The Double Face Of Activism: Reno Omokri’s Shift From Protester To Praise Singer (OPINION)

By Isaac Asabor

In the charged political atmosphere leading up to Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, one of the loudest voices against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, was Reno Omokri. A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Omokri was known for using his social media presence and international platform to criticize the government and those he felt were detrimental to Nigeria’s future. His activism was vocal, relentless, and, in the eyes of many, genuine, until now.

Omokri famously led protests at Chatham House in the United Kingdom in 2022, mocking and openly deriding Bola Tinubu, the presidential hopeful at the time. His protest symbolized a moment of defiance, supposedly rooted in a desire for good governance and accountability. To many, it appeared as though Omokri was positioning himself as a champion of the people, standing firm against what he believed to be impending leadership that could not serve Nigeria well.

However, fast forward to today, and the once fiery critic of Tinubu has had a change of heart. Reno Omokri, the same man who led the protest and sought to humiliate Tinubu on foreign soil, was recently seen visiting the presidential villa, meeting the same man he once vehemently opposed. This sudden and drastic shift in tone and behavior raises serious questions about the true nature of Omokri’s activism and the principles upon which it was built.

At its core, activism is about fighting for justice, equality, transparency, and fairness. Activists are meant to hold power accountable, speak truth to those in authority, and never waver in their commitment to the values they champion. Activism is not supposed to be convenient. It is not supposed to bend and twist based on personal gains, favor, or the changing winds of politics. In fact, true activism often requires sacrifice and the willingness to stand firm in the face of opposition or personal disadvantage.

For the sake of clarity in this context as to who an activist is, it is expedient to opine that the late Gani Fawehinmi was a true exemplar of what it means to be an activist, embodying the relentless pursuit of justice, truth, and equality. Throughout his life, he fearlessly championed the rights of the oppressed, standing up against tyranny and corruption in Nigeria with unwavering resolve. Whether in the courtroom, on the streets, or through his writings, Gani’s dedication to the people and his insistence on the rule of law made him a symbol of courage and moral fortitude. His legacy continues to inspire activists, as he never compromised his principles, even in the face of persecution and imprisonment.

Unfortunately, what we see in Reno Omokri is a complete betrayal of these principles. His behavior suggests that his activism was never truly about justice or accountability, but rather about positioning himself as a relevant figure on the political stage. It exposes a darker side of modern activism, where individuals masquerade as champions of the people, only to flip their stance when it suits them personally.

This kind of opportunism discredits the entire concept of activism and erodes public trust. When those who position themselves as activists can so easily switch sides or change their message, it sends a dangerous signal: that activism is just another performance, a means to an end rather than a moral duty.

True activism must always come with integrity. Integrity in activism means standing by your principles, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. It means being consistent in your message and your actions, regardless of who is in power or who might be offended. Without integrity, activism is hollow. It becomes nothing more than a show, a platform for self-promotion rather than a genuine effort to create positive change in society.

When an individual like Reno Omokri, who once loudly criticized and protested against Bola Tinubu, suddenly changes course and cozies up to the very man he mocked, it raises alarm bells about the authenticity of his previous activism. Was he truly concerned about the future of Nigeria? Or was he simply trying to stay relevant, to gain attention, and to curry favor with whichever political leader was most convenient at the time?

The problem with double-faced activism like Omokri’s is that it undermines the efforts of true activists who are working tirelessly to bring about positive change. It sows doubt in the minds of the public about the legitimacy of activism in general. If someone like Omokri can so easily switch sides, what does that say about the other so-called activists out there?

One of the most troubling aspects of Reno Omokri’s sudden about-face is the clear indication that his activism was, in large part, about clout chasing. In today’s social media-driven world, clout chasing refers to the act of seeking attention, influence, and validation from others, often at the expense of genuine values or beliefs. Omokri’s protests at Chatham House were widely publicized, and his social media presence grew as a result. It is clear now that much of this activism was not rooted in a genuine desire to improve Nigeria but rather in a desire to build his own brand and platform.

Clout chasing within activism is dangerous because it dilutes the power of true social movements. Real activists are driven by a passion for justice, not by a hunger for likes, shares, and retweets. When clout chasers like Omokri insert themselves into important conversations about governance and social justice, they hijack the narrative and make it about themselves rather than the issues that need addressing.

Omokri’s recent visit to the presidential villa, where he was photographed with the man he once called unfit for office, is nothing short of hypocrisy. It is a betrayal of those who believed in his message and supported him during his protests. It is a stark reminder that not everyone who claims to be fighting for justice is doing so with integrity.

There is an immense responsibility that comes with being an activist. Activists are the watchdogs of society, the ones who hold power accountable and push for change. When activists lose their way, when they become more interested in personal gain than in the greater good, they do a disservice to the causes they claim to represent.

Reno Omokri’s behavior is a textbook example of how not to be an activist. His lack of consistency, his willingness to switch sides, and his eagerness to align himself with the very people he once criticized all point to one conclusion: Reno Omokri is not a genuine activist. He is a clout chaser, a political opportunist, and a praise singer.

In fact, Reno Omokri’s recent actions reveal the true nature of his activism, it is fake, opportunistic, and self-serving. His sudden reversal from protester to praise singer demonstrates a complete lack of integrity, a quality that is essential for any true activist. Activism must be about principles, not personal gain. Those who claim to be activists must be consistent in their message and their actions, standing firm even when it is difficult or unpopular.

Omokri’s behavior serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who believes in the power of activism. We must be careful not to fall for the theatrics of clout chasers like him, who use important social issues as stepping stones for their own careers. True activists do not flip-flop for personal advantage, they stay true to their values, no matter what.

Reno Omokri’s actions prove that he is not an activist at all. He is a clout chaser and a praise singer, someone more interested in his own relevance than in the betterment of Nigeria. And that is a betrayal of everything activism is supposed to stand for.