Olabanji made the remarks in an Instagram video on Thursday while expressing concern over the worsening conditions faced by Nigerians, particularly the challenges confronting the country’s healthcare system.
The actor, who did not identify the colleagues he was referring to, questioned why some entertainers would remain silent in the face of poor governance despite having large platforms and significant influence.
He warned that the consequences of bad governance would eventually affect everyone, including the children of celebrities who currently support political leaders for personal benefits.
According to him, entertainers should not sacrifice the long-term interests of Nigerians for immediate financial or material gains.
“Don’t destroy people’s lives because of what you are benefiting from bad leaders. Those who supported bad leaders in the past are responsible for the hardship that Nigerians are going through today,” he said.
‘We Have Opportunity to Speak’
Olabanji argued that many celebrities have the visibility and public influence needed to speak out against policies and practices they believe are hurting Nigerians.
He said the failure of public figures to hold political leaders accountable could have serious consequences, particularly in areas such as healthcare.
“We contributed to where Nigeria is today. Yet, we keep supporting evil. Many Nollywood stars are on sick beds today because of nonchalant behaviour. Many of us have the opportunity to speak truth to power, but we refuse to do so simply because of our stomach infrastructure,” he said.
The actor maintained that sustained pressure from citizens and influential public figures could have encouraged successive governments to improve critical sectors of the economy.
He particularly highlighted the healthcare system, arguing that Nigerians should not have to leave the country to receive treatment for illnesses that could be managed locally if adequate facilities and expertise were available.
“If many of us had been telling our government the truth, it’s possible they would have provided Nigerians with good hospitals by now,” he said.
According to Olabanji, Nigeria should have hospitals capable of treating a wide range of illnesses and providing quality care without patients having to travel abroad.
Actor Questions Political Campaign Support
The actor also took aim at colleagues who allegedly participated in political campaigns by distributing food items such as rice and beans to voters.
Without naming individuals, he questioned whether the financial benefits they received for campaigning during the 2023 general elections had provided any lasting value.
“We have seen actors sharing rice and beans for the government. They turned themselves into politicians’ slaves. Is the money they paid you in 2023 still useful to you today?” he asked.
Olabanji argued that short-term financial rewards should not be allowed to overshadow the long-term needs of entertainers and their families.
He referenced the rising cost of living, including fuel prices, as evidence of the economic pressure facing ordinary Nigerians.
“Fuel is now N1,400, yet we keep supporting them. You forget that you have children,” he said.
“Can the money you received for the campaign build your children’s future?”
Healthcare and Welfare Concerns
Olabanji’s criticism was also driven by concerns over the difficulties faced by sick Nigerians and entertainers who often have to rely on public appeals for financial assistance when they require medical treatment.
He questioned why actors should have to turn to social media to raise money for medical bills when the country should have a healthcare system capable of supporting its citizens.
“Where can we travel to when we fall sick? If any actor is sick, we come to social media to seek financial support for them. Is it supposed to be so?” he asked.
He further criticised political leaders who, according to him, travel abroad for medical treatment while Nigerians struggle with inadequate healthcare facilities at home.
“Nigeria deserves a good health system, good electricity supply, good roads and adequate security,” he said.
The actor urged his colleagues to speak more openly about the challenges facing the country and to hold leaders accountable regardless of political affiliations or personal benefits.
He argued that better governance would ultimately benefit not only entertainers but millions of Nigerians who currently face rising living costs, inadequate healthcare and other economic and social challenges.
Olabanji’s comments add to a broader debate within Nigeria’s entertainment industry over the role of celebrities in politics and whether public figures should use their influence to advocate more forcefully on issues affecting the wider population.