Yoruba actors clash over Tinubu, Obi

The 2023 presidential election has widened the divisions in the Yoruba movie industry, as some of the major players are now battling it out.

The highly anticipated election saw Nigerian entertainers expressing their support for different candidates, especially along ethnic lines.

The support of this actor is mainly divided between three candidates: Bola Tinubu from All Progressive CongressPeter Obi of the Labor Party and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The likes of Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Chidi Mokeme and others stood firm in the presence of Mr. Obi.

Others like Seyi Law, Toyin Abraham and Brymo have shown unwavering support for Mr. Tinubu, while BBNaija’s Frodd is strongly for Atiku.

As Nigerians gathered to vote for their preferred candidates on Saturday, the final results were yet to be announced.

Squabbles

With the results yet to be announced, some female actors have been fighting, secretly or openly, as many say political money.

Most actors, especially those of Yoruba extraction, consider the Lagos State Parks Management Committee Chairman, Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, a benefactor.

As a result, they consider those working against MC Oluomo, one of Mr. Tinubu’s frontline supporters, to be traitors.

From observation, actresses like Mary Igwe and Lizzygold have fought against Eniola Badmus.

Adunni Ade is also at loggerheads with Bukky Adekogbe, while Iyabo Ojo and Nkechi Blessing are already hot with Dayo Amusa.

Many actors in Mr. Tinubu’s camp also accused those in Mr. Obi’s camp of selling out even though all the former Governors of Lagos State have done for them individually and as an industry.

Saga of false results

When the election results started coming in from the various polling units, actress Iyabo Ojo posted and celebrated figures showing that the LP candidate is gathering numbers.

Meanwhile, actor Adams Kehinde, aka Lege, accused her of posting fake results online. Lege urged his followers to wait for INEC results.

“I can’t be silent anymore. As Nigerians, please, INEC has the final say. Miss Iyabo Ojo, you’re the one I’m talking about. You are posting fake results to convince people in Nigeria. Please, all Nigerians, Iyabo Ojo is posting fake results,” he said in the video.

Also, movie fans were quick to point out that Ojo has benefited directly from Mr. Tinubu’s kindness.

Godfather, not president

After receiving flak for allegedly submitting fake election results and turning her back on the APC presidential candidate after rendering some assistance to herself and her family, Ms. Ojo, 45, made a video where she tried to justify her refusal to support Tinubu’s candidacy.

He said he considers APC supporters as kings and godfathers, not the president.

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He said, “I believe he is a very good and intelligent man, but I believe he is old and his health will not allow him to solve the problems of Nigeria. The problems of Nigeria are very important, and humanity should now rest, sit down and give orders to the people- the person who will be chosen to guide us.

“I see him as a king, a godfather, but I don’t see him as my president. Whether he wins or not, I don’t support Buhari.

Campaign pittances

Another actress, Adunni Ade, came for her industry friend, who said she worked for an APC politician for two months and was only paid the sum of N90,000.

Although she declined to name the individual, the light-skinned actress said she doesn’t care who she’s campaigning for, but the lack of empathy bothers her.

Speaking to his friends, he said, “Many of you leave your house, sit in some places for two months and get paid peanuts. You fight yourselves; they pay you peanuts. I have a picture of someone who got N90,000 after wasting his life damn for two months campaign for him.

‘You are under the sun, receiving abuse, curses above your head. It made my own life and my children’s future. As I said before, you can choose whoever you want; I donAsare, but always let the guilty conscience be; Ie removed you.”

However, actress Bukky Adekogbe Raji, popularly known as Aminatu Papapa, took Ms Ade’s post personally and made a video talking about her using derogatory words.

Speaking in Yoruba, Aminatu Papapa noted that he only came for his friend, MC Oluomo, who is in need. Another actress, Ronke Oshodi Oke, liked the post.