Mr. Macaroni, the renowned Nigerian actor, comedian, and social justice advocate, has once again used his platform to address issues of public concern. On January 6, 2025, the celebrated skit maker took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize Toke Benson, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, following a controversial interaction that quickly went viral.
Toke Benson is a prominent figure in Lagos State and has often been in the public eye. However, her recent confrontation with a citizen has sparked heated discussions about the behaviour of public officials.
The controversy began when a video surfaced online showing Toke Benson confronting a man who was recording her. The clip revealed Benson threatening to break the man’s phone and demanding that he leave her presence. Her words included pointed questions about who was paying the man’s salary, which many interpreted as an abuse of power.
In the video, Benson can be seen standing up and approaching the man, visibly agitated. Her actions quickly became a topic of debate among netizens, with reactions pouring in about the appropriateness of her behavior.
Macaroni’s Call for Accountability
Mr. Macaroni, known for his unwavering advocacy for justice and accountability, did not hold back in his response. He questioned Benson’s sense of entitlement, asking, “Who are you to think you cannot be recorded?” He criticised her behaviour in his trademark witty yet incisive tone, calling it a display of the arrogance often associated with political officeholders.
The comedian, who recently earned a doctorate degree in recognition of his contributions to entertainment and activism, also addressed Benson’s remarks about the man’s salary. He retorted, “Is it your money that is paying him?”
Taking his critique further, Mr. Macaroni lamented the culture of impunity among political officeholders in Nigeria. He argued that such behaviour reflects a mindset where public servants see themselves as lords and masters, expecting citizens to act as subordinates.
“Do these political officeholders undergo any leadership training at all?” Macaroni asked, highlighting the need for reform in how public officials perceive and execute their roles. He pointed out the double standards in the system, noting that if a citizen were to assault a politician, they would likely face immediate imprisonment.
As reactions to the incident continue to flood social media, the conversation has shifted beyond Toke Benson’s actions to the broader issue of how public officials treat citizens. While some argue that Benson’s reaction was justified, others believe it exemplifies a larger problem of abuse of power in Nigerian politics.
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