Yesterday, reports emerged that a Federal High Court in Lagos State had remanded Mr. Sheed, popularly known as Alfa Sunah, in connection with a defamation-of-character case instituted against him. According to the reports, although the alleged offence was bailable and bail was granted, he was unable to perfect the bail conditions and was consequently remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Prison.
I genuinely sympathise with him because nobody should take pleasure in seeing another person go through such an experience. However, beyond the emotions surrounding the matter, there is an important lesson for everyone who uses social media to comment on sensitive issues.
That lesson is simple: words have consequences.
I am particularly directing this message to Mr. Abdulazeez Adegbola, popularly known as Tani-Olohun, because of the legal challenges he is currently facing in connection with allegations bordering on defamation and related matters. Recent reporting indicates that his legal battle remains active, with an Ilorin court recently ruling on its jurisdiction to hear one of the cases against him.
My sincere advice to this young man is not to allow social-media enthusiasts and online cheerleaders to push him into making statements that could create additional legal problems for him.
There are people who will applaud almost anything he posts, encourage him to be more confrontational and celebrate his every controversial statement. But when the consequences arrive, many of those people will not be the ones standing beside him in court or helping him navigate the legal process.
That is why wisdom requires looking beyond the applause of social media.
Tani-Olohun can promote and practise the traditional religion he believes in without turning every disagreement into a confrontation. There are many legitimate and constructive ways to promote one’s faith, culture and traditional heritage without attacking the character of individuals or making statements that could expose one to unnecessary litigation.
This is particularly important whenever religion is involved. Religious matters are deeply sensitive, and disagreements can easily become emotionally charged. In such circumstances, peace, restraint, diplomacy and respect for the law should always come before provocation and retaliation.
There is also nothing wrong with seeking dialogue or an out-of-court settlement where appropriate. If there are individuals who have instituted defamation proceedings against him, he should allow his lawyers to explore every lawful avenue for resolving the disputes peacefully rather than relying on emotional exchanges or social-media battles.
Indeed, Tani-Olohun’s own past experience demonstrates why caution is necessary. In 2023, after spending 91 days in custody in connection with several cases, he was granted bail and publicly sought forgiveness from Muslim scholars and the wider Muslim community over allegations involving his social-media publications.
The point is not to celebrate anyone’s legal predicament. Rather, it is to learn from experience.
Freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Religious freedom comes with responsibility. Social-media influence comes with responsibility.
Nobody should wait until a matter reaches the courtroom before recognising the importance of choosing one’s words carefully.
My message to Tani-Olohun is therefore straightforward: be more diplomatic, choose peace where possible, let your lawyers handle legal disputes, and do not allow online applause to determine your actions.
Those who truly care about him should not merely clap for every controversial post. They should also be courageous enough to tell him when a particular approach could put him in unnecessary trouble.
There are many battles that can be won through wisdom, dialogue and restraint without anyone having to spend a night behind bars.
A short word is enough for the wise.
