Human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, who recently sued Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for blocking him on X (formerly Twitter), has shared an update after holding a conciliatory meeting with the governor.
Weeks ago, Festus had accused the governor of restricting his access on the platform because of his persistent criticisms of state policies and his demands for accountability over the October 2020 #EndSARS massacre. He argued that the act violated his constitutional rights to freedom of expression and participation in governance, prompting him to initiate legal action against the governor.
Resolution at Lagos House
On Monday, Festus disclosed that he was invited to the Lagos House, Marina, where he met with Sanwo-Olu. Photos from the meeting, which he posted on X, showed both men in a cordial atmosphere.
According to him, the governor offered explanations on the circumstances that led to the initial block and has since unblocked him. Festus described the conversation as “amicable,” noting that while the matter was resolved, his commitment to speaking truth to power remains unchanged.
In his words:
“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!”
Festus also expressed gratitude to his legal associate, Desmond Tobe Oris, who was present during the mediation.
Advocacy Still Firm
Despite the settlement, the lawyer insisted that the resolution would not soften his stance on accountability and transparency. He emphasized that citizens must continue to demand justice and good governance, stressing that constructive criticism of public officials is essential in a democracy.
Reactions From Nigerians
The meeting between Festus and Sanwo-Olu has sparked diverse reactions online, ranging from commendations to skepticism.
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KikelomoSowore: “Well done. He should compensate you for the time he blocked you. You missed many state updates, like whether the Third Mainland Bridge is still 3MB or if the state subscribed for more data bundles. 😅”
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ChinnelJam47174: “I won’t be surprised if you start singing his praises …”
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Opsylo_jay: “Haters will say you have been bought.”
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KingMaker_ii: “Wish Nigeria worked, things would have been this seamless and our leaders more prudent.”
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EniolaAdewuni: “If you want to do something, just get up and do it. People (myself included) laughed at his lawsuit but it actually yielded results. Kudos!”
Bigger Picture
The case highlights the growing influence of social media in governance and civic activism in Nigeria. For many, Festus Ogun’s persistence serves as an example of how ordinary citizens can challenge leaders and push back against perceived infringements on their rights, even in unconventional ways.
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