By Yahaya Balogun
I hold a deep admiration for both Comrade Omoyele Sowore and Verydarkblackman, appreciating them not just for their social and human rights activism but also for their unwavering commitment to principles that many dare not uphold in the face of audacity and adversity.
In Nigerian society, often riddled with pretense, contradiction, hypocrisy, two-facedness, and corruption, these activists stand as paragons of authenticity, refusing to bend or compromise their values, no matter how formidable the monetary gains and pressure. They are not just spokespeople for change; they are the relentless voices crying out against the injustices that have long plagued our dear society.
While Verydarkblackman takes a laid-back approach as a juvenile and showy activist, Omoyele Sowore stands firm as a tireless, strong, and assertive champion for human rights. I listened to Verydarkblackman's show recently. It is preposterous to accuse Omoyele Sowore of profiting from his relentless presidential candidacy; such an accusation is not only ridiculous but also completely unfounded for someone renowned for his staunch consistency and steadfast integrity. Although we might not always agree or align with Sowore’s political style, his commitment to social justice and fair access to human rights is beyond reproach or condemnation!
Verydarkblackman, however, needs to mature and refrain from critiquing others merely to gain attention on social media. It makes one wonder what insight VDM has into Sowore’s long history of openness and social and human rights activism. Before Verydarkblackman even came into existence, Sowore was already an influential figure in the sociopolitical activism scene during his university years. Many millennials and Generation Z individuals, born around or after June 12, 1993, often lack an understanding of Nigeria's organic activism ecosystem. Yet, they mistakenly believe they are more knowledgeable than those who have navigated its challenges for years. It often amuses me to see VDM playing to the crowd’s naivety with his antics aimed at today’s sectional youth whose hatred for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu goes beyond unruly and moral "Obidiency."
Fortunately, social media has democratized discourse, allowing all voices to be heard, though there is a tendency for trivial matters to overshadow significant issues. "Ti omode bá ní aṣọ bí àgbà, kólé ni Àkísà bíi àgbà," meaning if a child dresses like an elder, they can never or hardly wear the same old tattered garments. Trust me, Omoyele Sowore wouldn't yield to nattering social media baiting or engage in a pedestrian social media fracas.
Meanwhile, Omoyele Sowore has consistently fought for social justice without resorting to selective truth or aligning with deceitful practices and hypocrites in Nigerian society. He consistently fights on behalf of and for the emancipation of his enemies.
Omoyele Sowore articulates his views fearlessly, regardless of who may take offense. From his days as the Student Union Leader at the University of Lagos, Sowore has been a consistent and robust advocate for change.
In the showy, chaotic, and often tumultuous atmosphere created by his counterpart, Verydarkblackman, Omoyele Sowore shines as a figure of intelligence and composure.
Without question, both Verydarkblackman and Omoyele Sowore symbolize the very essence of our collective moral compass in Nigeria. Each embodies the longings and dreams of a nation yearning for social and economic justice and integrity. Their intertwined journeys are not just personal; they resonate deeply with every Nigerian, including this writer.
Yahaya Balogun writes from Arizona, United States of America.
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