The duo of Busola and Timi Dakolo might
just be the bravest individuals (and couple) I have seen in Nigeria. In a
country that stifles individual thought process, promotes social repression and
approbates moral and religious hypocrisy, its definitely a rare value to see in
exercise. Even more so if it involves going against the age old, supposed “hallowed”,
and established religious doctrines or leaders. Busola Dakolo and her husband
needs to be highly commended for going against an established system of doing
things in Nigeria. That’s bravery at its finest. No other word describes this
better.
For the first time probably, Senior Pastor
Biodun Fatoyinbo of COZA global church has a police case opened up against him for
his alleged rape of Busola Dakolo and was forced to step down from his hallowed
position as Senior Pastor of his church. This is not the first time he will be
accused of rape or sexual impropriety – several women had accused him in the past.
However, their account and testimony were mostly discarded and discredited. The
most significant of them all was that of Ese
Walters in 2013 in which the same Senior Pastor promised to issue a robust
response. That response never came expectedly. Biodun Fatoyinbo is used to
beating his accusers in a cavalier manner.
Enter Busola Dakolo several years and
accusations later.
No doubt, the veracity of Busola’s claims
might be difficult to prove as will be in any rape case or allegation in Nigeria.
Even more so as the alleged rape happened when Busola was a minor. However, the
video recording of her rendering her ordeal was telling. The rather shoddy and uncharacteristic
reactions emanating from Biodun Fatoyinbo and his camp even further telling. No
doubt, the judicial system should run its course before pronouncing him guilty.
However, this becomes difficult when the judicial system is often rigged in
favour of people like him. It has been acclaimed that this will be a media
trial. For me, this makes the outcome even more critical for the good and
sanity of the Nigerian society at large.
Nigeria today is a cesspool of political, economical,
moral and judicial corruption. Nigeria is at its lowest by all economic and
developmental indices. But this isn’t about the economy. Its more about the judicial
institution and social justice system in Nigeria which we seem, unfortunately, to
be lacking in more. Our social and judicial institutions are in a colossal state
of disrepute and abuse by the same people who rule the nation. In Nigeria, the
powerful becomes more powerful and oppressive while the weak and the underlings
continues to be oppressed at their will and behest. This is the unjust dichotomy
that exists which prevents people from reporting rape cases in Nigeria in the
first place. This and the damaging disposition associated with rape in Nigeria’s
social culture is probably the reason why Busola didn’t report the rape in its
earlier days.
Biodun Fatoyinbo will probably walk free
from this and continue to Pastor over his herd who are mostly incapable of
individual or original thinking. As of today, Biodun
Fatoyinbo has been reported to have resumed back as Senior Pastor of his
church after a month of stepping down. There is nothing more depressing and disappointing
than this.
The question, however, is what is the
larger implication of this to the social psyche of children and youths
watching? Does this mean that people can go scot free for alleged raping even
in the presence of a well documented case? Is the current criminal and penal code
on rape strong and progressive enough to serve as a deterrent? I think not. There
has been increasing anecdotal
reports of the raping of women and children in Nigeria. I’m not certain I have
heard of any conviction on rape to deter people and shift our demented social default
on rape and rape allegations. What will youths in their twenties or even older demented
adults learn from this – that they can get away with rape? What will the children
of Busola and Timi Dakolo learn from this – that the law is unjust and doesn’t honour
its social contract. What will new rape victims do – probably not bother to
report knowing the chance of triumph is slimmer.
All of these points in the direction of a
need for a critical evaluation of our society. Let’s look beyond our debilitating
economy for a second and focus on our social and moral mandates. Can we argue
that the rising social issues in the Nigerian society (such as rape, fraud, police
brutality, corruption) is emanating from the lack of strong social and judicial
institutions combined, at the same time, with high unemployment rate and
pervasive poverty? This begs to question which is more important to tackle
first: poverty, unemployment or lack of social institution which further drives
us down the road to perdition? Do we have thinkers who are researching into our
social construct and mandates to improve them? Above all, do we have a
government in place who sincerely cares for its citizenry?
I do not have answers yet to a lot of
questions that goes through my mind about Nigeria. But I can’t help but
continue to think about one question that trumps them all: how do we make
Nigeria great? I hope I’d be able to answer this question someday.
I sincerely hope Busola and Timi Dakolo
find some respite and consolation for their bravery.
Best,
Foye.