Nollywood veteran Fatai Adekunle Adetayo, famously known as Lalude, is pulling back the curtain on a painful political performance, not one from a script, but from real life.
Speaking on the Behind the Fame podcast, Lalude recounted how he and fellow actors campaigned on foot for over seven weeks in support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—only to be ghosted after the votes were won.
“We did everything. We walked, we sweated. They promised us, but in the end… nothing.”
Their only reward? A ₦10,000-a-day food stipend, which also stopped without warning. Not a single kobo more.
From Promises to Silence: The ₦1.5 Million That Vanished
The situation grew more controversial when Lalude dropped a name: MC Oluomo, Lagos’ transport union boss and key campaign mobilizer. According to Lalude, MC Oluomo promised him and fellow actor Alapini ₦1.5 million each for their relentless support.
But the money never came. Not a word. Not a transfer. Just radio silence, as if their loyalty was a disposable commodity.
Stars on the Streets, Campaign Cars Zooming By
Lalude painted a sobering image: actors marching in the scorching sun while campaign vehicles whizzed past, their occupants waving, honking—or ignoring them entirely. They weren’t on a campaign tour. They were the campaign, underfed, unpaid, and now unheard.
“We were on foot every day. The cars were there… but not for us.”
Alapini Echoes the Pain: “I Regret It All”
This isn’t a lone voice in the wilderness. Veteran actor and comedian Alapini backed Lalude’s account, saying he deeply regrets his involvement in the campaign. He described the aftermath as a “bitter letdown” and vowed never to be used again in such a way.
Message to 2027: “We’re Not Playing This Time”
Lalude’s remarks weren’t just laments—they were a warning shot: “They will still come again by 2027. But we’re waiting for them.”
The line rang like a prophecy. A generation of once-willing celebrity campaigners may now demand contracts, not just promises.
What This Story Uncovers
The limits of star power: Fame may attract political interest, but it doesn’t guarantee fair treatment.
MC Oluomo under scrutiny: With Lalude publicly naming him, questions mount about how grassroots mobilizers are treated.
Celebrities as pawns? This episode shines a harsh light on how entertainers are courted pre-election, then cast aside post-victory.
Curtain Call: Nollywood’s New Narrative?
In a nation where elections often involve massive public endorsements from movie stars, musicians, and comedians, Lalude’s outcry may mark a turning point. With 2027 in sight, the politics-entertainment pipeline will need to do more than smile for cameras.
Because this time, the script has changed—and actors like Lalude aren’t afraid to flip the page.
