Popular Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, known as Ruggedman, has explained why he withdrew his support for the controversial self-proclaimed activist, VeryDarkMan.
In the latest episode of the Echoo Room podcast, Ruggedman revealed that he initially supported VeryDarkMan but grew disillusioned when the activist began invading people’s private lives.
Ruggedman noted that VeryDarkMan’s approach to activism has become illogical and counterproductive.
“I liked VeryDarkMan in the beginning when he started with the whole NAFDAC number issue. But when he started delving into people’s private lives, especially women, he lost me. To me, he’s just distracting himself.”
He continued, “It’s like a policeman using his last resort—shooting—right from the start. Even if someone says something against you, there’s a better way to address it, without involving personal attacks. That’s not my style.”
Ruggedman also pointed out that while he initially admired VeryDarkMan’s efforts to call out those selling products without NAFDAC numbers, the activist has now shifted focus to issues that don’t align with his original cause.
“Now all you hear about him is his involvement in matters like Iyabo Ojo and her daughter, which is why I said I’m no longer okay with his approach. Any response he gets from them is likely a reaction to something he said first.”
Ruggedman concluded by referencing an incident where VeryDarkMan accused retired actresses of using Mohbad’s situation for clout, noting that such comments inevitably provoke backlash.
“You can’t say things like that and not expect people to respond. He started it, and that’s what I meant by involving people’s private lives,” Ruggedman added.