 |
| Image;X |
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unblocked human rights lawyer Festus Ogun on X (formerly Twitter), following a private meeting between the two at Lagos House, Marina, on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Ogun, who had earlier accused the governor of violating his rights by restricting him from accessing updates on the verified account, confirmed the development in a post on Instagram the following day.
The human rights lawyer revealed that Sanwo-Olu personally extended the invitation for the meeting to address his grievances. “Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unblocked me on X (Twitter).
I met briefly with him yesterday at Lagos House Marina, on his invitation, to amicably resolve my complaint of human rights violations. We will continue to hold authorities accountable, regardless. Aluta continua!” Ogun wrote.
The development comes after a legal dispute that saw Ogun drag the Lagos governor to court, insisting that being blocked on X amounted to a breach of his fundamental rights.
In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1739/25, filed at a Federal High Court in Lagos, the activist argued that Sanwo-Olu’s decision to restrict him was retaliatory, citing his 2021 criticisms of the governor’s administration and his demands for accountability regarding the October 2020 #EndSARS killings.
According to Ogun, being blocked denied him access to critical public information and updates on governance matters. He contended that this restriction infringed on his right to freedom of expression and access to information without interference.
The lawyer described the governor’s action as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and discriminatory. He asked the court to compel Sanwo-Olu not only to restore access but also to issue a public apology.
Ogun also referenced international precedents in his case, urging the court to consider a 2019 ruling from the United States, which held that public officials using social media for governance could not arbitrarily block citizens critical of their policies.
He maintained that intolerance of dissenting views, especially by elected leaders, was a direct threat to democracy.
The human rights lawyer insisted that the issue went beyond his personal grievance. He described the blocking as an attempt to silence dissent, adding that such practices create an atmosphere of fear among citizens who seek accountability from those in power.
“I have been haunted, traumatised, and emotionally disturbed,” Ogun stated in his filings, stressing that the matter was about safeguarding the democratic right of every Nigerian to engage with leaders on matters of governance.
The unblocking marks a new chapter in the standoff, though Ogun maintained that his advocacy for accountability and transparency remains unchanged. His message suggested that while the meeting with Sanwo-Olu provided some resolution, the larger struggle for human rights and democratic freedom continues.
Observers note that the governor’s move may be an attempt to defuse tensions and demonstrate responsiveness to critics ahead of a busy political season in Lagos.
For many Nigerians, the case highlights the growing role of social media in governance and the need to balance authority with citizens’ rights to free expression and access to information.
#EntertainmentDaily
#ExclusiveUpdate
No comments:
Post a Comment