Veteran rapper and activist Michael Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has strongly urged Nigerians to direct their anger and demands for action at the government and security agencies over the Oyo State schoolchildren abduction, rather than piling pressure on celebrities.
In a candid interview, Ruggedman described the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State as heartbreaking while insisting that the primary responsibility for protecting citizens lies with those in power, not entertainers.
“The fact that people are looking at Nigerian celebrities to respond with urgency is absurd. Celebrities are not government officials. Neither are they the police or soldiers. These are the people whose urgent response is needed because their response will affect the lives of the people abducted in Oyo. Not celebrities. We need to focus on the people responsible for the lives of our Oyo people, and they are not celebrities.”
Ruggedman expressed sympathy for the affected families but noted that the delayed response from authorities has worsened the situation. He also highlighted the growing risks celebrities and critics face when speaking out on governance issues.
“Addressing government failure is now looking risky because we have been seeing more and more people on social media who call out failures getting attacked. Some even get arrested.”
The rapper warned that leaders intolerant of criticism risk being viewed as authoritarian.
“A person that can’t handle criticism should not be anywhere near a seat of power. You will end up looking like a dictator and hated by your people.”
On the role of religious leaders, Ruggedman acknowledged their ability to speak and demand action but stressed that actual rescue operations and security remain the government’s duty.
“Religious leaders can speak and demand, but the actions needed to protect citizens should come from government. They cannot go into the forests to rescue abducted citizens. We have people trained for such, and celebrities and religious leaders do not command them.”
This latest intervention comes amid intense public scrutiny of celebrities and public figures following the Oyo abduction, with many demanding stronger statements and involvement from influential voices. Ruggedman’s position adds a fresh perspective to the ongoing national conversation about responsibility, accountability, and the limits of celebrity influence in addressing systemic security failures.