Veteran Nollywood actor and media personality Patrick Doyle has ignited social media conversations after taking a pointed swipe at FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, following images that emerged from a recent media parley showing Wike seated on an ornate, throne-like chair.
The photos, which have since gone viral, depict Wike addressing journalists while perched regally on a large, gold-accented seat that many Nigerians likened to a monarch’s throne complete with high armrests and baroque-style design.
Reacting to the spectacle, Patrick Doyle didn’t hold back his criticism. In a scathing social media post, he wrote:
“This is a sign of the psychosis.”
The seasoned actor and outspoken commentator was clearly referencing what he sees as an increasing culture of vanity and authoritarian symbolism among Nigeria’s political elite. While he didn’t mention Wike by name, the context and timing left little doubt.
Doyle’s remark quickly gained traction online, with many users echoing his sentiment and accusing Wike of indulging in excessive self-aggrandizement. Others, however, came to the minister’s defense, arguing that the choice of chair was likely ceremonial or dictated by event organizers.
The incident adds to the growing public scrutiny surrounding Wike’s political style, which critics have often described as flamboyant and combative. Supporters, however, insist that his boldness and charisma are part of what make him an effective leader.
This latest episode underscores the broader national conversation about image, power, and humility in public office. In a country battling economic hardship and rising inequality, optics matter and as Patrick Doyle’s comment suggests, even a chair can send a powerful message.
