The case of Isese activist Adegbola Abdulazeez, known widely as Tani Olohun, has gripped Nigeria, unfolding a saga that has played out not only in courtrooms but also in the ever-watchful eyes of social media and mainstream media. Tani Olohun’s story is not the first religious-related case to become a spectacle in these digital arenas, and it certainly won’t be the last. As long as people and digital platforms continue to create spaces for discussions and debates, such cases will continue to garner attention. However, beneath the surface of this digital spectacle lies a complex issue: the hypercommercialization of Tani Olohun’s case.
The Digital Age: A Platform for Public Discourse
In the digital age, where information flows ceaselessly through the internet’s arteries, issues like Tani Olohun’s case take on a life of their own. Social media and mainstream media outlets act as conduits, connecting millions of people to the latest developments in real time. The ability to instantaneously share news, images, and videos has given rise to a globalized public sphere where narratives are shaped, opinions are formed, and justice is demanded.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
The Problem of Hypercommercialization
However, a troubling trend has emerged amid the digital fervour surrounding cases like Tani Olohun’s. Rather than serving as platforms for informed debate and calls for justice, established and emerging content curators often prioritize profit over principle. Instead of focusing on creating a space that enables democratic structures to resolve the case fairly, they sometimes turn the proceedings into a lucrative spectacle, generating surplus value for themselves and leaving little to no exchange value for Tani Olohun and other key actors in the conflict.
Between the moment of Tani Olohun’s arrest and the commencement of his prosecution, hundreds of pieces of content in various forms – news articles, images, and videos – have flooded both social and mainstream media. These pieces have been shared widely, both nationally and globally. While this widespread coverage has brought attention to the case, it has also raised concerns about the ethics and consequences of hypercommercialization.
The Rush for Clicks and Eyeballs
One of the primary drivers of hypercommercialization in cases like Tani Olohun’s is the relentless pursuit of clicks, likes, shares, and eyeballs. In the digital age, engagement metrics translate directly into advertising revenue, and this economic incentive can lead content creators to prioritize sensationalism and drama over the pursuit of truth and justice.
As Tani Olohun’s case unfolded, some content creators raced to be the first to report on each new development. They used clickbait headlines, provocative images, and dramatic videos to capture the attention of the digital masses. While these tactics may have driven traffic and generated revenue, they also risked turning a serious legal matter into a form of entertainment.
The Impact on Justice and the Public Sphere
Hypercommercialization has consequences beyond mere entertainment value. It can distort public perceptions and hinder the pursuit of justice. In the case of Tani Olohun, the hypercommercialization of court proceedings may have influenced public opinion, potentially swaying perceptions of guilt or innocence. This raises questions about the fairness of the legal process and the ability of the accused to receive a fair trial in the court of public opinion.
Moreover, the surplus value generated by content creators often fails to benefit those at the heart of the conflict. Tani Olohun and others directly involved in the case may find themselves overshadowed by media sensationalism, struggling to have their voices heard amidst the noise of commercialized narratives.
Balancing Profit and Justice
In addressing the issue of hypercommercialization, it is essential to strike a balance between the legitimate pursuit of profit and the imperative of upholding justice. Content creators have a right to monetize their work, but they also bear a responsibility to maintain ethical standards, especially when covering sensitive legal matters.
One way to address this challenge is through greater self-regulation within the media industry. Content creators and media organizations can establish ethical guidelines that prioritize accuracy, fairness, and responsible reporting. They can also commit to providing comprehensive coverage that includes diverse perspectives and ensures that all parties involved in a case have a fair opportunity to present their side of the story.
The case of Tani Olohun serves as a stark reminder of the power and pitfalls of the digital age. While the internet and social media have democratized information sharing, they have also raised complex ethical dilemmas, particularly in high-profile legal cases. Balancing profit and justice requires a concerted effort from content creators, media organizations, and the wider public. By prioritizing responsible reporting and ethical journalism, we can ensure that cases like Tani Olohun’s receive the scrutiny they deserve without sacrificing the principles of justice and fairness. In doing so, we can harness the potential of the digital age to promote transparency, accountability, and a more just society.