In a revealing discussion on the latest episode of the Echoo Room podcast, renowned Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, widely known as Ruggedman, shared insights into why he distanced himself from the controversial activist VeryDarkMan.
Ruggedman explained his initial admiration for VeryDarkMan’s activism, particularly his efforts to expose products lacking a NAFDAC number. However, he expressed disappointment when the activist began intruding into individuals’ private lives, especially targeting women. “I liked VeryDarkMan in the beginning when he started with the whole NAFDAC number thing but when he started going personal into people’s private lives, especially with women. That to me, he is just distracting himself,” Ruggedman noted.
He further criticized VeryDarkMan’s tactics, comparing them to a police officer resorting to extreme measures prematurely. “So even if someone says something against you there is a way you should address it. Not your mama, your papa. You don’t catch me doing that but that’s me,” he added.
Ruggedman highlighted a particular incident involving actress Iyabo Ojo and her daughter, which he felt exemplified the activist’s misplaced focus. He attributed some of VeryDarkMan’s recent controversies to comments made about celebrities like Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh during the Mohbad situation. “Now you can’t say something like that and don’t expect people to respond. So he started it. That’s what I meant by people’s private lives,” Ruggedman concluded.
The rapper’s remarks shed light on the complexities of activism and the importance of maintaining professional boundaries.
