My Children Received Death Threats During #EndSARS Protests, Reveals Omotola
Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has revealed that her children were threatened with death during the 2020 #EndSARS protests, an experience that prompted her to reconsider how she engages in activism.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds, Omotola said while she has faced numerous threats throughout her career, the intensity of the #EndSARS backlash was unprecedented.
“I have received death threats many times, but what happened during #EndSARS was different. My children started receiving threats, and that made it alarming,” she said.
The actress, whose career spans over three decades, explained that she was actively involved in the protests both locally and internationally, engaging with media outlets such as CNN, advocacy organisations, and diplomatic missions.
“The protests were intense. I was on the streets, advocating internationally, speaking with NGOs and embassies, and doing a lot of work,” she said.
Omotola recounted that the situation escalated when individuals began showing up at her home and workplace.
“When people started physically coming to my home and work, I realised I needed to worry about others, not just myself,” she said.
The #EndSARS protests, a decentralized movement against police brutality and misconduct by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, gained global attention following the Lekki Toll Gate shootings on October 20, 2020.
Omotola participated in the protests and later faced backlash for a tweet that many interpreted as insensitive regarding the deaths at Lekki, although she later clarified and apologised.
Reflecting on her activism, Omotola noted that she has always been outspoken, even from a young age, but family responsibilities have forced her to reconsider her methods.
“When my children were younger, I could manage their safety more easily. But as they grew, I had to restrategise. I care less about my own life, but I do care about theirs and the safety of others,” she said.
Omotola added that the #EndSARS experience shifted her focus from street protests to advocacy work. She has since continued humanitarian and advocacy initiatives with groups including Amnesty International, the United Nations World Food Programme, and campaigns across Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Niger Delta.
With over 300 films to her credit, Omotola remains one of Africa’s most influential actors. She was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2013 and received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2014.
