Original manuscripts by:
Prince Olamilekan Martins Ojo FIMC, CMC
The journey of activism often begins as a noble calling, fueled by a vision of justice and equity. Activists emerge from society’s fractures, unyielding in their quest to illuminate the shadows where injustice thrives. Yet, history shows that activism can transform from a path of heroism to a perilous road of personal and ideological persecution. The case of Dele Farotimi, a Nigerian lawyer, author, and activist, exemplifies how the very ideals an activist fights for can become the forces that turn against them, hunting them relentlessly.
The Activist’s Genesis
Dele Farotimi is widely recognized for his passionate criticism of Nigeria’s systemic dysfunction has made in writing several curruption allegations on persons and institutions. From his sharp criticisms of political corruption to his insistence on the rule of law, Farotimi has sought to hold power accountable. In a nation where entrenched systems resist reform, such voices are often dismissed as inconvenient truths or, worse, targeted as threats to the status quo. For Farotimi, activism was not a career choice but a moral imperative born from a deep-seated frustration with Nigeria’s institutional failings.
His work resonates with a growing constituency of young Nigerians, disillusioned by decades of misgovernance and exploitation. Yet, the path of an activist in Nigeria—where power dynamics are steeped in patronage and authoritarianism—is fraught with danger. The ideals of accountability, transparency, and justice that drive activists like Farotimi often collide headlong with entrenched power structures unwilling to relinquish their hold.
The Peril of Advocacy in a Dysfunctional System
Farotimi’s unrelenting advocacy has painted a target on his back. He is hunted by his activism in several ways. First, there is the psychological toll of relentless opposition. Farotimi’s unflinching critiques of power structures have attracted a barrage of misinformation campaigns and character assassinations. In an era of digital manipulation, an activist can be turned into a villain in the court of public opinion, not because they are wrong, but because they are inconvenient.
Second, activists in Nigeria often find themselves in physical danger. The nation’s history is rife with examples of vocal critics silenced through intimidation, imprisonment, or worse. Ken Saro-Wiwa, the environmental activist, and others who dared to challenge the establishment met untimely ends, not because they were guilty, but because their truths threatened the powerful. Farotimi walks a similar tightrope, knowing that his courage places him in the crosshairs of forces that would prefer his silence.
When Activism Hunts the Activist
The paradox of activism is that its very success can become its greatest threat. Farotimi’s advocacy has undoubtedly exposed corruption, rallied the youth, and fostered greater political consciousness. But in doing so, he has become synonymous with the change that Nigeria’s powerful elite fear. As his voice grows louder, the forces against him intensify, manifesting in attempts to undermine his credibility, weaken his resolve, or extinguish his influence entirely.
This hunting is not merely external. Activists often contend with internal struggles—doubt, isolation, and the burden of expectation. For Farotimi, the weight of being a beacon for justice in a deeply unjust system is as much a personal battle as it is a public one.
The Larger Implication for Society
Dele Farotimi’s predicament is not unique; it is emblematic of a broader societal malaise. A society that hunts its activists undermines its potential for progress. Activists serve as society’s conscience, holding up mirrors to its flaws and urging it toward redemption. When such voices are hunted, society loses the opportunity to heal, grow, and reform.
The treatment of activists like Farotimi sends a chilling message to others who might dare to speak truth to power. It creates a culture of fear, stifling dissent and perpetuating a cycle of oppression. For Nigeria, a country brimming with potential yet shackled by its contradictions, the cost of silencing its activists is incalculable.
Conclusion
Dele Farotimi’s story is a cautionary tale of how societies can turn on their most courageous voices. It challenges us to reflect on the paradox of activism: the pursuit of justice that often exacts a personal cost from the pursuer. Yet, Farotimi’s resilience also reminds us that activism, despite its perils, remains a vital force for societal transformation.
Dele has the burden to prove his facts as he wrote in his books otherwise he may face theblaw squarely but To hunt an activist is to betray the ideals that make a society humane. Nigeria—and indeed, the world—must recognize that its activists are not its enemies but its allies in the unending quest for justice, equity, and progress. Farotimi’s life and work serve as a reminder that, though the activist may be hunted, their ideas cannot be silenced. Ideas are immortal, and they continue to inspire long after the activist is gone.
Essay by
Prince Olamilekan Martins Ojo FIMC, CMC
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