Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has disclosed that her children were subjected to death threats during the #EndSARS protests, an experience she says significantly altered her approach to public activism.
Speaking during an appearance on Rubbin’ Minds on Channels Television on Sunday, the actress stated that while she had previously been accustomed to receiving threats directed at her personally, the situation escalated to a disturbing level when such threats were extended to members of her immediate family.
According to Omotola, the intimidation intensified during the #EndSARS protests, with her children allegedly receiving direct death threats. She explained that this marked a turning point, as it underscored that the matter had moved beyond personal risk and had begun to endanger her family.
She further revealed that unidentified individuals subsequently began seeking her out at both her residence and place of work, prompting heightened concern for safety and necessitating a reassessment of her public engagement.
Omotola stated that these developments informed her decision to withdraw from street-level protests in favor of more strategic and targeted forms of advocacy, particularly in light of her children’s increasing independence and reduced ability to ensure their protection.
The actress participated in the #EndSARS demonstrations at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, a focal point of the movement. However, following the events of October 20, 2020, she faced public criticism over remarks perceived as minimizing reported fatalities at the protest. She later issued a clarification and apology, affirming that she did not dispute the occurrence of deaths and reiterating that the alleged use of force against protesters constituted a grave violation regardless of casualty figures.
The #EndSARS movement, which erupted in October 2020, was a nationwide protest against police brutality and abuses attributed to the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad. The Lekki Toll Gate incident became a defining moment of the protests, attracting widespread national and international attention and precipitating renewed calls for comprehensive police reform.#newsafro_
