In a burst of sagely wisdom, Nollywood veteran, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), has advised his fans not to be deceived by the love they get on social media.
The 56-year-old former Delta State commissioner for culture and tourism gave the advice in a lengthy Instagram post on Thursday.
“If I wasn’t the six foot and some more, successful, famous, somewhat good-looking RMD, will you still love me?
“If not for the level of fame I have achieved and the success tied to my brand will you still scream my name?
“If I was a middle-aged, gray-bearded, emaciated applicant hoping to be your driver, will you give me a second look?
“If I was a half-literate Warri boy who said ‘Nyam’ instead of Yam, ‘Shorsh’ instead of Church and ‘I chock’ instead of ‘I was shocked’, will you not mock and laugh at my speech?
“If I as RMD, fell on hard times, lost my fame and fortune, became helpless and hopeless, will you show any sympathy?” he asked.
RMD, who has had bad press over alleged infidelity and weight loss, then said people must ask themselves how much of the love and admiration shown them are genuine.
“Know that many do not love you, they love the idea of you. It is the same people who sing your praises when you’re up, that tear you apart when you stumble and stomp on you when you fall.
“Don’t let the number of followers you have, the likes and comments on your pictures or the hype fool you, one wrong move and the vultures will swoop down to feast,” he added.
While confessing that he appreciates the love he gets from fans, he said “I stay super selective when it comes to letting people in. I keep my circle small, in fact, very small. I keep my private life, private and thank God for the grace to also keep my public life private.”
Known for regular long posts on Instagram, the actor turned lawyer, turned politician has largely kept his wife, Jumobi, off social media at her own request.
He married the former AIT staff in 2000, four years after losing his first wife, May Ellen-Ezekiel (MEE), to complications from fibroid operation.
His sojourn in politics took him away from Nollywood, but he has fought his way back to the top, appearing in hits like The Wedding Part, Okafor’s Law and Three Wise Men.
He is currently on the set of Zero Hour, also starring Ene Oloja, of the Cock Crow at Dawn fame, Alexx Ekubo, Kannywood diva Rahama Sadau and others.
