Human Rights Activist Urges NBA Ibadan to Address Widespread Violations in Oyo State
A prominent human rights advocate, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, to take a more proactive stance on human rights issues, urging them to emulate the activism of their counterparts in Ikeja. Sulaiman highlighted the alarming levels of human rights and economic rights violations in Oyo State, particularly in its capital, Ibadan, perpetrated by security agents and political figures.
Comrade Sulaiman, who was recently arrested and detained alongside 11 artisans, accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of orchestrating his arrest. The incident arose after he led a peaceful protest to resist an alleged attempt by Seye Famojuro, a close ally of the governor, to seize a Federal Road setback leased to artisans by the Federal Housing Authority. The temporary workshop, located opposite Gbagi Market in Ibadan, was reportedly targeted for takeover despite its legal designation.
Sulaiman condemned the Oyo State Police Command, led by Commissioner Ayodele Sonubi, for allegedly acting as a tool of suppression under the guise of enforcing public order. According to him, peaceful protesters have been unjustly arrested and detained on fabricated charges.
Speaking during the 2025 Annual Fawehinmism event, held to honor the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s legacy in human rights activism and the legal profession, Sulaiman urged Ibadan-based lawyers to rise to the defense of the masses. He decried the increasing number of innocent Nigerians languishing in police custody and correctional centers without trial, attributing the situation to complicity by law enforcement authorities.
A statement from the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ), signed by its Assistant General Secretary, Pastor Michael Agaasi, described the rampant violations of freedom of speech and expression in Oyo State as unconstitutional. The statement further criticized the Oyo State Police Command for its role in congesting correctional centers with detainees arrested on baseless charges.
Reflecting on Fawehinmism, Sulaiman hailed Chief Gani Fawehinmi as an enduring institution whose contributions to legal advocacy and social justice will never be forgotten. He likened Fawehinmi’s legacy to that of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, describing both as monumental figures in African history.
Sulaiman also congratulated notable individuals who emerged from the Gani Fawehinmi School of Thought, including Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Professor Omotoye Olorode, Barrister Femi Aborisade, and several others, for their dedication to human rights and justice.
The activist commended attendees of the 21st anniversary of Fawehinmism held at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos. The event brought together notable figures, including the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi Mohammed II, and legal luminaries such as Professor Ademola Popoola and Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), to discuss pressing issues affecting Nigeria’s struggling economy.
Signed:
Pastor Michael Agaasi
Assistant General Secretary (CHRSJ), Nigeria
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