Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has reacted to the controversy surrounding his participation in the Nigerian Bar Association conference by releasing a satirical video in which he dressed as a lawyer.
Otse shared the video on Instagram on Friday, appearing in a black barrister’s gown, white neck tabs and wig, while also wearing dark sunglasses.
In the about three-and-a-half-minute clip, the activist staged a mock courtroom proceeding, sarcastically presenting himself as a lawyer and making references to the criticism that followed his appearance at the NBA conference.
Otse had attended the conference, themed “Be Your Limit,” but his presence attracted criticism from some lawyers and members of the public who questioned why a non-lawyer was invited to an event organised by the legal profession.
The activist had defended his participation, arguing that his experience in advocacy, particularly on insecurity, made him suitable to contribute to the discussions.
In the latest video, Otse mocked those who focused on his lack of legal qualifications instead of the issues he raised.
“If I may, my lords, since you people decided to ignore all the points I raised at the NBA, all the points I raised about the insecurity, the people benefiting, you people decided to distract yourself by judging me and saying I was not fit to be there because I’m not a lawyer,” he said.
He then jokingly declared himself a member of the legal profession, telling his audience, “I’ve been called to bar. So now, you are now my learned colleagues.”
Continuing the parody, Otse invented what he described as “section 343 of the VDM constitution” and humorously added, “he who price must pay. And if you play, you go and learn.”
He also insisted that he was qualified to attend the conference because of the subject matter discussed.
“A large majority of Nigerians believe that I was not supposed to be present at this year’s NBA conference titled Be Your Limit. But my lord, I beg to differ because I am the most qualified, especially because of the topic that was addressed,” he said.
Otse jokingly referred to the conference theme as “Non-gun man,” apparently linking it to his advocacy and previous comments concerning insecurity and firearms.
The video featured two other men whom he introduced as his “learned friends” as the mock courtroom performance continued.
In another humorous scene, Otse pretended to be approached by a man seeking legal representation after allegedly being wrongly profiled. He rejected the request in a sarcastic manner.
“My lord, I am here to say I will not be representing this madman in court because how can you be looking like this? And you come and meet a noble man like me to represent you,” he said.
The latest video comes amid continuing criticism of Otse’s invitation to the NBA conference.
Senior lawyer Femi Falana had earlier disagreed with the justification for Otse’s invitation, arguing that experience could not replace the professional qualifications expected of speakers at the conference.
Otse, however, has maintained that his invitation was based on his experience and public advocacy.
The controversy also came against the backdrop of his allegations concerning insecurity and alleged kidnapping activities involving police officers, which led to an invitation by the police for questioning.
Rather than directly respond to the latest criticism, Otse used the lawyer’s costume and mock courtroom setting to make light of the dispute, repeatedly referring to himself and others as “my lord” and “learned colleagues.”
