Nollywood Veteran Lalude Exposes Betrayal by Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Campaign Teams
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s entertainment and political spheres, veteran Nollywood actor Fatai Adekunle Adetayo, popularly known as Lalude, has accused the campaign teams of President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of betrayal and non-payment. The actor’s emotional outcry, aired on June 29, 2025, during an interview on the YouTube channel “Behind the Fame”, has sparked widespread debate, exposing the often murky intersection of politics and celebrity influence in Nigeria.
Lalude, a beloved figure known for his compelling roles as a herbalist in Yoruba films, did not hold back in detailing the grueling conditions he and other celebrities endured while campaigning for the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 general elections. For one month and three weeks, they set aside their livelihoods, dedicating themselves to rallying support for Tinubu’s presidential bid and Sanwo-Olu’s gubernatorial re-election. What they expected - fair compensation and recognition turned into a bitter tale of broken promises and abandonment.
“They promised us everything,” Lalude said, his voice heavy with frustration. “We were told to name our price, but after all our efforts, we got nothing - not a dime.” The actor revealed that the campaign teams, coordinated by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) boss MC Oluomo, offered a paltry N10,000 daily for feeding, often delayed for days. While others rode in vehicles, Lalude and his colleagues trekked two to three miles daily under harsh conditions, camped for seven weeks with little support.
The promises were grand but empty. Lalude disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu himself assured financial rewards during a campaign visit, yet the funds never reached them. Suspicions of embezzlement by organizers linger, with Lalude pointing fingers at those who mishandled the governor’s pledged funds. Even more striking, Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, allegedly promised cars and N1.5 million, documented assurances that evaporated post-election. MC Oluomo personally told Lalude and fellow actor Alapini to ask for anything they desired, but these words, too, proved hollow.
The emotional toll is palpable. Lalude, who sacrificed his income for nearly two months, described feeling “used and dumped.” In a moment of raw anguish, he invoked a curse on those withholding payments, declaring, “My curse will follow them for the rest of their lives.” This dramatic response, shared widely on social media platforms like X, underscores the depth of betrayal felt by the actor and his peers, who believed their star power would be rewarded with respect and fairness.
The story broke on June 29, 2025, with outlets like “Pulse Nigeria” and “Sahara Reporters” amplifying Lalude’s claims. By June 30, “Daily Post Nigeria” and “Punch Nigeria” had joined the coverage, with X posts from accounts like @TrendingEx fueling public outrage. One post read, “We were paid ₦10k daily to trek and campaign for Tinubu. Mc Oluomo and Seyi Tinubu promised us ₦1.5M and a car. Till today, nothing.” The public’s reaction has been a mix of sympathy for Lalude and criticism of the political elite, with many questioning the ethics of exploiting entertainers for electoral gain.
This scandal raises broader questions about the role of celebrities in Nigerian politics. Stars like Lalude lend credibility and draw crowds, yet their treatment in this case paints a troubling picture of exploitation. The unfulfilled promises - cars, cash, and personal assurances highlight a pattern of leveraging fame without delivering on commitments. For Lalude, the betrayal is not just financial but personal, a wound felt by an actor who trusted in the goodwill of powerful figures.
As the dust settles, the Nigerian public awaits responses from Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, and MC Oluomo, none of whom have publicly addressed the accusations as of July 1, 2025. The silence only fuels speculation and distrust, with many wondering if this is a one-off or a symptom of deeper issues in political campaign financing. For now, Lalude’s story serves as a cautionary tale for entertainers stepping into the political arena, a reminder that promises made in the heat of a campaign can vanish as quickly as the spotlight fades.
Lalude’s courage in speaking out has not only exposed a scandal but also ignited a conversation about accountability. His words resonate with anyone who has felt overlooked or undervalued, making this more than a celebrity gossip story, it’s a human struggle for justice. As Nigerians continue to discuss this betrayal, one thing is clear: Lalude’s voice, amplified by his pain, will not be easily silenced.
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