The legal community and civic space in Nigeria were shrouded in grief on Wednesday with the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of its most steadfast members, Adesina Ogunlana. Known as Serubawon (a Yoruba term meaning 'scare them' or 'frighten the oppressors'), Ogunlana has embarked on his final journey—not to the courtroom to defend the helpless or to protest grounds to challenge anti-people policies, but to the world beyond.
Just days after friends and colleagues celebrated his 60th birthday with a lecture in late July, Ogunlana succumbed to death. Renowned for his pro-people stance, Ogunlana was a prominent figure in many defining protests in Nigeria, including Occupy Nigeria in January 2012, the 2020 #EndSARS rallies, and the recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests. He also served as the lawyer for #EndSARS petitioners at the panel investigating the Lekki Tollgate incident in Lagos.
Ogunlana expertly blended activism with his legal practice, making a significant impact in the civic space. His absence will be profoundly felt.
In a statement, Akorede Lawal, a spokesman for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), expressed deep sorrow over Ogunlana’s passing. Ogunlana, who served as the chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the NBA from 2016 to 2018, led the protest against the increase in the Land Use Charge by the Lagos State Government in 2018, bringing a renewed sense of activism to the Bar.
“At a time when citizens look to conscientious members of the legal profession for direction, the loss of Adesina Ogunlana is monumental. He was an activist in every sense of the word,” said Lawal. Ogunlana had actively participated in the Nationwide Hunger Protest in Lagos just last week.
Known for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, the effective administration of justice, and the protection of human rights, Ogunlana’s absence will be keenly felt in the legal profession. The NBA extends its deepest condolences to his grieving family.
Friends and associates have taken to social media to share tributes and recount the legendary exploits of Ogunlana, whose fighting spirit inspired many in the civic space. Just a few weeks ago, he was a guest on our Saturday political show "Talk Radio" with Emmanuel Ujiadughele.
Reacting to this on X
Oh, what is this life?
I interviewed Adesina Ogunlana last Saturday on Talk Radio @IFM923.
He was such a resourceful and kind guest.
This is such sad news. May his soul find rest.
I don't even know how to react to this. https://t.co/CTKlGei2OO— Emmanuel Ujiadughele (@EmmaUji20) August 7, 2024
