Nigerian singer Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, and Lauretta Onochie, special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on social media, engaged in war of words on Twitter over Wizkid’s comment on police brutality.
The issue started after the multiple-award winning singer berated President Buhari on Twitter, Sunday for wishing American President, Donald Trump a quick recovery from COVID-19 at a time when police brutality generated public outcry.
Replying to the tweet, Wizkid described Buhari as an “old man” who should focus more on issues in Nigeria rather than in the United States.
Donald trump is not your business!
Old man! Police/Sarz still killing
Nigerian youth on a daily! Do something!
Nothing concern u for America!
Face your country !! https://t.co/thxmoYb7VE— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) October 4, 2020
The singer spoke on the heels of reinvigorated protests against the actions of the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS) after a video trended online depicting a man allegedly shot in Delta by operatives of the special unit.
In her reaction, Onochie dubbed the singer a “dumbkid”, who was insensitive and childish in the way he addressed the president, adding that he might learn respect when he grows up.
She said, “Its not disrespectful to call anyone old. Its the way and manner Ayo Balogun addressed the President that leaves a sour taste in the mouth. He exhibited crass ignorance, insensitivity and childishness. But hey, he’s a #DumbkidNotWhizKid When he grows up, he might learn respect.”
Wizkid responded, calling the presidential aide out for resorting to name-calling, adding that she should be “ashamed of herself.”
He also said that he addressed Buhari according to his age, questioning Onochie’s actions in the face of police brutality of young people.
He said, “lol a 77 year old man is not young ma.. You are a woman and a mother and kids are getting killed by police/sars and this is all you have to say? shame on you!!! shame on you!! I am a father and age has nothing to do with demanding for a better governance in my country!!”
lol a 77 year old man is not young ma.. You are a woman and a mother and kids are getting killed by police/sars and this is all you have to say? shame on you!!! shame on you!! I am a father and age has nothing to do with demanding for a better governance in my country!! https://t.co/AtIFV7ETny
— Wizkid (@wizkidayo) October 6, 2020
Recall that as a fallout of protest, the Inspector-general of police (IGP) had announced the ban of SARS from embarking on routine patrols and search duties.
Another Nigerian singer, Naira Marley yesterday canceled his planned protest against police brutality in the country.