Entertainment
How Death Threats During #EndSARS Made Me Rethink Activism – Omotola
How Death Threats During #EndSARS Made Me Rethink Activism – Omotola
Veteran Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has disclosed that her children received death threats during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, prompting her to rethink how she engages in activism and public advocacy. The revelation highlights the personal risks faced by public figures and their families when participating in social movements.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, the 48-year-old actress described the period as the most intense and threatening chapter of her life. “I am used to death threats; I have received them many times,” she 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 weird.”
Omotola said she had been actively involved in the decentralized nationwide movement, which demanded an end to police brutality and the abuses of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Her activism included street protests, international advocacy, and media engagement, and she spoke with global outlets like CNN while liaising with international NGOs and embassies.
READ ALSO:
- Electronic Transmission of Election Results Must Remain Mandatory – Adegboruwa
- OWN Calls for Immediate Resignation of INEC Chairman
- Nigeria Not Technologically Ready for Real-Time Election Result Transmission — NICO Chief
However, as threats against her family escalated — including reports of people showing up at her home and workplace — Omotola said she had to shift away from street-level activism to strategic advocacy to protect her children. “When people started coming physically to my home and place of work to look for me, I knew I had to worry about other people and not just myself,” she said.
Omotola emphasized that, while she was willing to risk her own safety, she could not expose her children to danger. “I can’t control where they go, I can’t protect them as much, and I don’t want my children to become victims of choices that I have made,” she added.
The #EndSARS movement, which erupted in October 2020, saw millions of Nigerians protest against police brutality, extrajudicial killings, harassment, and extortion by SARS operatives. The protests gained global attention after alleged shootings at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, a defining and controversial moment in Nigeria’s social activism history.
Despite the Federal Government’s decision to disband SARS and initiate reforms, many protester demands — including justice for victims, accountability for abuses, and comprehensive police reforms — remain unresolved years later. Human rights groups like Amnesty International have reported that some protesters continue to face detention or legal challenges, highlighting ongoing struggles in the fight against police brutality.
Omotola’s candid reflection underscores the lasting impact of #EndSARS on activists and illustrates how personal safety concerns can shape public advocacy strategies, even for high-profile figures. Her experience also reinforces the continued relevance of the movement in discussions about democracy, accountability, and civic activism in Nigeria.
How Death Threats During #EndSARS Made Me Rethink Activism – Omotola
![]()
Entertainment
Davido Halts London Concert, Threatens to Walk Off Stage Over Fan’s Disrespect to Staff
Davido Halts London Concert, Threatens to Walk Off Stage Over Fan’s Disrespect to Staff
![]()
Entertainment
Soso Soberekon Offers Peter Okoye N500m to Fight Twin Brother Paul in Boxing Match
Entertainment
“Don’t Paint What Doesn’t Exist”: Kamo State Addresses Funke Akindele Speculation
“Don’t Paint What Doesn’t Exist”: Kamo State Addresses Funke Akindele Speculation
Popular Nigerian skit maker and actor, Akinyoola Ayoola, better known as Kamo State, has finally addressed the widespread speculation surrounding his relationship with award-winning actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele . Speaking during an interview with BBC Yoruba on Wednesday, he dismissed rumours of a fallout, explaining that the reason they are no longer frequently seen together is simply because both are busier with their respective careers .
Recounting how their relationship began, Kamo State revealed that his admiration for Funke Akindele long predates their first meeting. He described her as a role model and someone he loved and respected deeply long before they ever crossed paths professionally . He disclosed that their first physical meeting happened on the set of Everybody Loves Jenifa, where an incident with a handcuff key led to her showing genuine concern. According to him, it was this kindness and the way she treated him that led him to start calling her “mummy” .
According to the skit maker, Funke Akindele was impressed by his passion and work ethic, which paved the way for several collaborations on her productions . These projects include Ayetoro (also spelt Aiyetoro) and Behind the Scene, which helped to significantly strengthen their working relationship . Kamo has previously credited Funke with helping to shape his acting career after discovering him through his comedy skits. He has often described her as a mentor who gave him opportunities in film and television productions, leading to several collaborations . Funke’s 2025 film Behind the Scenes, which featured Kamo State, became one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films and further strengthened their working relationship .
READ ALSO:
- Onaiyekan: Is Tinubu insensitive to Nigerians’ plight? By Bolanle BOLAWOLE
- Osun 2026: Police arrest commissioner over APC rally gunshots as Adeleke alleges political intimidation
- “We Are the Victims, Not Adeleke” — APC Candidate Denies Violence Claims as Osun Election Nears
Addressing the core question of why fans have noticed fewer public appearances together, Kamo State clarified that it has nothing to do with any disagreement. He attributed it to their increasingly busy schedules, noting that Akindele has been deeply immersed in preparations for her upcoming December project, while his own career has also grown considerably compared to where he was a year ago . Kamo also appealed to fans and social media users to stop spreading false narratives about their relationship, urging the public not to create conflict where none exists . He insisted that their bond remains strong behind the scenes despite their demanding work schedules .
This clarification comes amid recurring social media speculation that he and Akindele had fallen out after they were no longer frequently seen together at movie sets and public events . However, Kamo’s latest comments reinforce that there is no misunderstanding between them. The skit maker has previously credited Funke Akindele with playing a significant role in his career and personal life . In a heartfelt tribute posted in May 2025, he revealed that she offered to fly his wife abroad for childbirth when she learned of the pregnancy, describing her as “an angel in human form” . He recounted numerous acts of kindness and generosity, from securing one of the best doctors in Lagos and covering all hospital bills, to sponsoring the naming ceremony for his child. Kamo has often described her as a mentor who gave him opportunities in film and television productions, reinforcing that their personal and professional relationship remains intact .
“Don’t Paint What Doesn’t Exist”: Kamo State Addresses Funke Akindele Speculation
![]()
-
Education3 days agoNigerian Young Academy, LASU to Host 16th International Conference on Convergent Research
-
News3 days agoTrump smuggled out of Turkey in catering truck over Iran threat
-
International1 day agoIran Had Detailed Intel on Trump’s Location Before Secret Turkey Escape
-
News2 days agoTinubu Vows to Secure Nigeria, Declares Unity Non-Negotiable Amid Worsening Insecurity
-
News1 day agoFG to Attach 300 NYSC Corps Members to CNG Workshops for Skills Training
-
metro2 days agoNigeria Needs Competent, Ethical Young Leaders, Says HAVEK Leadership Academy
-
metro1 day agoSeven Miners Killed in Plateau Mining Pit Collapse, Renewing Urgent Calls for Safety Reform
-
News2 days agoRonaldo Marries Georgina Rodriguez in Intimate Portugal Wedding Ceremony
