Comedian Acapella says he received threats after slamming Lagos commissioner
Popular Nigerian comedian Acapella has revealed he received threats and intimidating messages after criticizing Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, over the commissioner’s response to claims that Lagos “smells”.
The controversy began when influencer Scott Iguma posted a viral video claiming that Lagos has a foul odor and is filled with large mosquitoes. In response, Commissioner Wahab alleged that people from other states who move to Lagos in search of opportunities were spreading false narratives on social media to damage the city’s image.
Acapella fired back at the commissioner, accusing him of double standards and being biased against Nigerians based on their state of origin or ethnicity. His reaction sparked heated online debates and a wave of backlash from some Lagos government supporters.
Taking to his X handle on Tuesday, May 20, Acapella revealed that since speaking out, he had received several direct messages and calls threatening him.
“Over the past days, as expected, I’ve received several DMs and few calls making empty threats here and there,” he wrote.
He used the opportunity to emphasize national unity, calling on Nigerians not to be silenced for pointing out problems in society.
“Let me make it clear, that no Nigerian is more Nigerian than any other Nigerian. Don’t let anybody gaslight you into believing you are de-marketing the country; especially when you point out the ills that befall us as a nation,” he added.
“The first step to solving any problem is to first identify there’s one. We are all we have.”
Acapella ended his post with a calm but firm conclusion:
“I hope with these few points of mine… I rest my case for now.”
The incident highlights the ongoing tension around free speech, criticism of government officials, and issues of identity and belonging in Nigeria’s most populous state.
