Death cast a sombre shadow on the legal community and the civic space in Nigeria on Wednesday with the devastating news of the demise of one of the most resilient members of the legal profession. Adesina Ogunlana, popularly known as Serubawon (a colloquial Yoruba word for ‘scare them’ or ‘frighten the oppressors’), has embarked on his final voyage. This time, not to the courtroom to defend helpless, voiceless and oppressed citizens, and not to demonstration grounds to protest anti-people policies by the government; but to the world beyond, to the other side of mortality.
In a similar way to bowing in the courtroom before judges as he argued on behalf of his clients, Ogunlana bowed to death just days after friends and colleagues celebrated his 60th birthday with a lecture late in July.
Known for his pro-people stance on national issues, the radical and outspoken Ogunlana prominently featured in many defining protests in Nigeria. From Occupy Nigeria in January 2012 to the 2020 #EndSARS rallies and the most recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide rallies. He was also the lawyer of #EndSARS petitioners at a panel set up to probe the incident at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.
A Life Dedicated to Justice and Activism
Ogunlana expertly fused activism with his legal practice; he juggled the two constituencies with unparalleled but equal zest. He was a force in the civic space whose vacant seat would be hard to fill.
A Legacy of Courage and Advocacy
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) mourned the loss of Ogunlana, a former chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the NBA. In a statement, NBA spokesman Akorede Lawal described Ogunlana’s tenure as the Chairman of NBA Ikeja Branch between 2016 and 2018 as a time of “renaissance” within the Bar, citing his leadership in the protest against the increase in the Land Use Charge introduced by the Lagos State Government in 2018. Lawal emphasized Ogunlana's unwavering commitment to the people and his active participation in the Nationwide Hunger Protest in Lagos the previous week.
The NBA statement highlighted Ogunlana’s “active commitment to the rule of law, the effective administration of justice and the protection of human rights.” Lawal offered condolences to the grieving family of the late activist cum lawyer.
A Champion for the Voiceless
Friends and associates of the late legal icon took to social media to share tributes and reminisce about Ogunlana's legendary exploits, his fighting spirit that challenged many in the civic space.
The news of Ogunlana’s death sparked widespread mourning within the legal profession, with many expressing their profound sadness at the loss of a staunch advocate for justice and a dedicated servant of the people. His passing leaves a void in the fight for a more just and equitable society, but his legacy of courage and commitment to the cause of justice will inspire generations to come.
A Life Well Lived
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his condolences to the Ogunlana family and the entire members of the NBA, particularly the Ikeja Branch. Sanwo-Olu described the late activist as a “fearless and courageous lawyer” who led a “fulfilled life by making positive impacts on the lives of the ordinary people during his lifetime.”
In a statement, the governor said: “We mourn the passing of a great son of the soil, a fearless and courageous lawyer, who fought for the rights of the people. His life was a testament to the power of justice and human rights.”
Though Ogunlana is gone, his spirit of activism, his commitment to justice and his passion for serving the people will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of all those who knew him. His legacy will serve as an inspiration for generations to come to continue fighting for a better Nigeria.
