Popular Afrobeats artist Mr Real has strongly criticized First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over her recent comments advising struggling Nigerians to take up petty trading to survive the ongoing economic hardship.

The controversy stems from a public statement by Mrs. Tinubu, who urged citizens to embrace small-scale businesses such as selling roasted corn, bean cakes (akara), and peanut cakes (kulikuli), arguing that these trades require minimal startup capital.

Reacting to the suggestion, the "Legbegbe" hitmaker slammed the First Lady`s remarks as detached and insensitive to the realities of everyday Nigerians. Taking to his verified Instagram page, the singer stated that he would rather resort to a life of crime than engage in the suggested petty trades.

"I go rather join bandit than to sell kulikuli and akara," Mr Real wrote in Pidgin English.

The musician further mocked the federal government`s controversial approach to handling insecurity. He noted that if he became a bandit, he would exclusively target the political class, confident that the state would offer him a soft landing if caught.

"My target will be only politicians. At least if I am caught, they will rehabilitate me," the singer added, referencing the government`s ongoing amnesty and rehabilitation programs for repentant insurgents.

The First Lady`s comments continue to spark intense debate across social media, highlighting growing public frustration over inflation and the rising cost of living.