Many Nigerians have spoken out against the celebrities that accepted the national honor.
Ayo Makun has responded to critics who questioned his decision not to reject the government’s national honor.
The comedian has declared unequivocally that receiving a national honour is the highest kind of acknowledgement for one’s efforts in nation-building, and he is delighted to accept the distinguished accolade.
Taking to Twitter, AY, the comedian expressed his views, stating, “Those of you shaming or asking me to reject ‘A National Honour’ are clearly missing a vital point. Our country is bigger and more important than any president or political party awarding it. National honour is the highest recognition anyone can get for his or her contributions to nation-building. So my allegiance is to a country where I have contributed my own quota, and I am more than happy to be rewarded by the same nation.”
Those of you shaming or asking me to reject 'A National Honour' are clearly missing a vital point. Our country is bigger and more important than any president or political party awarding it. A national honour is the highest recognition anyone can get for his or her contributions…
— AY COMEDIAN (@AYCOMEDIAN) May 29, 2023
However, not everyone shares the comedian’s viewpoint. Seun Kuti, a musician, took to Instagram to criticize the comedian for presenting an explanation for his acceptance of the prize.
Seun Kuti emphasized that the national prize is based on a presidential committee’s recommendation, which must be approved by the president.
He even taunted the comedian to receive his ‘Buhari’ award, sarcastically stating, “Let me reiterate. No be a public opinion poll them take dey choose national award na by presidential committee then the president will accept the nomination of certain people. In as much as it’s a national honour, it’s a presidential appointment. Biko, receive ur BUHARI award and stop to dey Shalaye!!!”
