Oxlade, the Nigerian singer and songwriter, has questioned whether Nigeria still has hope amid the country’s declining state of affairs, recalling the lives lost during the 2020 Lekki tollgate massacre.
In a recent post on his X page, the ‘Away’ hitmaker reflected on his experience during the #EndSARS protests, which sought to end police brutality in Nigeria.
Oxlade said activism was never his calling but noted that Nigerians who raised their voices against the government were met with violence. He also expressed concern that the country remains under the same system.
“Activism was never my calling. But when we stood up to lend our voices, the government responded with bullets. We’re still under that same system, by the way. Sometimes I question if there’s really hope for this country,” he wrote.
The Lekki tollgate massacre occurred on October 20, 2020, when soldiers opened fire on peaceful protesters at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos during the #EndSARS demonstrations. The protests drew national and international attention to police brutality and demands for accountability.
Oxlade’s comments come amid growing concerns among Nigerian entertainers over the country’s economic challenges and insecurity.
Actor Kunle Remi recently lamented the worsening economic situation, citing the sharp rise in fuel prices and its effects on businesses and individuals.
Comedian Koffi also accused bloggers of distracting Nigerians from pressing national issues, including rising insecurity, by focusing on celebrity gossip.
Similarly, actress Sunshine Rosman expressed frustration over Nigeria’s economic struggles and escalating insecurity while questioning Nigerians’ sense of national consciousness.
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