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.

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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

Nollywood Actress Fathia Balogun Mourns Mother a Day Before 55th Birthday

LAGOS — Veteran Nigerian actress Fathia Balogun is mourning the loss of her mother, who passed away just 24 hours before the actress’s 55th birthday celebration.

The news of her mother’s death was confirmed by family sources, who described the loss as a “devastating blow” to the actress and her family. The timing of the tragedy, coming a day before her milestone birthday, has left fans and colleagues in shock.

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Fathia Balogun, renowned for her contributions to Nollywood and Yoruba-language cinema, has shared moments of grief on social media, receiving an outpouring of condolences from fans, friends, and colleagues across the entertainment industry.

The actress, known for her resilience in both her personal and professional life, is expected to hold a private memorial in Lagos, as the family comes together to honour the life of her late mother.

Fans and well-wishers have taken to social media platforms to express sympathy, celebrate her mother’s life, and support Fathia during this difficult time.

Nollywood Actress Fathia Balogun Mourns Mother a Day Before 55th Birthday

2Baba Breaks Silence on Quarrel with Wife Natasha During London Trip

Nigerian music legend 2Baba (Innocent Idibia) has opened up about a recent disagreement with his wife, Natasha, which reportedly occurred while the couple was in London, reassuring fans that the incident was minor and has been fully resolved.

Speaking to reporters, 2Baba explained that the disagreement arose from miscommunication over schedules and personal commitments during their trip. He stressed that arguments are a natural part of any marriage and that what matters is how couples resolve conflicts with respect and understanding.

“Every marriage will have its ups and downs,” 2Baba said. “What happened in London was a simple misunderstanding, nothing more. Natasha and I talked it through calmly, and we resolved it immediately. Communication is everything in a relationship, and that’s what keeps us strong.”

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The singer, known for hits like “African Queen”, “Amaka”, and “Only Me”, also reflected on the challenges of maintaining privacy while being in the public eye. He urged fans and the media to avoid speculation or spreading false narratives, noting that public scrutiny can make ordinary disagreements appear more serious than they actually are.

2Baba shared that he and Natasha have built a strong partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and teamwork. Over the years, they have navigated the pressures of celebrity life while raising their children and maintaining a stable family environment.

“We try to balance work, travel, and family life,” 2Baba said. “Sometimes disagreements happen, but the key is to handle them with patience, empathy, and honesty. Natasha is my partner in everything, and we always find solutions together.”

The couple, married for several years, often share glimpses of their family life on social media, celebrating milestones, vacations, and special moments while maintaining a sense of privacy around sensitive personal matters. 2Baba’s openness about the London disagreement is a reminder that even celebrities experience normal marital challenges, and resolving them peacefully is what strengthens long-term relationships.

Relationship experts say 2Baba’s approach — addressing issues calmly, communicating openly, and prioritizing mutual understanding — is an example for couples everywhere on healthy conflict resolution and emotional intelligence in marriage.

2Baba Breaks Silence on Quarrel with Wife Natasha During London Trip