 |
| Image: Facebook |
Veteran Nollywood actress and social advocate Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has revealed how the terrifying death threats her children faced during the EndSARS protests in Nigeria forced her to rethink her approach to activism.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, the 48-year-old actress described the incident as a defining moment in her long-standing advocacy journey, one that reshaped how she engages publicly on social and political issues.
“I am used to death threats; I have received them many times,” Omotola said. “But I have never seen anything like what happened during EndSARS. It was intense, my kids started getting death threats. That was when it became real, and when I realised this was no longer just about me.”
She recalled the harrowing reality of strangers coming to her home and workplace in search of her, an experience that made her recognise the urgency of protecting not just herself, but her family. “When people started coming to my home and workplace looking for me, I knew it was time to think beyond myself. I had to protect others, especially my children,” she explained.
The experience prompted Omotola to re-evaluate the risks associated with her activism. While she has always been vocal on social issues, the threats highlighted the vulnerabilities that public figures face when their families are involved. “I can’t control where they go. I can’t protect them as much. I don’t care for my life, but I do care for them,” she stated, underlining the protective instincts that now guide her advocacy work.
Omotola revealed that, following the incident, she shifted her focus from street-level protests and public demonstrations toward more strategic, targeted forms of activism. This includes advocacy through media campaigns, awareness initiatives, and partnerships with organisations that can effect policy change, all while minimising exposure to danger.
She explained that the EndSARS protests, which saw widespread calls for police reform in Nigeria, were a pivotal moment for her as both a mother and a public figure. “I had to learn quickly that my activism should not put my children in harm’s way. I realised that being effective sometimes means being smart rather than just being visible,” Omotola said.
The actress also spoke about the emotional toll the threats took on her family. She described the anxiety her children experienced and the constant fear that something could happen to them because of her public stance. The ordeal, she said, forced her to balance her passion for social justice with her responsibility as a parent.
Omotola’s reflections shed light on the often-overlooked personal costs of activism, particularly for public figures with families. Her decision to pivot toward safer, more strategic advocacy demonstrates the complexities of fighting for justice while ensuring the safety of loved ones.
“I continue to speak out,” she affirmed. “But I have learned to do it in ways that protect my family. Advocacy is not about recklessness; it’s about impact and sustainability. My children’s safety is non-negotiable.”
Her candid account serves as a reminder that activism, especially in high-risk environments, requires not only courage but also careful planning and consideration for those who may be affected indirectly.
Omotola’s experience during EndSARS has not dampened her commitment to social change but has transformed her approach, proving that advocacy can evolve to be both powerful and protective.
Watch her speak below…
#Omotola
#Endsars
#NollywoodTimes
No comments:
Post a Comment