Popular Nigerian comic actor Tunde Usman, widely known as Okele, has sparked reactions online after humorously suggesting that Nigeria should “sign” foreign presidents — just like football clubs hire coaches — to help resolve the country’s economic challenges.
Okele made the remark in a viral video shared on his Instagram page, where he lamented the rising cost of living, particularly the recent increase in the price of cooking gas.
Speaking in Yoruba, the actor compared Nigeria’s leadership situation to football management, saying the country could adopt a “transfer system” for presidents to replace underperforming leaders.
“Greetings to all Nigerians home and abroad. May God help us ease this hardship. I was just thinking about the rising prices of gas, fuel, and other things,” he said.
“If you’re a football lover, you know every club has a coach, an assistant coach, and a goalkeeper trainer. So instead of campaigning for political parties and wasting resources, why can’t Nigeria look around the world and sign any ex-president who has proven himself elsewhere to help fix our nation?”
He added that, like football clubs that hire foreign coaches, Nigeria could “sign” a president based on performance and “sack” any leader who fails to deliver.
The actor’s humorous take on Nigeria’s leadership and economic hardship has since generated mixed reactions from fans and social media users.