Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has weighed in on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) recent clampdown on naira abuse, particularly targeting entertainers. Speaking during an interview on Nollywood On Radio, the actor acknowledged the importance of respecting the naira but questioned the agency’s selective approach to enforcement.
Okanlawon emphasized that while cultural practices like spraying money at events may be deeply rooted, they should not be exempt from scrutiny. However, he pointed out that Nigeria’s broader culture of neglect, especially in terms of maintenance and accountability, contributes to the issue.
“Just because something is cultural doesn’t make it right,” he said. “We have a culture where we don’t emphasize maintenance. Now they’re saying, ‘Respect the naira, respect your country’—maybe that’s a start.”
Despite recognizing the symbolic significance of the naira, the actor raised concerns about the EFCC’s prioritization, particularly when widespread corruption involving officials and institutions remains rampant.
He argued that if the EFCC were more consistent in tackling high-level corruption, its credibility would be stronger. “This move to clamp down on entertainers feels excessive considering the many other issues we face. If the public regularly saw corrupt politicians or organizations being held accountable, we’d be more inclined to take such enforcement seriously.”
Okanlawon concluded that public trust would grow if the EFCC demonstrated fairness across all sectors. “People would be more willing to comply with rules like banning money spraying if they believed the agency was genuinely acting in the country’s best interest.”
His comments come amid a wave of actions by the EFCC against celebrities for alleged naira mutilation. Notable figures such as Bobrisky and Cubana Chief Priest were arrested and prosecuted, while others, including Iyabo Ojo and AY Makun, were invited for questioning over similar incidents.
