From Aba Women’s Riot to EndSARS: Protests That Shaped Nigeria’s History!

From Aba Women’s Riot to EndSARS: Protests That Shaped Nigeria’s History!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

As fresh calls intensify for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Nigeria’s deep-rooted culture of protest politics has returned to national focus — a legacy shaped by decades of civic resistance, from the colonial era to present day.

What We Know:

• The current agitation for Kanu’s freedom mirrors past movements where citizens mobilised to confront perceived injustice and state repression.
• Nigeria’s history is punctuated by pivotal protests: the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot, the 1993 pro-democracy demonstrations, the 2012 #OccupyNigeria fuel subsidy protest, and the 2020 #EndSARS uprising.

Historic Highlights:

• Aba Women’s Riot (1929):Thousands of southeastern women protested against colonial taxation, marking Nigeria’s first major anti-colonial mass movement.
• June 12 Protests (1993–1999): Mass resistance against the annulment of MKO Abiola’s election catalysed Nigeria’s return to democracy.
• EndSARS (2020): Youth-led demonstrations against police brutality gained global attention, reshaping discourse on governance and accountability.

Why It Matters:

Protest remains a powerful tool for democratic expression in Nigeria, even amid crackdowns.

• Each movement has left an imprint on policy, leadership, or public awareness, even when immediate demands weren’t met.
• The growing digital age has amplified grassroots voices and internationalised Nigeria’s protest culture.

Citations:

1. National Archives of Nigeria – Colonial Protest Records
2. Premium Times – “EndSARS and Nigeria’s Protest Legacy”
3. BBC Africa – “A History of Dissent: From Aba to EndSARS”
4. Human Rights Watch – “Freedom of Assembly in Nigeria: A Timeline”

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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