Veteran Yoruba actor, Olaiya Igwe, has publicly apologized to Nigerians for his controversial act of going naked to pray for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections. The apology comes in the wake of widespread backlash, with many attributing the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians to President Tinubu’s policies.
In a video titled “Apologies to all my fans,” shared on his YouTube page, Olaiya Igwe addressed the criticism surrounding his unorthodox prayer gesture. The actor explained that his actions were guided by what he claimed to be a divine revelation and expressed regret for any unintended consequences.
“I went naked at the beach to pray for Tinubu based on revelation. I supported him as payback because he is my benefactor. Nigerians, please don’t be angry. You see me as one of those who brought this hardship to the country. I accept,” he stated.
Acknowledging the public’s frustration, Igwe offered an apology to those who felt influenced by his actions to support President Tinubu during the elections. He attributed the ongoing criticism to the current state of the country, emphasizing that if conditions had improved, the backlash might have been less severe.
With a plea directed towards President Tinubu, Olaiya Igwe urged the leader to address the unmet expectations of Nigerians. He called for the establishment of a monitoring team to ensure that appointed officials deliver on promises and plans made to the citizens.
This development follows recent expressions of discontent by Nigerians, including well-known Tinubu supporter and musician Kwam 1, who voiced dissatisfaction with the prevailing economic challenges in the country.