Veteran Nigerian musician Dare Fasasi, popularly known as Baba Dee, has cautioned that while protest remains a legitimate civic instrument, it can easily be hijacked in Nigeria’s fragile social environment.
Speaking in an interview with The Nation Newspaper, the Sweden-based artiste expressed concern over what he described as growing public discomfort and unrest across the country.
Nigerians are uncomfortable because years back, Nigerians used to be very advocating,” he said, reflecting on what he sees as a shift in civic engagement.
Asked whether protest is still the best option for citizens seeking change, Baba Dee offered a measured response.
Protest is a good way, but there are ways to go about it. Not until we form a riot and everybody comes in. Because of the environment that we find ourselves in and the nature of things, protest is a very strong word that could be hijacked,” he stated.
According to him, the core issue is not agitation itself but how it is expressed and amplified.
He criticised what he described as selective amplification by blogs and opinion leaders, arguing that substantive national issues often receive less attention than celebrity controversies.
If there are important issues, they don’t amplify them. But if me and one of my celebrity friends do something, you put it everywhere. Are they really helping?” he queried.
Baba Dee maintained that although social media reflects widespread dissatisfaction, it has also subtly altered the country’s social order in ways that could prove dangerous if not managed responsibly.
What’s the general consensus feeling in society? Unrest. People are not happy. But what is the general feeling you feel from social media? The social order has been altered — and this is just the beginning, if care is not taken,” he warned.
He also referenced a previous public safety warning he made regarding sirens and reckless driving, suggesting that certain recent incidents might have been avoided with greater responsibility and accountability.
For the music star, the path to national renewal lies in sustained, structured advocacy rather than chaotic confrontation.
He stressed the need for consistent civic engagement anchored on sincerity and discipline.
In his view, Nigeria stands at a delicate crossroads with visible discontent and loud voices but without structure and responsibility, even well-intentioned actions could spiral beyond control.
