In a recent video that has gone viral, Nigerian social media personality Aderombi Adedayo Martin, better known as DeeOne, has voiced strong criticism against fellow influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for his decision to involve school children in a public protest.
The video, which has sparked significant debate, underscores the ongoing tensions within Nigeria's social media landscape regarding activism and its implications.
DeeOne's remarks center on what he perceives as a lack of direction and desperation in VDM's actions. He specifically pointed out that the protest, which featured minors holding banners, was not only misguided but also potentially harmful to the children involved.
"In a country that works, VDM, the parents of these children and the teachers are supposed to all be arrested by the police," DeeOne stated, emphasizing his belief that such involvement constitutes a serious ethical breach.
The criticism comes at a time when VDM, known for his controversial stance against injustice and bad governance, has been a polarizing figure. His activism, which began gaining traction in 2022, has included multiple arrests by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for various allegations, including cyberbullying and defamation.
Despite these challenges, VDM has maintained a significant following, often engaging in high-profile confrontations with government officials and public figures.
DeeOne's video has not only reignited discussions about the appropriateness of involving minors in activism but also highlighted the broader issues of social media influence and responsibility. He argued that VDM's actions, particularly using children to make a point, undermine the credibility of his cause and exploit vulnerable individuals. "These are minors, these people are here against their will," DeeOne added, suggesting that the children were being used for content creation rather than genuine advocacy.
