Actor Yul Edochie Faces Backlash for Discouraging Nigerians from Protesting Over Hardship After Meeting with Tinubu’s Son

Popular Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has faced backlash after calling on Nigerians to shun the upcoming “Days of Rage” nationwide protest. The protest, set for August 2024, aims to address exacerbating hunger, economic hardship, and misgovernance under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The protest is tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

Yul Edochie made his appeal on Friday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, barely 24 hours after meeting with President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu. Despite acknowledging the country’s current hardships, Edochie expressed concerns that the protest might be hijacked by hoodlums, leading to property destruction and violence, as seen during the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality.

Edochie wrote: “It’s affecting everyone. I believe all will be well. Protest is not the answer. People take advantage of protests to break into other people’s shops, steal, destroy properties, hurt and kill innocent Nigerians who are already going through a lot. In the end, the aim of the protest will be defeated.”

He further added, “Remember what happened during End Sars. Protest is not the answer. Let’s be patient. Let’s keep speaking out and doing all we can to help out.”

Edochie emphasized that President Tinubu is aware of the situation and is working to address the challenges: “He listens, and he’s doing all he can to make things right. Fellow Nigerians, let’s be patient.”

Edochie’s comments followed a meeting with Seyi Tinubu, where he discussed upcoming projects for Nigerian youths, endorsed by Seyi Tinubu. The project, dubbed “RELAX, JAGABAN WILL FIX NIGERIA movement,” promises life-changing initiatives for the youth and broader Nigerian populace.

However, many Nigerians have criticized Edochie, accusing him of tarnishing the reputable Edochie family name, which his father, veteran actor Pete Edochie, had built over the years.

One critic, @lonewolfgadfly, wrote: “Your father is a highly respected man all over Nigeria, Africa and the entire known world. That’s because he built a reputation for himself over the years and put the Edochie family name on the ‘world map.’ So, the reputation your father started building even before you were born is what you have put yourself on a mission to destroy? See how you are intentionally staining your white. While you have your fundamental human right to free association, please respect the sensibilities of the numerous Nigerians going through the serious hardship that Tinubu and his cohorts have caused Nigeria at this time. Oga abeg! Show some respect to your family.”

Another user, @sunnshyn01, expressed disappointment: “With due respect brother, your ancestors will be highly disappointed in you.”

User @Patrickchiugo added, “Even your papa no fit stop the protest.”

Despite the backlash, Edochie remains firm in his stance, urging Nigerians to be patient and constructive in their approach to addressing the nation’s challenges.