As one of Nigeria’s most vocal post-independence civil rights critics, Solarin joined the ranks of other well-known activists like Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Wole Soyinka, Ayodele Awojobi, Dele Giwa, Gani Fawehinmi, and Ken Saro-Wiwa. In addition to his activism, Tai Solarin was also known for his outspoken humanism and atheism. He was an atheist and a strong critic of religious institutions, particularly their control over education.
These individuals challenged the established quo and fought for the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, acting as the conscience of the country in a place where effective resistance to military administrations was frequently lacking. Tai Solarin fearlessly released a statement titled “The Beginning of the End” in 1975, when General Yakubu Gowon’s administration was delaying the handover of power to a civilian government. He distributed the statement by hand on the streets. Even though his audacious deed landed him in jail, it didn’t stop him from fighting oppression for the rest of his life.
Solarin fought tirelessly against several administrations throughout his life, always wanting to better the lot of his fellow Nigerians. His persistent dedication to education and justice has had a lasting impact on Nigerian history. Rest in peace.
