Popular Nigerian comedian and staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Law, born Lawrence Oluwaseyitan Aletile, has publicly apologized for remarks he made claiming that Nigeria is safer today than it was a decade ago.
The controversy erupted earlier this week following Seyi Law’s appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast (Season 8, Episode 1), where discussions turned to the country’s security and economic landscape under the current administration.
During a heated exchange—prompted in part by questions about ongoing insecurity—Seyi Law asserted that “Nigeria is safer now than 10 years ago.” He pointed to what he described as the Tinubu government’s success in neutralizing more bandits compared to previous administrations since the Goodluck Jonathan era.
He also questioned whether kidnappings from homes were a recent phenomenon, suggesting they were not new and implying a degree of progress in curbing widespread violence, including the relative absence of bomb blasts seen in earlier years.
The comments, shared widely across social media clips, ignited immediate and fierce backlash. Many Nigerians, grappling with persistent reports of banditry, terrorist attacks, mass abductions, and kidnappings for ransom—particularly in rural and northern regions—branded the statement as detached from reality and deeply insensitive.
Critics accused the comedian of downplaying the lived trauma of victims and their families to align with his well-known political loyalty to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu.
Online reactions ranged from outright condemnation to sarcastic memes and calls for accountability, with some users questioning the sincerity of pro-government voices amid ongoing security challenges.
Bowing to the mounting criticism, Seyi Law released a heartfelt apology video on Instagram late Thursday, addressing the public directly. In the clip, he appeared solemn and reflective, emphasizing his willingness to own mistakes.
“My fellow Nigerians, I owe you this and more,” he began. “I’m sincerely sorry for such an insensitive statement that I made on the Honest Bunch podcast. I’m not someone who would be too proud or very insensitive to apologize when he makes mistakes.”
He continued: “I had looked at that statement, and I think it is quite insensitive to those who have had an issue with kidnapping, relatives being killed and all that. I want to sincerely and unreservedly tender an apology to those whom that statement has hurt. I believe that statement is very insensitive.”
Seyi Law reiterated his regret, noting that he had reflected on how his words could wound those directly impacted by violence. He drew a parallel to a prior on-air correction he made during the same podcast episode regarding a political detail, underscoring his readiness to apologize promptly.
In a notable addition that may surprise some observers, given his history of vocal support for Tinubu, the comedian used the platform to issue a direct appeal to the president. He urged Bola Tinubu to prioritize and intensify efforts on national security, signaling a subtle shift in tone even as he maintained his broader political stance.
As reactions continue to pour in, the incident serves as a reminder of the emotional rawness surrounding insecurity in Nigeria and the delicate line public personalities walk when blending personal views, political allegiance, and national realities.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Popular Nigerian comedian Seyi Law, a vocal supporter of President Bola Tinubu, has publicly apologized and withdrawn his claim that Nigeria is safer now than 10 years ago. After facing widespread backlash for appearing insensitive to victims of ongoing kidnappings, banditry, and killings, he admitted the statement was deeply hurtful and called on President Tinubu to treat national security with far greater urgency.
WATCH HIS APOLOGY HERE
