Actor Aremu Afolayan faces backlash for supporting President Tinubu, tenders public apology

By Folashade Olorunfemi –

Nollywood actor Aremu Afolayan has tendered a public apology following intense criticism over his dismissal of prevailing insecurity issues in Nigeria in defence of President Tinubu.

Aremu had earlier made the comments on March 15 during the launch of Eko57, a support group for President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

During the meeting, he spoke about how the President once aided his business by negotiating the reopening of Dubai borders to business owners, from which he said he made a profit in his automobile business.

He also condemned people clamouring for government intervention over insecurity, stating that anyone who goes online to demand such is “reading a script”, a remark that sparked widespread outrage.

Netizens stormed his comment section, raining insults and harsh words on him.

Reacting, Aremu posted an apology video on Thursday, begging Nigerians for forgiveness and saying he was misunderstood.

He explained that he did not intend to sound insensitive and cited a kidnapping case involving his best friend’s mother to show his awareness of the situation, while insisting he was not paid for his earlier comments.

Addressing Nigerians, he said, “To all Nigerians, please forgive me. I’m very sorry,” and announced his withdrawal from partisan politics.