Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has criticised Nigeria’s legal profession, declaring that law can no longer be regarded as a noble profession in the country.
The activist made the controversial remarks while responding to criticism over his participation in the Nigerian Bar Association’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt.
VeryDarkMan was invited to participate in a panel session on insecurity, where he spoke about the security challenges confronting Nigerians and shared experiences from his activism.
His appearance at the gathering, however, attracted criticism from some members of the legal profession, who questioned why a social media activist without formal legal training was invited to speak at an event organised by lawyers.
Reacting to the criticism in a video shared on social media, VeryDarkMan said he attended the conference to represent Nigerians who, in his words, do not have a voice.
He questioned why some lawyers were uncomfortable with his presence, suggesting that his invitation reflected the organisers’ willingness to hear perspectives beyond the traditional legal establishment.
The activist subsequently turned his attention to the profession itself, rejecting the description of law as a noble vocation.
He argued that the economic realities facing many Nigerian lawyers contradict the traditional perception of the legal profession as prestigious and financially rewarding.
According to VeryDarkMan, many trained lawyers are either unemployed, unable to establish sustainable practices or no longer actively practising law.
He questioned how many lawyers have meaningful employment and how many regularly appear in court, arguing that these challenges are rarely discussed publicly.
His comments have generated debate online, with some Nigerians supporting his criticism and others accusing him of unfairly generalising about an entire profession.
The controversy comes at a time when Nigeria’s legal profession, like many other sectors, faces significant economic pressures.
Young graduates entering the profession often have to compete for limited opportunities, while establishing an independent legal practice can require substantial financial resources, professional networks and years of experience.
The situation has fuelled concerns about unemployment and underemployment among professionals across the country.
However, VeryDarkMan’s assertion that law is one of Nigeria’s poorest professions is a personal assessment rather than an established economic ranking.
The legal profession remains a regulated and important component of Nigeria’s justice system, employing lawyers across private practice, government institutions, corporations, academia and other sectors.
His remarks have nevertheless opened a wider conversation about the gap between the prestige traditionally associated with professional careers and the economic realities faced by young Nigerians.
For many graduates, obtaining professional qualifications does not automatically guarantee employment or financial stability.
This problem extends beyond law to several other professions, as Nigeria’s labour market struggles to absorb a growing population of graduates and skilled workers.
VeryDarkMan also questioned the continued production of large numbers of lawyers in a country where, according to him, available opportunities are insufficient.
His argument raises broader questions about professional education, workforce planning and whether tertiary institutions and professional training bodies are adequately aligned with labour-market demand.
The controversy surrounding his appearance at the NBA conference also highlights the changing nature of public discourse in Nigeria.
Social media personalities increasingly participate in national conversations traditionally dominated by politicians, academics, professionals and established civil-society organisations.
VeryDarkMan has built a large public following through his outspoken commentary on corruption, insecurity, alleged misconduct and social issues.
His invitation to a major gathering of legal professionals therefore represents the growing influence of digital activists in shaping public conversations.
For supporters, his participation demonstrates that important national discussions should include voices from outside traditional institutions.
For critics, however, expertise and professional training remain important considerations when discussing specialised subjects.
The disagreement ultimately reflects a broader tension between traditional professional authority and the influence of social media personalities.
Whatever the reaction to his remarks, VeryDarkMan’s comments have placed the Nigerian legal profession at the centre of another public debate over professional dignity, employment opportunities and economic realities.
The question now extends beyond whether law remains a “noble profession.”
It is whether Nigeria can create an economy in which professional qualifications translate into meaningful opportunities, allowing lawyers and other skilled professionals to build sustainable careers rather than struggle to find work after years of education and training.
For the legal profession, the controversy may serve as an uncomfortable but important reminder that public perceptions of professional prestige are increasingly being measured against the everyday economic experiences of practitioners.
