Nigerian journalist and media personality, Kiki Mordi, arrived a glistening warrior in the wake of her “Sex for Grades” documentary; an expose documentary that shed light on the sexual harassment of students by lecturers in universities in Africa. She was lauded as courageous; the epitome of the change Nigeria needs. But as with most of Nigeria’s heroes, Kiki’s insistence on challenging all of our collective hypocrises has angered the same mob that put her on a pedestal and now seeks to tear her down.
Soon after the uproar of praise, Kiki Mordi slid into the bad books of Nigerians when she obstinately showed that she was not conforming to the preconceived image that had been decided for her. Her first crime was that she had loudly, in a tweet, shown support for same-sex marriage.
“It’s almost 2020 & same-sex marriage is still illegal in Nigeria, Like two people (of the same sex) can love themselves and want to build a family for themselves just like you & I but can’t because it’s illegal for them. A damn shame! We’re already on the wrong side of history,” Kiki Mordi stated, and the backlash had been intense.
The latest development to cause raised pitchforks and angry chants of Mordi’s name is an accusatory tweet from Nigerian realtor, Segun Awosanya popularly known as Segalink accusing her of “playing the role of the hitman” and sending threats to him and Seyitan Babatayo.
Kiki Mordi is playing the role of the hitman under the auspices of the Coven sending threats to Seyitan and myself. We have it all on record. It will end in premium tears for her & their coven and she will be revealed for the monster that she’s become on this agenda. #EndRape
— SEGA L'éveilleur®? (@segalink) July 25, 2020
Style influencer, Seyitan Babatayo had accused famous singer, Oladapo Oyebanji (D’banj) of raping her. Volcanic events had erupted after the accusation became public, including the reported detention of Seyitan in police custody overnight. As of yesterday, it was announced that Seyitan Babatayo had withdrawn the case in a press statement by Stand To End Rape Initiative (STER) and Seyitan. The conclusion seems to be that Seyitan had agreed to an out-of-court settlement with D’banj.
Press Statement: In line w/ our key values— integrity & transparency; this is a detailed report of STER & partner NGO’s intervention in the case of Ms Seyitan Babatayo against Mr Oyebanjo (aka D'Banj).
As an NGO, STER remains committed to supporting survivors of SGBV in Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/BaR0cPN9Pu
— S.T.E.R Initiative (@StandtoEndRape) July 24, 2020
Some Nigerians had concluded that the statement does not exonerate D’banj but still prioritised Seyitan and hoped she would indeed find peace.
Seyitan has to make the best choice for herself. As women we have our own stories of the men who have harmed us and yet sti walk free. At the very least DBanj has been publicly exposed. But ugh I know we are feeling fucking sour right now. It is ok.
— Panda of The Feminist Coven (@Rimzzzeee) July 24, 2020
The dust seemed to have settled until midday Saturday when Segalink accused Kiki Mordi of threatening him and also dragged other female activist groups through the mud, also accusing them of raining curses on Seyitan and acting based on an agenda.
The witches have blocked Seyitan after raining curses on her for not playing along with their agenda. We have it all on record. You know their names and the authorities do too. We remain steadfast in protecting the rights of ALL vulnerable in society. Rich or poor, male or female pic.twitter.com/4XjKEnVJAy
— SEGA L'éveilleur®? (@segalink) July 25, 2020
Long gone were the days when Kiki Mordi was the glistening warrior, it seems shes’s lived long enough to see herself become the villain in a matter of months. Segalink’s accusation was the back that broke the camel’s back for many Nigerians; with some declaring that the journalist had lost her way, accusing her of spearheading an extreme agenda against men. Nigerians also implied that those that supported her were foolish and clowns.
Kiki mordi literally went from the grade for sex hero to a villain with an obvious shameless agenda against men.. makes it worse are those that stan this her mentally unstable attitude. https://t.co/yWOGkJIHde
— YH (@Yemihazan) July 25, 2020
I praised Kiki mordi for leading the sex for grades investigation in some African university, but with this her act towards the male child, you have gone too far abeg!
— Olamide Omoregha (@Officialregha) July 25, 2020
Pictorial representation of Kiki Mordi and the people dancing behind her.
Angry and frustrated lot, finding happiness in chaos because that’s the only time they ever feel accomplished. pic.twitter.com/fd56iJKAbo
— Fache Billions. ? (@Shugurrr) July 25, 2020
Kiki Mordi has, however, asserted that she did not threaten anyone, prompting Segalink to provide proof of the threats that she had sent; mentioning that Segalink had blocked her.
Guys I’m blocked by Sega I definitely can’t see the tantrums he’s throwing. I wish him peace lmao
In the meantime he has my number and email and if I have committed a crime against him surely a man like Sega would know what to do ? pic.twitter.com/eEpz6zMfLD— Kiki Mordi (@kikimordi) July 25, 2020
Imagine having this receipt against Kiki Mordi and you’re hiding it? Sis why? This is premium tea ? https://t.co/dw09RRXFW7
— Kiki Mordi (@kikimordi) July 25, 2020
If history serves as enough evidence, one can infer that the stones being thrown at Mordi doesn’t move her. In fact, this backlash or any whatsoever does not look like it would stop Kiki Mordi from continuously speaking her mind and being Kiki Mordi.
Toluwanimi Onakoya is a spirited writer, creative and videographer. Her biggest drive is to connect with people and depict tales using various forms of media.
Toluwanimi is available on Instagram and Twitter @nimi_onaks
Leave a reply