Businessman Isaac Fayose has publicly disagreed with First Lady Remi Tinubu over her recent appeal to wealthy Nigerian musicians—including Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake—to establish foundations and channel their fortunes toward poverty alleviation. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Fayose rejected the First Lady’s stance, arguing that the government must first demonstrate fiscal responsibility before asking entertainers to fill the gaps.
First Lady’s appeal to Afrobeats stars
Speaking in Kogi State, Mrs. Tinubu stated that the government cannot shoulder the burden of poverty alone. She explicitly urged Afrobeats stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake to set up non-governmental organizations (NGOs) rather than spending excessively on luxury cars. Citing Akon as a positive example, she said: "I want to appeal to our young ones in the entertainment industry. I’ve mentioned it before, and I will use Akon, a music icon who does a lot of great charity work. The Burna Boys of this world, Asake, all of them, Davido. We want to see you with one foundation or the other, helping the poor with your money." She added: "Good cars are good; a Maybach is good. Rolls-Royce is good, but still you can still help. The burden on the government is huge. You can still help. There are pepper sellers. There are vegetable sellers. There are okra sellers, melon sellers, akara kulikuli. Ankara is delicious. I can tell you that."
Fayose’s counterargument
In response, Isaac Fayose—the younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose—recorded a video rejecting her position. He questioned why the First Lady previously asked state governors to buy brand-new vehicles for APC women leaders in their states, instead of using those public funds to help poor Nigerians. "I saw a video of Remi Tinubu advising Davido, Burna Boy and Asake to use their music money for charity. I disagree with you ma. You’re the one who asked state governors to buy brand-new cars for APC women leaders in their states. That money could have been used to help people too," Fayose said.
Broader context and reaction
The exchange highlights ongoing debates about the role of celebrities in social welfare and the accountability of public officials. Fayose’s criticism points to perceived hypocrisy, as he contrasts the First Lady’s call for private charity with her own request for government funds to be spent on vehicles for party loyalists. The video has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many Nigerians weighing in on whether the burden of poverty alleviation should fall on entertainers or on the government through prudent spending.
