VeryDarkMan slams lawyer Deji Adeyanju over ‘cowardly’ advice on risk-taking
Popular Nigerian social media critic, VeryDarkMan, has publicly rebuked his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, over remarks advising him to avoid unnecessary risks. The comments, made by Adeyanju in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that Nigerians would quickly move on if anything happened to the activist.
“I call VDM every time to be careful and stop taking unnecessary risks but he doesn’t listen most of the time. If anything happens to you today, everyone has moved on by tomorrow. We only overrate ourselves, Nigerians don’t rate anybody,” Adeyanju wrote.
The post has sparked widespread speculation about a possible fallout between the outspoken activist and his legal counsel.
Reacting in a video shared via Instagram, VeryDarkMan expressed deep disappointment, saying such statements can only come from a coward.
“I’m really disappointed in my lawyer, Deji Adeyanju. I’m so disappointed in you for this post, especially because you are a comrade,” he said.
VeryDarkMan acknowledged the reality that people are often forgotten after death, but argued that this is a universal truth—not a reason to remain silent or fearful.
“It’s true that Nigerians will move on if anything happens to me today. But who is so important that the world won’t move on? Jesus Christ died, and the world moved on. The Pope died, and a new one was installed. Buhari died, the world has moved on. So who are you?”
He went on to condemn what he called a defeatist mentality promoted by political elites to silence dissent:
“Anybody wey open his mouth talk that thing is a coward. That is the message those politicians want to spread—to scare people from speaking up.”
VeryDarkMan maintained that taking risks is part of his mission and platform, arguing that even those who avoid confrontation are not guaranteed safety.
“Some people wey no dey take risks, them still dey kill them for their house. Look at Benue, Borno, Taraba, Delta, Enugu. You think you are important? We are all nothing.”
He concluded by emphasizing the need for courage and activism, regardless of personal danger:
“You add so much importance to your life when you are nothing. We are all nothing—so speak the truth while you’re here.”
The exchange has ignited further debate online about activism, personal safety, and the responsibility of public critics in Nigeria’s volatile climate.
