Sanwo-Olu meets lawyer Festus Ogun, unblocks him on X after threat of lawsuit
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has unblocked the X handle of a human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun. The unblocking was a fallout of a lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos by the lawyer.
Sanwo-Olu had blocked Festus Ogun on X in 2021. The lawyer, who resides and practises law in Lagos, had told the court that the governor’s action amounts to censorship, discrimination, and an affront to his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.
He explained that in 2021, he discovered that Sanwo-Olu had blocked him on X after he posted critical comments demanding accountability for the October 2020 #EndSARS massacre, which occurred under the governor’s watch.
Before the commencement of proceedings, Sanwo-Olu invited Ogun for a meeting after which he unblocked him on X.
Ogun, in a post on his X handle explained: “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!
“Mr Governor took time to explain the circumstances surrounding my blocking. Grateful to my excellent lawyer, @DesmondTobeOris who stood by me throughout the mediation meeting. Aluta continua!”
