CITIZENS COMPASS—The Lead counsel to Endsars petitioners, Adeshina Ogunlana, is dead.
He died on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, after a brief illness.
Ogunlana marked his 60th birthday on July 27, 2024.
Because of his love for human rights, he defied all odds to appear at the Day One of the #EndBadGovernance at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos, on Thursday, August 1, 2024, where he addressed the protesters.
He was Chairman, Radical Movement In NBA (RAMINBA).
Ogunlana served as the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch between 2016 – 2018.
The Secretary, NBA Ikeja Branch Secretary, Issa Adedokun, announced the passing away of his colleague on in a statement on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
The Statement said that the burial arrangement would be communicated later by the bereaved family.
It reads, “The Executive Committee regrets to announce the sudden passage of our beloved Leader, Adesina Ogunlana, Esq. (Past Chairman (2016 – 2018). Who passed on yesterday the 6th of AUGUST 2024.
“We are deeply saddened by this transition but comforted by the fact that, our dear Leader lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation by all.
“His contributions to our branch in particular, the legal profession and the entire country in general will forever remain indelible.
“Burial arrangements will be announced upon confirmation from his immediate family.
“As we condole with his family, kindly remember them in prayers at this critical time.”
Inibehe Effiong, a colleague of Ogunlana, on his Facebook page said of the late activist:
Dear Adesina Ademola Ogunlana, we were together last Thursday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos for the #EndBadGovernanceProtest.
You didn’t tell me that it was going to be the last time I’ll be seeing you.
What is life?
I woke up this morning to the tragic news of your passing. You just celebrated your 60th birthday a few days ago.
Why now?
You were one of the committed fighters for human rights and good governance in our country.
As Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the NBA, you led the fight against the increase of land use charge by the Lagos State Government. You were always on the side of the people. Where you stood on issues was never in doubt.
The nation has lost your progressive voice. This is a sad day for the civil society and the human rights community in Nigeria.
Sleep on gallant warrior, sleep well comrade.
Ogunlana recently faulted the position of the Lagos state government in the leaked memo approving the mass burial of 103 EndSARS victims.
