Bovi Rejects Pressure on Celebrities to Speak on Every Political Issue*

Popular Nigerian comedian Bovi has pushed back against the growing expectation that entertainers must publicly speak on every political or social issue, arguing that celebrities should be free to decide when and what they want to discuss.

Speaking on the debate over celebrity activism, Bovi said being famous should not automatically make an entertainer responsible for commenting on every issue affecting society.

“I don’t think we should tell people what they should be. You’re not going to say because I’m famous, I must speak on every issue,” he said.

The comedian also criticised what he described as the growing “mob mentality” surrounding public figures, noting that entertainers are often criticised whether they speak out or remain silent.

He cited comedian Seyi Law as an example, pointing out that despite his willingness to speak on political issues, he continues to face criticism from some members of the public.

“Seyi Law has been talking; now people still don’t like him. You talk, problem. You don’t talk, problem,” Bovi remarked.

He stressed that people should be allowed to choose their roles in public discourse, whether as activists, commentators, columnists or entertainers.

According to Bovi, an entertainer should be free to decide whether to become involved in political conversations without being accused of benefiting from the system simply because they choose not to speak.