DeeOne Claims 90% of Nigerian Protests Are Politically Sponsored

(Comedian DeeOne. Photo byVanguard News)

According to Nigerian comedian DeeOne, up to 90% of rallies in the country are sponsored by politicians rather than being inspired by true public interest.

During his participation on Vanguard's podcast The Nigerian Meter, DeeOne made the claim while criticizing what he called the increasing lack of authenticity in Nigeria's activist community.
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He claims that many protests that are portrayed as grassroots movements are actually supported by politicians looking to further their own objectives. He maintained that this kind of sponsorship erodes public confidence in activism and calls into question the legality of protests.

"Ninety percent of protests in Nigeria are sponsored," he stated, noting that politicians are behind the majority of agitations. "Everyone will know the day there is a real protest in Nigeria."

The comedian went on to claim that some people who call themselves activists are connected to political groups or personalities and frequently just voice their opinions on matters that serve their interests while keeping quiet about others.

According to him, whenever an activist or protest movement is supported by any interested party, it compromises the integrity of the cause being championed.

DeeOne's comments contribute to continuing discussions regarding the independence of civil society movements in Nigeria, with critics and supporters continuing to weigh in on the role of politics in shaping public demonstrations.