- Nollywood actor Jide Awobona faced criticism for a video addressing Nigeria’s insecurity.
- He explained on Instagram that he removed the video due to feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
- Awobona’s reaction was driven by vulnerability regarding the country’s security issues.
Nollywood actor Jide Awobona has responded to the criticism that trailed a video he shared addressing Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
In a detailed post on his Instagram page dated May 31, the actor explained that he took down the video because he was emotionally overwhelmed and vulnerable while reacting to the country’s security challenges.
Awobona said many of the reactions he received were unfair, noting that people often fail to understand the personal struggles public figures deal with behind the scenes.
He stressed that his decision to delete the post was influenced by how deeply the issue of insecurity had affected him emotionally.
“Behind many smiles are pains you may never see. That is why we must be careful not to judge a book by its cover,” he wrote.
The actor added that this was not the first time he had spoken out about insecurity in Nigeria, recalling previous posts where he condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State.
He also revealed that he has personally been a victim of crime, saying he was once robbed, an experience that made him more empathetic toward Nigerians affected by insecurity.
According to him, these experiences have shaped his reactions and made him more sensitive to the pain, anger, and frustration many citizens currently feel.
Awobona appealed for calm on social media, urging Nigerians not to turn on one another when reacting to national tragedies.
“This is not the time to attack fellow Nigerians. This is not the time to tell others how they should react to tragedy, loss, fear, or frustration,” he said.
He disclosed that the video generated over a million reactions across his platforms, with responses ranging from anger to extreme comments wishing misfortune on public figures.
Despite the backlash, he maintained that he understands much of the anger stems from frustration and emotional distress within the country.
The actor further noted that celebrities are often expected to stop living normal lives when national issues arise, stressing that they are also human beings who experience fear, grief, and emotional strain.
Reflecting on past national tragedies, Awobona said the Chibok girls kidnapping still deeply affects him, adding that he tries to cope by focusing on work and other distractions to maintain his mental well-being.
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Read some comments below:
@aliuawe:“But Seyi Tinubu was at Ojude Oba with you guys jubilating and celebrating, why can’t you guys use that opportunity to speak some sense into him to talk to his father…”
@qudroh_97:“Oh please get your pity party self inside. You were smiling all through ojude oba and dancing where was this before you went there.”
@saikijoyce:“I just saw you all glammed up pictures during ojude oba. Pleeeeaaassseeee say something else.”
@iamdecorum:“You’ve literally spoken well sir 🤔”
@alade838:“Honestly, Am having a sleepless night over it..😢…”
@wumiobe:“We still went to Ojude Oba anyways…When we are supposed to turn the ojude Oba to a protest ground… Yoruba ronu!”
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