In a video shared on Facebook on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Niger Delta activist and traditional ruler, Asari Dokubo, spoke about his personal identity and the meaning behind his chosen name, addressing misconceptions and criticism from the public.
Dokubo explained that his name reflects a specific aspect of his beliefs and actions, and he sought to clarify its significance in his life. He stated that understanding the meaning of his name is key to appreciating his perspective on religious and political matters.
“My name is Mujahid; it means ‘he who carries out Jihad’ in Arabic. That’s the name I adopted,” Dokubo said, emphasizing that adopting this name was a deliberate choice reflecting his commitment to principles he considers central to his faith and activism.
He further clarified that the term “Jihad” is often misinterpreted by outsiders. For him, it represents a personal struggle for justice, self-discipline, and advocacy, rather than any form of indiscriminate violence. Dokubo stressed that identifying with the name does not imply alignment with extremist ideologies.
The activist also addressed critics who have attempted to use his name to question his character or motivations. He noted that public figures often face scrutiny over personal choices, but individuals must be understood in the context of their intentions and actions.
Dokubo concluded by urging the public to approach issues of identity and religious terminology with understanding and nuance. He maintained that knowing the meaning behind his name helps clarify his stance on faith, activism, and the principles he upholds in both his personal and public life.