In a heartfelt gesture that resonates with many Nigerians, prominent Nollywood actor and content creator, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has honoured the memory of Pelumi Onifade, a fallen hero of the #EndSARS movement.
On Sunday morning, Mr Macaroni took to Instagram to share a poignant message dedicated to Onifade, reflecting the collective anguish and demand for justice that surrounds the fourth anniversary of the tragic events that transpired on October 20, 2020, at the Lekki tollgate.
Mr Macaroni wrote, “This year’s EndSARS anniversary is dedicated to Pelumi Onifade a young, promising journalist who lost his life while in detention for documenting the harrowing reality of a Nigerian politician firing upon peaceful protestors. Four years have passed and justice remains unserved in this grave matter. The Lagos State Government has neglected to return his body to his grieving family. This injustice must come to an end!”
As Nigeria approaches the grim fourth anniversary of the EndSARS protests, emotions run high across the nation.
Activists, families of the victims, and supporters prepare to commemorate those whose lives were lost in the quest for police reform and an end to the brutality that plagued many Nigerian citizens.
Among the honoured names is Pelumi Onifade, whose conditions of death have rallied many in strident calls for accountability.
This year’s commemoration not only seeks to honour the memory of Pelumi but also shines a spotlight on the harsh realities faced by journalists and everyday Nigerians who dare to tell the truth under a cloud of political oppression.
Onifade, who was just stepping into his career, serves as a symbol of courage in the face of suffocating silence and unjust consequences. His raw footage during the protests captured the brutal reality that protestors faced, showcasing the urgent need for change and transparency.
Tragically, Onifade’s pursuit of justice for his community cost him his life. After being arrested for performing his journalistic duty, reports indicate he died under suspicious circumstances while in custody.
This sparked widespread outrage amongst citizens and prompted fervent calls from human rights organizations demanding answers and accountability.
Yet, four years later, the Lagos State Government remains silent, intensifying the frustration felt among the public and the family of the deceased.
An anonymous spokesperson from the Onifade family articulated the growing exasperation by stating, “We have waited long enough for answers. The silence is deafening, bringing back painful memories not only of Pelumi but countless others tragically lost.”
This sentiment resonates across Nigeria, where calls for justice remain urgent and unresolved.
The anniversary serves as a clarion call, urging not just remembrance but action. Despite international and local demands, many families find themselves waiting for resolution amidst a backdrop of governmental opacity.
The painful memories of lost lives converge with the ongoing struggle for justice, framing a narrative of grief intertwined with a desperate push for systemic change regarding law enforcement practices and human rights in Nigeria.
Activists, in collaboration with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), are organizing memorial events throughout the country.
Social media platforms are overflowing with tributes, artistic expressions, and poetry inspired by the lives lost, particularly that of Pelumi Onifade.
This grassroots movement endeavours not only to commemorate the fallen but to galvanize a populace towards advocacy for meaningful reforms.
The discourse surrounding the EndSARS movement has ignited vital conversations regarding press freedom and human rights violations domestically and internationally.
Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, asserted, “Pelumi Onifade’s death cannot and will not be in vain. His sacrifice must serve as a wake-up call for the government to confront the systemic injustices that continue to plague our society.”
His demands echo the call to action for immediate transparency and accountability regarding the status of Pelumi’s remains.
As fatidic memorials are being organized for the approaching anniversary, communities are uniting to honour those who have stood for civil liberties in Nigeria.
Speakers at various gatherings are expected to share testimonies that emphasize both suffering and resilience, highlighting the continued plea for justice and reform within the nation.
As we approach this crucial anniversary, the events of four years ago loom large in the collective memory of a nation longing for justice.
This year’s remembrance dedicated to Pelumi Onifade, not only honours his brave spirit but ignites a resilient movement determined to ensure that while voices may be silenced, their legacies remain unforgotten. In a society yearning for justice and accountability, the story of Pelumi Onifade transcends a personal loss.
