Nigerian Skit Maker, Mr Macaroni Says He Stopped Speaking About Government After Threats To His Family

Nigerian skit maker and actor, Debo Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has said he scaled back his public commentary on government after receiving threats which he said also raised concerns about the safety of his family.

Mr Macaroni said his mother would call him in tears after noticing what she described as strange movements around their home.

He said his family subsequently considered having him leave the country for his safety, but he rejected the suggestion and decided to remain in Nigeria.

“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 is strange movements around the house. They wanted to fly me out, but I said, ‘No, I’m staying.’”

The actor has been publicly involved in social and political advocacy, particularly on issues concerning governance, citizens’ rights and police accountability.

Mr Macaroni was among the protesters arrested by the police during the #OccupyLekkiTollgate demonstration in Lagos in February 2021.

The protest followed a decision by the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry that allowed the Lekki tollgate to reopen after the facility had become a major symbol of the October 2020 #EndSARS protests. Mr Macaroni had joined other protesters opposing the reopening of the tollgate.

During the protest, the comedian was arrested alongside other demonstrators and his phone was reportedly seized. Videos of the arrested protesters in police custody were subsequently circulated, prompting criticism from rights groups and other public figures.

Following his arrest, Mr Macaroni also spoke publicly about his treatment in police custody, alleging that officers assaulted him and other protesters. The Lagos State Police Command subsequently ordered an investigation into videos showing protesters being mistreated after their arrest.

His involvement in the #EndSARS movement and other civic campaigns has made him one of the Nigerian entertainers known for using his public platform to comment on political and social issues.

He has also participated in voter-awareness and civic-engagement campaigns, including initiatives aimed at encouraging young Nigerians to participate in elections.

However, in his latest comments, Mr Macaroni said the threats he received affected not only him but also his family, prompting him to reduce his public discussions about the government.

He said that despite the concerns surrounding his safety, he chose not to leave Nigeria when his family considered arranging for him to travel abroad.