Nigerian actor and comedian Ayodeji Richard Makun, popularly known as AY, has addressed reactions surrounding his decision to postpone his Warri show following the recent abduction of children and teachers in Oyo State.
Speaking amid ongoing public debate, AY clarified that his decision was deeply personal and should not be used as a benchmark to judge or pressure other entertainers. According to him, the move was driven by personal reflection, empathy, and a sense of responsibility not public expectation or external influence.
The comedian also criticised what he described as selective outrage, noting that entertainers are often unfairly targeted during national crises. He pointed out that while celebrities face backlash for promoting their work during difficult times, many other sectors of society including businesses and public institutions—continue to operate as usual.
AY stressed that speaking up on national issues is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the entertainment industry. He emphasised that meaningful change can only be achieved through collective action involving citizens, the media, civil society, leadership, and public figures.
He further urged Nigerians to stop measuring compassion based on social media activity or professional decisions such as promoting shows, releasing music, or advertising projects.
In his words:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
