OBJ: I Organized A Protest Against Him So That He Would Not Have A Good Time In New York - Ogunkeyede

In a recent interview on State Affairs with Edmund Obilo, Nigerian activist Jumoke Ogunkeyede spoke extensively about his years of political activism in the United States and his involvement in pro-democracy campaigns concerning Nigeria. Ogunkeyede described how he and other activists organized protests and advocacy campaigns in New York during periods of military rule in Nigeria, particularly when government officials traveled abroad.

During the conversation, Ogunkeyede revealed the extent of his opposition to Nigerian leaders he believed were linked to authoritarian governance, stating, “I organized a protest against him so that he would not have a good time in New York.” His remark referred to Olusegun Obasanjo, who at various points represented Nigeria internationally, including at meetings held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Ogunkeyede explained that the protests were part of a broader effort by Nigerian and African diaspora activists to draw global attention to governance issues back home. According to him, the demonstrations were carefully organized across cities in the United States, with a strong presence in New York due to its proximity to the United Nations and other international diplomatic institutions.

He added that his activism was not directed against Nigeria as a country but against policies and leadership decisions that activists believed undermined democracy and human rights. The campaigns, he said, often involved mobilizing students, community organizations, and African diaspora groups to stage rallies and public awareness events.

Ogunkeyede also reflected on the broader movement he was part of, recalling how he collaborated with civil rights figures in the United States and worked with various Pan-African organizations advocating for political reform and accountability across the continent.

Despite the controversies surrounding those years of activism, Ogunkeyede maintained that his actions were motivated by a commitment to democratic values. He emphasized that public protest, in his view, was a legitimate tool for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that the voices of ordinary Nigerians were heard on the global stage.