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Veteran Nollywood actor Patrick Doyle has taken a swipe at entertainers who openly align with politicians for personal gain, describing such behaviour as a product of unchecked greed.
Doyle made the remarks during an interview on Oyinmomo TV, where he expressed disappointment over what he described as the growing trend of celebrities using their influence to seek financial rewards and favours from political figures. According to him, entertainers who are financially comfortable have a responsibility to represent the interests of ordinary Nigerians rather than pursue private benefits through political endorsements.
The 64-year-old actor argued that many entertainers are already well provided for through their professional earnings and should therefore prioritise advocacy and public good over material gain.
“Many of the entertainers are greedy. Because if you consider the entertainment industry very well, actors are getting fed well from their income,” he said in Yoruba.
“And if you are comfortable and you want to contribute, you should not be looking for personal benefits again. They should speak on behalf of the masses.”
Doyle further alleged that some entertainers who campaign for politicians often end up quarrelling among themselves over financial compensation after their political engagements, exposing the true motives behind their actions.
“Most of those entertainers who campaigned in my presence, you would actually think they are really campaigning for that person, and when they are done, you will still see the entertainers fighting themselves over the financial benefit.
“The problem is just greed.”
Beyond financial motives, Doyle also raised concerns about the increasing overlap between entertainment and politics, warning that the creative industry risks losing its independence. He stressed that acting and artistic expression should remain free from political control and government interference.
“For years, the line between the stage and the state has blurred, with a swelling tide of entertainers stepping off the screen and onto the soapbox, declaring their political loyalties for all to see,” he said.
“The spark of that involvement had ignited a wildfire during the last presidential election. The entertainment industry found itself split down the middle, fractured by clashing presidential allegiances.
“Some actors became targets and were subjected to physical and online abuse.”
Doyle’s comments come against the backdrop of ongoing complaints from several Yoruba actors who actively campaigned for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election. Some of these entertainers have recently alleged that they were not adequately compensated or rewarded as promised, sparking public debates about the ethics of celebrity political endorsements.
The veteran actor’s remarks have since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians agreeing that public figures should use their platforms responsibly and avoid turning political participation into a transactional venture.
By speaking out, Doyle has reignited discussions about integrity, responsibility, and the role of entertainers in shaping public opinion, urging his colleagues to place societal interest above personal ambition.
Watch him speak below:
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#NollywoodTimes
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