Nigerian comedian Lasisi Elenu has stirred up social media after sharing his feelings of nostalgia for former President Muhammadu Buhari, sparking a wave of conversations among his followers. Known for his humorous approach to societal issues, the popular comedian surprised many when he admitted that, despite his previous jokes and critiques, he now misses Buhari’s leadership amidst the current challenges facing the country.
Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Lasisi, whose real name is Nosa Afolabi, posted a recording of a heartfelt voice note he had privately sent to the former president. In the emotional message, Lasisi can be heard struggling to hold back tears as he speaks candidly about his longing for the former administration. “I’m not sending you this message on behalf of anyone,” he said. “I think I owe it to myself and my family. I never thought I would be here doing this at this time. First, I don’t even know how to say this. I miss you. God help me na die I dey.”
The comedian’s emotional message caught many off guard, given that his social media presence is typically filled with lighthearted content and humorous skits. However, his recent post reflects the growing frustrations and economic hardship being experienced by many Nigerians. Since Buhari left office in May 2023, there has been a noticeable shift in the country’s economic situation, with rising inflation, fuel scarcity, and increasing costs of living weighing heavily on the population. For many, the current state of affairs has led to widespread dissatisfaction and a sense of nostalgia for the previous government.
Lasisi’s post quickly went viral, sparking mixed reactions across social media. While some fans found his message relatable, agreeing that things were more manageable during Buhari’s tenure, others felt the post was controversial, pointing out that Buhari’s presidency was far from perfect. The comment section of his post quickly filled with both support and criticism, reflecting the diverse views Nigerians hold about the former leader.
Supporters of Lasisi’s sentiment argued that, despite the criticisms Buhari faced while in office, his government provided a semblance of stability and control. They highlighted some of his policies aimed at improving security and fighting corruption, noting that while not everything was perfect, the current situation had deteriorated significantly. Many expressed frustration with the new administration, claiming that the economy had worsened, leaving ordinary Nigerians struggling to make ends meet. For these fans, Lasisi’s voice note resonated deeply, capturing a growing sense of longing for a more stable time in Nigeria’s recent past.
On the other hand, critics of the post were quick to remind the comedian and his followers of the numerous challenges faced during Buhari’s presidency. While Buhari had supporters, his time in office was also marked by widespread discontent over issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and allegations of human rights abuses. Some pointed out that, under Buhari, Nigeria experienced severe economic recessions, currency devaluation, and fuel price hikes. They argued that while the current situation may be difficult, Buhari’s administration had its own significant shortcomings, and longing for his return to power was misguided.
Some commenters took a more humorous approach to Lasisi’s post, in keeping with the comedian’s usual style. Memes and jokes flooded social media, with some playfully suggesting that Lasisi should run for office himself if he believed he could do a better job. Others jokingly sympathized with his message, echoing the sentiment of missing Buhari but adding a comedic twist to the conversation.
As the debate unfolded, it became clear that Lasisi’s post had touched on a deeper issue many Nigerians are grappling with – the sense of uncertainty about the country’s future. With the economy in turmoil and daily life becoming more challenging, some citizens are beginning to look back at past leadership with a sense of nostalgia, despite the flaws and controversies that may have existed. Lasisi’s emotional outburst seemed to capture the mood of those who feel let down by the current state of the nation, and his voice note served as a reflection of the larger conversation surrounding governance in Nigeria.
The comedian, who has built his career on using humor to comment on serious societal issues, has once again managed to spark meaningful conversations, albeit unintentionally. His ability to blend humor with social commentary has made him one of Nigeria’s most beloved entertainers, and his latest post only reinforces his relevance in shaping public discourse.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its economic challenges, the conversations sparked by Lasisi’s message are likely to persist. Whether people agree or disagree with his sentiments, the underlying issues of frustration, hardship, and nostalgia for the past will remain key themes in the ongoing national dialogue. In the meantime, Lasisi Elenu’s followers will be watching closely to see how the comedian continues to use his platform to address the pressing issues facing the country.
In the end, Lasisi’s heartfelt post serves as a reminder that, even in the world of comedy, moments of vulnerability can create space for serious reflection and debate. While his message may have been unexpected, it has provided an opportunity for Nigerians to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and engage in a broader conversation about the direction of the country. As the responses to his post continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Lasisi Elenu has once again captured the nation’s attention, this time in a way that blends both humor and heartfelt emotion.
