Politics
Obidients slam AY over national award, comedian reacts
The loyalty of Ayo Makun, professionally known as AY, to nation building as defined by Obidients, an appellation for the former presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, has been questioned.
Recall that AY recently celebrated his national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), when the comedian cum actor gleefully wrote on his social media handle how honoured he felt to be listed amongst individuals adding value to the country.
“I am indeed happy to be listed amongst individuals adding value to the country in all spheres of human endeavour.Not everyone gets to enjoy that special grace that brings me nothing short of consistent favour against all odds.
“At this point permit me to reintroduce myself, I am Dr Richard Ayodeji Makun (MFR),” he wrote.
If he was banking on everyone to be happy for him, AY received the shock of his life when the Obidients demanded that he should reject the award from ‘dishonourable people’. But he kicked.
AY was one of many Nigerian celebrities that endorsed Obi and campaigned vigorously for his presidency.
“Those of you shaming or asking me to reject ‘A National Honour’ are clearly missing a vital point. Our country is bigger and more important than any president or political party awarding it. A national honour is the highest recognition anyone can get for his or her contributions to nation building. So my allegiance is to a country where i have contributed my own quota, and i am more than happy to be rewarded by the same nation,” he defended his acceptance.
While many have praised him for his great perspective, Obidients won’t let him rest.
“Osi lonso,” one wrote.
Abimbola Adaeze Oligbinde wrote: Nobody asked you to reject the award Ayo. Many of you don’t know what it means to truly stand for something and it shows. Accepting an honour from dishonourable people that you have criticised for so long is proof of your values. Own them with your big chest. No need to pander.
“I am not against you collecting the honour, but don’t say you are part of the people building Nigeria. Nigeria is bigger than you. You are only building your pocket, bro,” Awoyemi Tola Samuel advised him.
According to Alex Edemodu, AY lost an opportunity at greatness by not rejecting the award.
You just lost an opportunity to have made the greatest impact in the history of Nigeria. Going by your analysis of the situation you know that but the strength was lacking. I hope there would be another opportunity. Congratulations on your national award. You’ve paid your dues.
Danje Pategi: Mr man,you cannot be against an administration in one moment and in the next recieve any(thing) from the same government all in the name of ‘our country is bigger than any president or political party ‘.besides what do you mean you have contributes your quota?where? How?
Recall that award-winning Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, rejected conferment of national honours on her by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Following the recent conferment of national awards by the President, there have been conflicting reports about one of the announced recipients, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Some social media users say the award-winning writer rejected the award, while others say she accepted it.
“The author did not accept the award and, as such, did not attend the ceremony. She, however, did not want to create undue publicity around it, so her non-acceptance was conveyed privately,” said a member of Chimamanda’s communications team, Omawumi Ogbe.
Mr Macaroni criticises Governor Sanwo-Olu over the Independence Bridge closure, demanding accountability and better service amidst the Lagos traffic crisis
A wave of public discontent swept across Lagos as popular Nigerian actor and activist, Mr. Macaroni, launched a scathing critique against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s handling of the recent traffic chaos.
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The catalyst for this outburst? The abrupt closure of the Independence Bridge, which plunged the city into hours of gridlock on April 2, 2025.
Mr. Macaroni took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, and directly addressed the governor, stating, “The Governor does not do anyone a favour by addressing the hardship Lagosians face. It is his responbility.” He accused many citizens of accepting the barest minimum from their elected officials, which, he argued, fostered a climate of zero accountability.
“Sir @jidesanwoolu, the people pay for your nice convoy, your security, your accommodation and every other luxury your office affords you,” Mr. Macaroni continued.
He emphasised the stark contrast between the comfortable lives of government officials and the daily struggles of ordinary Lagosians.
“All of these and many more make things very easy and enjoyable for you such that you never have to deal with the pain and hardship the people suffer.
The least you can do is to serve them with utmost respect and total commitment! They don’t deserve anything less!!!”
The sudden closure of the Independence Bridge stranded countless commuters, leading to widespread frustration and anger.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s subsequent public address, intended to quell the unrest, instead ignited further debate about the government’s infrastructure management and public service delivery.
In a swift turn of events, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, intervened and reopened the bridge the following day, easing the immediate crisis.
However, the incident has left a lingering question regarding the accountability and responsiveness of Lagos State authorities.
This public confrontation highlights the growing demand for transparency and effective governance in Nigeria’s bustling economic capital.
The incident underscored the need for public officials to remember their duty to the people they serve.
Popular Afrobeats singer and record label owner, Bankole Wellington better known as Banky W will have to wait for another four years to pursue his ambition to represent his constituency at the Green Chamber of the national assembly.
This is because the Appeal Court has declared the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Thaddeus Atta, as the duly elected House of Representatives member representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos in September declared the February 25 election inconclusive.
The judges after due consideration of a petition brought by Banky W challenging Atta’s victory, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in 33 polling units where elections were not held.
Reacting to the verdict of the Lagos State Election Tribunal, LP candidate, Atta said he will continue working for the people of Etiosa despite the judgment.
He also insisted that the judges merely ordered a re-run in units election didn’t take place and that he was not sacked.
He said: “The Tribunal has simply ordered a re-run (supplementary election) in the 32 polling units where elections did not hold.
“We will continue working for Etiosa. I urge constituents to keep calm as we are unshaken. We will get through this together,”
However, the Appeal Court on Tuesday after an appeal by the LP candidate, overturned the tribunal’s verdict that the elections were conclusive and affirmed Atta’s victory.
In February, Banky W, who contested as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election was declared the runner-up to eventual winner, Thaddeus Atta, while Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came third.
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