Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
Popular Nigerian comedian Oluwaseyitan Aletile, widely known as Seyi Law, has publicly apologised after facing widespread criticism for comments he made about Nigeria’s security situation during an interview on the Honest Bunch Podcast. The apology comes amid intense online debate and emotional responses from victims of violence and ordinary citizens who took issue with his remarks.
The controversy began when Seyi Law appeared as a guest on the podcast, where he was asked whether Nigeria is safer under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu compared with 10 years ago. In that discussion, he stated that “Nigeria is safer now than it was 10 years ago,” and suggested that bomb attacks and large-scale insurgent activities had reduced, crediting the Tinubu administration with securing the country more effectively than previous governments. His comments also included personal praise of government efforts and a comparison with past security conditions.
Although he said the remark reflected his personal viewpoint, many Nigerians interpreted it as dismissive of ongoing insecurity, including kidnappings, banditry, and rural and urban attacks that continue to affect communities across multiple regions. The response on social media was immediate and largely critical, with many users saying the statement was “tone-deaf” and failed to recognise the lived experience of families who have lost loved ones or continue to cope with violent crime. Critics emphasised that while some forms of security threats may have evolved or shifted geographically, serious violence persists in numerous states, including kidnappings in central and northern Nigeria and attacks on schools and villages.
In reaction to the backlash, Seyi Law posted a video to his social media accounts, including Instagram, in which he acknowledged that his remarks were insensitive and regretted the pain they caused. In the video, he said he had reflected on his words and realised they could be perceived as hurtful to Nigerians who have suffered due to insecurity, including those who have lost family members or had their lives disrupted by violence. He described the experience as a mistake and said he wished to extend a sincere and unreserved apology to all affected.
In the apology, Seyi Law reiterated that his intention was not to belittle the suffering of Nigerians. He said his comment was rooted in a general perspective on developments over time and not meant to undermine the daily reality of insecurity faced by many families. He said: “I’m sincerely sorry for such an insensitive statement … I want to sincerely, unreservedly tender an apology to people that statement has hurt,” and acknowledged that victims of kidnapping and other forms of violence deserve empathy and recognition.
In addition to expressing remorse, the comedian used the occasion to appeal to the federal government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity, stressing that supporting a government does not preclude demanding stronger action on critical issues like safety and national security. Observers said that his apology blurred political support with calls for accountability, noting that he reaffirmed support for the Tinubu administration while urging continued and enhanced security responses.
Seyi Law’s apology also referenced previous instances where he had publicly corrected errors in live discussions, which he used to illustrate his willingness to acknowledge and rectify mistakes. He pointed out that in an earlier segment on the same podcast, he had inaccurately referenced the political history of another public figure and corrected himself immediately, underlining his view that genuine public discourse requires openness to correction.
The public reaction to the apology has been mixed. Some Nigerians welcomed the gesture, saying it demonstrated maturity and accountability from a public figure. Others maintained that the initial statement reflected broader challenges in national discourse on insecurity, highlighting frustration with repeated downplaying of ongoing violence. Analysts have observed that when prominent personalities speak on sensitive national topics, particularly those involving violence and loss, their words carry significant weight and can rapidly influence public sentiment.
The episode has reignited national discussion on the state of security in Nigeria, with commentators, civil society organisations, and commentators using the moment to reiterate that while comparisons between security eras can be valid in analytical contexts, they must be framed sensitively to avoid diminishing the real suffering experienced by victims. Some experts argue that meaningful discussions on security must balance statistical or historical comparisons with recognition of contemporary challenges, including banditry, insurgency, kidnappings and communal conflicts affecting millions of Nigerians.
Stone Reporters note that Seyi Law’s apology comes at a time when debates over national security are intensifying, influenced by ongoing kidnappings, violent attacks and calls for strengthened government responses. The incident highlights the broader challenge facing public personalities in discussing governance issues that directly affect citizen safety, and underscores the need for empathetic communication when engaging with national concerns.
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