The growing influence of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has exposed what lawyers Festus Ogun and Deji Adeyanju described as the failure of members of the legal profession to consistently champion the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
The lawyers said the increasing tendency of Nigerians to take their grievances to VDM rather than seek legal assistance should serve as a wake-up call to the profession.
Ogun raised the issue in a post on X on Wednesday, arguing that VDM’s growing influence was partly a result of the vacuum created by lawyers who, he said, had failed to stand firmly for the masses and the country.
According to him, lawyers should not limit their professional responsibilities to making money from legal practice but should also actively defend citizens whose rights are threatened.
‘VDM’s relevance is necessitated by the vacuum created by we lawyers who ordinarily should, in addition to making money, stand firmly for the cause of the masses and our country,’ Ogun wrote.
He also criticised the manner in which some lawyers approach public-interest litigation, arguing that pro bono representation should not be treated merely as a means of enhancing professional credentials.
Ogun alleged that some lawyers become more interested in public-interest cases when seeking recognition that could strengthen their prospects of becoming Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), only to reduce their involvement afterwards.
He maintained that public-interest advocacy should instead be regarded as a continuing responsibility of the legal profession.
Reacting to the development, Adeyanju described the growing reliance on VDM by Nigerians seeking redress as a ‘huge indictment’ of the legal profession.
He said the situation should prompt lawyers to reflect on how effectively they were serving the public, particularly citizens who lacked the resources or connections to pursue justice through conventional channels.
Reacting to Ogun’s position, Adeyanju, who is also VDM’s lawyer, agreed that the development reflected a deeper crisis of confidence between lawyers and the public.
Adeyanju said the fact that some Nigerians would rather contact VDM than lawyers was a serious indictment of the legal profession.
‘It’s a huge indictment that Nigerians will rather call VDM than call many of us. We must look inward for solutions and get back the trust and confidence of the people,’ he wrote.
The comments have renewed debate over the role of lawyers in public-interest advocacy and the changing ways Nigerians seek justice and redress.
Traditionally, lawyers have been central to citizens seeking legal remedies, challenging government actions and protecting fundamental rights.
However, the rise of social media has created alternative channels through which Nigerians can publicise grievances and mobilise public opinion.
VDM has become one of the most prominent figures in this emerging space.
Through his social media platforms, he has regularly raised allegations brought to him by members of the public, criticised government institutions and private individuals, and campaigned on issues relating to alleged corruption, injustice, abuse of power and poor governance.
His interventions have often generated significant online reactions, with supporters portraying him as a voice for people who believe conventional institutions have failed them.
The activist’s influence has also increasingly extended beyond social media, with public institutions and prominent individuals responding to issues he raises.
His ability to mobilise online pressure has made him an influential figure in public discourse, particularly among young Nigerians.
However, his approach has also attracted criticism from those who argue that allegations should be subjected to proper investigation and legal processes rather than trial by social media.
The debate over his influence took another turn at the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
VDM participated in a session on insecurity and other national issues and was subsequently presented with a special recognition award by the NBA.
The recognition generated reactions because of his status as a social media activist and his growing influence in areas traditionally associated with lawyers and civil society organisations.
For Ogun and Adeyanju, however, the more important issue is not VDM’s popularity itself but what it reveals about the relationship between lawyers and the people they are expected to serve.
Their comments suggest that the profession must examine why citizens increasingly seek alternative platforms to air grievances and demand justice.
They argued that lawyers could regain public confidence by becoming more accessible, taking up more public-interest cases and consistently defending citizens whose rights are threatened.
The lawyers’ position also raises questions about the cost and accessibility of legal services in Nigeria, where many citizens may be unable to afford prolonged litigation or secure immediate legal representation.
For some Nigerians, social media provides a faster and more accessible avenue for attracting attention to their problems, particularly when formal institutions appear slow or inaccessible.
The challenge for the legal profession, therefore, is to ensure that citizens do not see social media activism as a substitute for legal representation and institutional justice.
The growing influence of VDM and other online activists has shown that public advocacy is no longer confined to courtrooms, press conferences or traditional civil society organisations.
As social media continues to shape public opinion and accountability campaigns, lawyers may increasingly be required to combine professional expertise with stronger grassroots engagement.
For Ogun and Adeyanju, rebuilding that connection is essential if the legal profession is to reclaim its traditional position as a trusted defender of the rights and interests of Nigerians.