Human rights activist and political commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has announced his decision to no longer participate in street protests, citing a lack of mass participation and concerns for personal safety.
In a candid statement shared on his official Facebook page, Adeyanju expressed frustration over the perceived apathy of Nigerians toward civic demonstrations and the dangers faced by those who lead such efforts.
“Any protest that one million people are not coming out, I will not join,” he stated firmly. “Nigerians will deceive you online with retweets and leave you alone with bullets on the street.”
Adeyanju, who has been at the forefront of numerous protests in recent years, also criticized the tendency of some Nigerians to ridicule protest leaders after they face repercussions. “They will then turn around to mock you and say you were only chasing clout or that you are even working for the government you oppose,” he added.
Reflecting on his personal experiences and the risks involved, he declared an end to his direct involvement in protests: “The era of putting my life in danger is over.”
While stepping back from physical protests, Adeyanju affirmed his continued commitment to supporting the cause of justice through other means. “I wish Sowore and others well,” he said, referring to fellow activist Omoyele Sowore. “The only thing I can offer those arrested or wounded in any protest is financial support or legal services.”
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that Adeyanju’s remark is a sequel to the recently aborted protest which sparked debate on social media, highlighting the ongoing challenges of grassroots mobilisation and the cost of activism in Nigeria’s volatile civic space.
