Toyin Abraham Faces Backlash for Action Against Trolls Over Tinubu Support
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has come under intense scrutiny and criticism on social media for reporting trolls who attacked her online to the police. The backlash stems from her vocal support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general election.
The Origin of the Controversy: Toyin Abraham’s Support for Tinubu
During the 2022 election campaign, Toyin Abraham openly declared her support for Bola Tinubu, the eventual winner of the 2023 general election. She believed in Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ action plans, which she thought would address the nation’s issues. Abraham’s endorsement, along with support from other Yoruba movie stars, played a significant role in mobilizing support for Tinubu.
However, since Tinubu took office on May 29, 2023, Nigeria’s economy has struggled significantly. The President’s decision to remove fuel subsidies and float the naira has led to skyrocketing fuel prices and a devaluation of the currency, deepening the economic woes of many Nigerians. The adverse economic impacts have fueled public discontent, and many citizens have taken their frustration out on Abraham for her previous support of Tinubu.
Cyberbullying and Legal Actions: Toyin Abraham’s Response
As the economic situation worsened, netizens began targeting Abraham with harsh comments and curses on social media. One user, identified as #Lati, criticized her on X (formerly Twitter), leading Abraham to clarify that she was no longer involved in politics and had learned to stay away from political endorsements. Despite her efforts to distance herself from politics, the cyberattacks did not cease.
A particularly vicious attack came from a user identified as #YVRLO, who directed hateful comments towards Abraham and her family, even wishing harm upon her son. This prompted Abraham to take legal action, leading to the troll’s arrest for cyberbullying. Her spokesman emphasized that this was a stand against cyberbullying, not an abuse of power.
Another user, #Ayo, accused Abraham of using Tinubu’s money for her husband’s hair transplant, leading to Ayo’s arrest after Abraham reported him to the police. The actress defended her actions, stating that while she could tolerate personal attacks, threats to her family were unacceptable.
Public Reaction: A Divided Audience
The public reaction to Abraham’s legal actions has been mixed. Some believe she is right to stand up against cyberbullying, while others accuse her of misusing her influence to silence critics.
One vocal critic, Ajebo Danny, suggested that the public report Abraham’s new movies on Netflix if Ayo was not released, calling for a mass reporting campaign. Danny and others argue that Abraham is infringing on free speech by using the police to arrest her critics.
A user, Bayo Otedola, even tagged Elon Musk on X, hoping to draw attention to what they perceive as an abuse of power on a platform that champions free speech.
Abraham has remained steadfast in her stance, emphasizing that while she can handle personal insults, threats and curses directed at her family are intolerable. She reiterated that her reports to the police were about cybercrime and threats to life, not an attempt to suppress dissent.
The controversy surrounding Toyin Abraham highlights the complex interplay between celebrity endorsements, political outcomes, and public accountability in the age of social media. As the economic situation in Nigeria remains precarious, the debate over Abraham’s actions and their implications for free speech and cyberbullying continues to rage on.
