Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, better known as Ruggedman, has revealed why he ceased supporting the controversial activist VeryDarkMan.
In a recent episode of the Echoo Room podcast, Ruggedman explained that his support waned when VeryDarkMan began intruding into people’s personal lives. He criticized the activist’s shift in focus from legitimate causes to personal attacks.
Ruggedman stated, “I liked VeryDarkMan in the beginning when he started with the whole NAFDAC number issue. But when he began delving into personal matters, especially concerning women, it seemed to me that he was losing his direction.”
He likened VeryDarkMan’s approach to a policeman using force as the first resort instead of a last one, emphasizing that a professional should handle criticism with more finesse. “If someone says something against you, there’s a way to address it without resorting to personal attacks. That’s just my perspective,” he added.
Ruggedman highlighted that VeryDarkMan’s initial focus on exposing products without NAFDAC numbers was commendable. However, he now finds the activist’s focus on personal disputes, such as those involving actress Iyabo Ojo and her daughter, problematic.
He continued, “His approach has shifted. He was originally calling out people for selling products without NAFDAC approval, which was great. But now, his focus seems to be on personal issues. The way he’s involved in these private matters is what I disagree with.”
Ruggedman also linked VeryDarkMan’s behavior to recent controversies, such as those involving celebrities like Mohbad, Iyabo Ojo, and Tonto Dikeh, suggesting that such personal attacks were bound to provoke responses.
“In the end, his approach to activism is what I’m not comfortable with. It’s a distraction from his original cause,” Ruggedman concluded.
