Speaking with The Nation newspaper from Sweden, Baba Dee expressed concern over what he sees as growing public discomfort and unrest. “Nigerians are uncomfortable because years back, Nigerians used to be very advocating,” he observed, noting a shift in the country’s civic culture.
Asked whether protest is the best way forward, he urged caution. “I don’t think so. Protest is a big tool that people can use to manipulate unrest. 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.”
Baba Dee emphasized that the problem is not agitation itself but the way it is expressed and amplified. “There is something in need of constant agitation,” he explained. “We have a lot of blogs… 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 also raised concerns about social media’s influence on public perception, suggesting that it has subtly altered the social order in ways that could exacerbate unrest. “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.”
Reflecting on personal advocacy, Baba Dee referenced a warning he issued last year regarding public safety and reckless behavior, pointing to recent incidents he believes could have been avoided. “Exactly one year later, we’re having this kind of thing that happened today. I woke up very, very sad regarding that Anthony Joshua thing, because it could have been avoided.”
For the musician, the path to a stronger Nigeria lies in sustained, structured advocacy rather than chaotic or reactionary measures. He stressed that without focus and sincerity, even well-intentioned public action could spiral beyond control, underscoring the delicate crossroads at which the country now stands.
Baba Dee’s comments highlight a broader conversation on accountability, civic responsibility, and the responsible use of public platforms to influence national outcomes.