By Nzeh Frankwhite
Femi Fani- Kayode, Dino Melaye and Dan Iwunyanwu stormed the Headoffice of the National Human rights Commission Abuja, this weekend to protest over the menace of outcaste systems predominantly in the Eastern part of Nigeria.
The trio are part of the cast, SILENT PREJUDICE, a TV series intervention on the fight against the Osu caste in Igboman . The Project is a partnership between the National Human rights Commission,( NHRC) and PILLARS HOPE AFRICA INITIATIVES,(POHAI) an NGO focusing on the promotion and preservation of a just and equitable society.
The crew were shooting an episode at the office of the NHRC this weekend and Femi Fani Kayode, Dino Melaye and Dan Iwunyanwu featured prominently in the star studded cast with different roles.
Dino Melaye at the public hearing on the Drama gave account of the challenges he faced trying to fight against the osu caste system. According to him he was brutalised, harrassed and humiliated by the people. He however vowed to continue the fight until the obnoxious practice is finally eradicated.
Dan Nwanyanwu on his part recounted how as a young school boy he was told not to befriend, relate; mingle or marry a particular group of people because of their ‘ ancestral background ‘ as Osu’s.
He said that the practice is hypocritical as many of those who claim to be free born and condemned the Osu usually met them especially their women discreetly.
Fani Kayode noted that the practice of OSU Caste System is inhuman, degrading and contrary to the provision of the laws of the land. He said is criminal to refer to someone as an outcaste appealing to the National Human Rights commission which he said has been doing very well to help abrogate the practice.
Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu esq who presided over the Panel noted that Osu caste system is an infringement on the fundamental rights of citizens which the Nigerian constitution protects.
He said the practice is contrary to Justice,equity and good conscience and therefore unacceptable promising that the Commission will work other stakeholders towards its eradication.
Silent Prejudice is a partnership Project between the National Human Rights Commission and Pillars of Hope Africa Initiatives. It features every Wednesday on AIT by 9pm.
