Nigerian actor and comedian Ayodeji Richard Makun, popularly known as ‘AY’, has said his decision to postpone his Warri show was personal and should not be used to judge or pressure other entertainers.
Reacting to public discussions following the abduction of children and teachers in Oyo State, AY said the decision was driven by personal reflection, empathy and a sense of responsibility, not public pressure.
The comedian also criticised what he described as unfair scrutiny of entertainers during national crises. He noted that while celebrities are often criticised for promoting shows, films or music, many businesses and public institutions continue their normal activities.
AY argued that speaking up on national issues is a shared responsibility. According to him, real change requires collective action from citizens, the media, civil society, leaders and entertainers.
He urged Nigerians to stop measuring compassion by whether someone promotes a show, releases a song or posts online.
Makun wrote:
“I recently postponed my show in Warri. That decision was mine. It came from a place of personal reflection, empathy and responsibility. Nobody pressured me into it, and nobody deserves credit for it. I simply did what I felt was right at this moment.
“However, my personal decision should not become a measuring stick used to judge or bully others. Every time our nation experiences a tragedy, entertainers are expected to suspend their lives and careers to prove they care. If a musician releases a song, they are called insensitive. If a filmmaker promotes a movie, they are called insensitive. If a comedian advertises a show, they are called insensitive.
“Yet the rest of society continues to function. Markets remain open. Banks remain open. Fuel stations remain open. Businesses continue to trade. Airlines continue to fly. Government offices continue to operate. Life goes on.
“So why is it only one group of Nigerians that must constantly prove their compassion by shutting down their livelihoods? Empathy matters. Speaking up matters. Using our platforms to draw attention to national issues matters. But these responsibilities belong to all of us, not just celebrities. Meaningful change comes from collective action, not selective outrage. There is also another reality many people overlook.
“When public figures are constantly pushed to become the face of every protest, every confrontation and every political battle, they often become targets. They become vulnerable to attacks, intimidation, victimisation, blacklisting and consequences that many of the people encouraging them from behind their phones will never share. When the dust settles, those individuals are often left alone to deal with the repercussions. This does not mean we should be silent.
“It simply means that advocacy must be responsible, collective and sustained. No one person can carry the burden of an entire nation. The entertainer has a role. The media has a role. The citizen has a role. Civil society has a role. Leadership has a role.
“Let us stop measuring compassion by whether someone posted a flyer, released a song, promoted a movie or organised a show”.
