At 11:55 a.m., mere minutes before our scheduled interview, there was no sign of Olorunrinu Oduala on Zoom. It was our third attempt to connect.
“Are we still good for time?” I messaged her on Twitter—the only platform where she was reachable. Silence.
But two minutes to noon, she joined the call.
“It’s been overwhelming,” Rinu began. She appeared from a kitchen at an undisclosed location, where she had relocated for her safety after her home address was leaked online.
Life Altered: Frozen Bank Accounts and Surveillance
In addition to moving homes, Rinu had to find alternative ways to manage finances after all her bank accounts were frozen three months prior. On November 11, 2020, a federal court ordered the freezing of accounts belonging to 20 individuals identified as participants in the #EndSARS protests, including Rinu. The order, granted for 90 days at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s request, left her feeling trapped.
“I felt caged,” she admitted. “Even basic things like buying airtime or withdrawing money required asking someone else for help.”
Although most of her accounts were eventually unfrozen after a February court ruling, one remains locked. She recounted her frustration, saying, “Some others are still unable to access their funds even after the court’s directive.”
Adding to her woes, Rinu suspected her phone was tapped. A security expert confirmed the device may have been hacked, though it seemed secure at present.
“Sources close to the government told me I was under intense surveillance,” she revealed. “I was involved in lawsuits, and government officials labeled us as terrorists. It was relentless.”
Activism with a ‘Coconut Head’
Rinu embraces the term “coconut head,” a slang phrase that denotes stubborn determination. This spirit became evident during a June 2020 protest when she rallied about 20 people to the Lagos police headquarters.
Her online activism also set her apart. Through projects like distributing hand sanitizers and raising awareness about police brutality, she built an engaged audience. Despite her sharp critiques of the government, her followers resonated with her boldness.
Her pivotal role during the October 2020 #EndSARS protests drew massive attention. “I didn’t set out to make history,” she explained. “I just wanted to contribute to changing the system.”
Fear was ever-present, but a sense of responsibility kept her going. “I told myself, ‘You brought people out; you have to take responsibility.’”
The protest soon gained traction, with other notable figures like Debo Adebayo (Mr. Macaroni) and organizations such as Feminist Coalition stepping in to amplify the movement.
Clothing Business and Balancing Fame
Beyond activism, Rinu runs a clothing line inspired by her strong-willed persona. Launched during the pandemic, her business gained traction as her social media following expanded.
However, balancing activism and entrepreneurship wasn’t easy. “I couldn’t promote my business as much as I wanted because it might seem insensitive,” she said.
Her fame brought its own set of challenges. She faced targeted harassment, including the publication of her home address, and struggled to focus on school and business. “People assume activism brings money, but it doesn’t,” she noted.
Despite these hurdles, she remains determined. “I won’t limit myself. Whether it’s my clothing line or my chemistry degree, I’m ready for whatever life brings.”
Family Support and Academic Challenges
Rinu is pursuing a Chemistry Education degree at Lagos State University. Her family, though supportive, had concerns about her activism. Her mother initially opposed her role in the judicial panel investigating the Lekki tollgate shooting, fearing government reprisals.
Tragically, during the protests, Rinu lost her maternal grandmother, who had been a significant source of emotional and financial support. “I haven’t fully mourned her,” she admitted.
Her activism also impacted her academics. Harassment led her to miss exams, and she now plans to resume her studies while navigating uncertainty.
Future Aspirations
As she juggles multiple roles, Rinu remains undeterred by challenges. Whether it’s building her business, completing her education, or continuing her activism, she’s guided by her grandmother’s advice: “Whatever you do, do it well.”
Rinu’s journey exemplifies resilience, and though her political ambitions may be on hold, she’s determined to challenge the status quo, one bold step at a time.
