Skitmaker says threats during his activism became so serious that his family considered sending him out of Nigeria
Nigerian actor and skitmaker Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has opened up about the threats he faced while speaking publicly about government and political issues, saying the situation became so serious that his family feared for their safety.
Mr Macaroni made the disclosure in an interview with Wazobia FM, excerpts of which resurfaced online on September 16, 2026. However, the interview itself is not new. The actor later clarified that it was recorded more than two years ago, although he said the issues he discussed remain relevant.
Speaking about his activism and involvement in the #EndSARS protests, Mr Macaroni said he received what he described as serious threats.
“I stopped talking about the government because I was receiving so many threats, and my family wasn’t safe,” he said.
He recalled that his mother would call him in distress over what she believed were suspicious movements around their home.
“My mom would call me crying that there are strange movements around the house. It was so bad they wanted to fly me out, but I said, ‘No, I’m staying,’” he added.
According to reports of the interview, the threats and concerns about his safety were particularly intense around the period of the #EndSARS protests. He said his family considered arranging for him to leave Nigeria, but he rejected the suggestion.
In his more recent clarification, Mr Macaroni said the threats were only part of the reason he eventually reduced his direct commentary on government.
He said he had become tired of repeatedly making the same arguments without seeing sufficient public action.
“Forget about the threats,” he wrote in a post responding to the resurfaced interview. “My issue with us as Nigerians is how we move on quickly. We complain and move on.”
He added that there was little more he could say that he had not already said repeatedly, describing the experience of repeating the same message as tiring.
Mr Macaroni has also said that he has faced criticism and abuse from some Nigerians over his political views and activism.
Mr Macaroni became one of the prominent Nigerian entertainers involved in civic activism during the #EndSARS protests of 2020.
He was arrested in February 2021 during a protest against the reopening of the Lekki Toll Gate and was subsequently released on bail. He has continued to speak publicly on issues involving governance, citizens’ rights and political participation.
He also remained politically vocal during the 2023 general election, saying he encouraged Nigerians to vote while making his own preferred choice known.
In his recent clarification, however, he said he had taken a break from repeatedly commenting on political issues.
Although the interview resurfaced in September 2026 and generated renewed attention online, Mr Macaroni made clear that viewers should not interpret it as a new account of threats he is currently facing.
His clarification stated that the interview was recorded more than two years ago, while maintaining that the broader concerns he raised about Nigerians’ response to governance issues remain relevant.