support the same candidate. He recalled that his personal political position attracted significant insults and criticism from the public.

I said this is the person I will vote for. I did not say everybody should go and vote for this person. I said because of what I have seen, I believe this person is the best at this time to lead us, the most competent at the moment. You have the right to vote for whoever you want to vote for, but for me, this is who I will vote for.

— Mr Macaroni, Skit Maker and Social Commentator, Wazobia FM

The Personal Cost of Speaking Out

He clarified that his reduced public commentary should not be interpreted as a loss of concern about the challenges confronting Nigerians. Mr Macaroni noted that he remains affected by the country's situation, just like other citizens, but questioned the utility of repeating the same points after years of advocacy.

He concluded by acknowledging that his experience has made him deeply conscious of the personal cost associated with using a public platform to express political opinions. While he has reduced his public frequency, he noted that the issues facing the nation continue to impact him personally.

Now the situation of the country is affecting me too, just like everyone. So what do you expect me to come and say again? People always tag me on Twitter or X, ‘Mr Macaroni, you are not saying anything.’ What will I say? We said it, but it looks like we were the ones who didn’t know what we were saying.

— Mr Macaroni, Skit Maker and Social Commentator, Wazobia FM