Post by Henry Emeka (@Emekus)
Greetings Esteemed Damilare Adenola & Co. Lawpractice (DACO LP Africa). We hope this message finds you well. We are reaching out respectfully to ask a few sincere and humble questions regarding your recent public statement defending Tyla’s right to perform in Lagos.
First, we acknowledge that your firm has every right to defend any individual or position you choose. Our intention is not to disrespect your practice or your legal reasoning. However, we do wish to understand why similar public advocacy was not made during earlier periods when Nigerians were being killed in South Africa, particularly since 2019, as well as during incidents affecting citizens from other African countries.
Additionally, we wonder why no comparable public statements were issued during the many years in which boko haram has terrorized and killed Nigerians. These issues have deeply affected millions of families, and we are simply seeking clarity on the consistency of public advocacy from institutions positioned to speak on human rights.
We want to emphasize that we have no personal issue with Tyla. Our concern is rooted in the broader context South African artists have previously faced backlash for xenophobic tensions, and Tyla has not publicly condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks. Yet she seeks to perform in Nigeria and benefit economically from Nigerian audiences.
Our position is straightforward: we believe that before Tyla—or any South African artist—performs in Nigeria, the South African government should compensate Nigerians and citizens of other African nations who were killed, displaced, or forced to abandon their property due to xenophobic violence. Only then can conversations about cultural exchange move forward in good faith.
We understand your firm’s argument regarding collective punishment and legal rights under the African Charter. We simply ask that equal attention be given to the rights and suffering of Nigerians and other Africans who have endured violence for years.
We welcome a mutual, global conversation among attorneys and stakeholders. Our intention is dialogue, not conflict.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We rest our case
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