Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde Shares Harrowing Family Experience During 2020 EndSARS Protests
Veteran Nollywood actress and activist Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has opened up about a deeply personal and frightening chapter during the 2020 EndSARS nationwide protests, revealing that her children became targets of death threats. The acclaimed actress, known for her long-standing advocacy work, described this experience as a pivotal moment that fundamentally changed her approach to activism and public engagement.
When Activism Hits Home: Children Become Targets
During a recent appearance on Channels Television's Rubbin' Minds program, the 48-year-old screen icon explained that while she had grown accustomed to receiving threats due to her activism over the years, the situation escalated dramatically during the EndSARS protests. "I am used to death threats; I have received them many times," Omotola stated candidly. "But I have never seen anything like what happened during EndSARS. It was intense. My kids started getting death threats. That was when it became real, and when I realized this was no longer just about me."
The actress described how the threats against her children marked a significant turning point in her advocacy journey. What had previously been professional risks and personal threats now extended to her family, creating a new level of vulnerability and concern that forced her to reconsider her methods and priorities.
Escalation to Home and Workplace Intrusions
The situation worsened when individuals began showing up at both her residence and workplace in search of her, creating an atmosphere of constant anxiety and potential danger. This physical manifestation of the threats transformed the situation from online harassment to tangible security concerns that directly impacted her family's daily life and sense of safety.
"When people started coming to my home and workplace looking for me, I knew it was time to think beyond myself," Omotola explained. "I had to protect others, especially my children. Protecting my family became my top priority above everything else."
Strategic Shift in Advocacy Approach
This harrowing experience prompted Omotola to move away from street protests and more visible forms of activism toward a more strategic and focused approach to advocacy. The actress emphasized that her children's safety concerns, particularly as they grow older and more independent, influenced this significant shift in her activism methodology.
"I can't control where they go. I can't protect them as much," she noted with evident concern. "I don't care for my life, but I do care for them." This parental concern has led her to adopt advocacy methods that allow her to continue supporting important causes while minimizing risks to her family.
Broader Context: Omotola's Stance on Industry Practices
This revelation comes amid ongoing discussions about Omotola's professional principles within the Nollywood industry. Recently, the actress stirred conversations by openly criticizing the growing trend of using social media dancing to promote films, describing such approaches as unprofessional. She emphasized that her responsibility as a filmmaker is to deliver quality content and promote it through structured, professional channels rather than following viral trends.
"I'm sorry, but I won't be dancing to market or promote my movie. It's not professional. I've done the movie, now I just have to go around and promote it," Omotola stated during a TVC Entertainment appearance. Her comments aligned with similar views expressed by renowned filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, though they sparked debate within the industry about evolving marketing strategies in the digital age.
Personal and Professional Balance
Omotola, who divides her time between Nigeria and the United States, continues to navigate the complex intersection of her professional career, activism, and family responsibilities. Her upcoming cinema project, Mother's Love, scheduled for release on March 6, 2026, represents her continued commitment to quality filmmaking while maintaining her principles about professional promotion.
The actress's experience during the EndSARS protests highlights the often-unseen personal costs that public figures face when engaging in social and political activism. Her story serves as a reminder of how public advocacy can spill over into private life, particularly for those with families to protect.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of police reform and social justice, Omotola's journey from street protests to strategic advocacy reflects the evolving nature of activism in an increasingly complex security environment. Her experience underscores the difficult choices public figures must make when balancing their commitment to social causes with their responsibilities to protect their families from potential backlash.
