Controversy Erupts As Deeone Claims ‘90% Of Protests Are Not Genuine

Nigerian comedian DeeOne has alleged that most protests in the country are influenced by political interests.

Speaking on Vanguard’s podcast The Nigerian Meter, he claimed that about 90 per cent of demonstrations are funded by politicians rather than driven by genuine public concerns.

He criticised what he sees as a decline in authenticity within Nigeria’s activist space, arguing that many protests portrayed as grassroots movements are actually backed by individuals with political agendas.

According to him, this kind of influence weakens the credibility of protests and erodes public trust in activism.

He said, “In Nigeria, 90 per cent of protests are sponsored. The day we have a truly genuine protest, everyone will recognise it.”

DeeOne also suggested that some self-proclaimed activists are aligned with political figures or parties, speaking up selectively on issues that serve their interests while ignoring others.

He maintained that once a protest or activist group receives support from vested interests, it compromises the integrity of the cause.

His comments contribute to the ongoing discussion about the independence of civil society movements in Nigeria, as opinions remain divided over the role politics plays in shaping public demonstrations.