Deyemi Okanlawon Weighs in on EFCC’s Crackdown on Naira Abuse: “Focus Should Be on Bigger Corruption Issues”
Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has shared his thoughts on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions’ (EFCC) recent clampdown on the abuse of the naira, particularly targeting celebrities and public figures for the popular act of money spraying at events.
Speaking on Nollywood On Radio, Okanlawon acknowledged the agency’s intent to uphold respect for the national currency but questioned the broader implications and priorities.
“Two things,” he began. “First, just because something is cultural doesn’t make it right. We have a culture that doesn’t prioritize maintenance or preservation. So, if they’re trying to teach people to respect the naira as part of respecting the country, maybe this is their way of doing that.”
However, the actor was quick to point out a more pressing concern. “The second thing is that, in a country riddled with systemic corruption, going after entertainers for spraying money feels excessive. There are far more serious crimes going on across different sectors,” he said.
Okanlawon argued that the public would be more inclined to comply with such enforcement if they consistently saw the EFCC taking down high-level corrupt politicians and officials.
“If we were hearing every day about corrupt politicians or institutions being held accountable, we’d trust that the EFCC is truly working in our best interest. And then, if they told us to stop spraying money, we’d listen—because they would have earned the moral authority to make such demands,” he concluded.
His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among Nigerians who believe that while symbolic reforms matter, deeper systemic issues demand more urgent and consistent action.
