Activist Deji Adeyanju says he will no longer join street protests, citing repeated risks and poor public turnout.
He vowed to keep supporting genuine activists through financial and legal assistance instead.
Prominent human rights activist and political commentator, Deji Adeyanju, has announced his decision to withdraw from participating in street protests, saying he can no longer risk his life for a public that lacks genuine commitment to collective action.
In a statement shared on his social media pages, Adeyanju said he made the decision after years of leading and joining several demonstrations that often ended with injuries, arrests, or violent police confrontations. He expressed disappointment over what he called the “deceptive” attitude of many Nigerians who show support for protests online but fail to participate physically.
“Any protest that cannot gather at least one million people, I will not take part in it,” he said, stressing that large turnouts are crucial for both safety and impact.
The activist lamented that social media activism in Nigeria has become performative, with many citizens retreating when faced with real danger. “Nigerians will deceive you online with retweets but leave you to face bullets alone on the streets,” he added.
Adeyanju, who has long been known for his fearless stance against injustice, also criticized those who ridicule or accuse protesters of seeking attention or personal gain after risking their lives. “They will later mock you and claim you are working for the same government you criticize,” he said.
While announcing his retirement from street-level activism, Adeyanju clarified that he remains committed to the struggle for justice and good governance. He promised to continue providing financial and legal support to those arrested or injured during future demonstrations.
“The era of risking my life on the streets is over,” he declared. “I’ll now focus on supporting genuine activists with resources and legal aid where necessary.”
