The legal community and civic space in Nigeria mourned a great loss on Wednesday as news of the passing of Adesina Ogunlana, also known as Serubawon, spread.
A passionate and resilient member of the legal profession, he dedicated his life to defending the voiceless and oppressed, and fearlessly challenged anti-people policies.
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Ogunlana’s recent passing marked the end of an era. He was known for his unwavering commitment to advocating for the people, and he played a significant role in various national protests, including Occupy Nigeria in 2012, the 2020 #EndSARS rallies, and the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations. Notably, he represented #EndSARS petitioners at a panel investigating the events at the Lekki Tollgate.
By seamlessly merging activism with his legal work, Ogunlana left an indelible mark in the civic space. His absence has undoubtedly created a void that will be challenging to fill.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) spokesperson, Akorede Lawal, expressed deep sorrow at the passing of Ogunlana, a former chairman of the NBA’s Ikeja Branch.
Lawal noted that during Ogunlana’s leadership from 2016 to 2018, the NBA Ikeja Branch witnessed a significant revival, highlighted by his active role in protesting against the 2018 Land Use Charge increment introduced by the Lagos State Government.
“In this time, when citizens of this country look up to conscientious members of the legal profession for direction, the passage of Adesina Ogunlana is a monumental loss, as he was an activist in the exact sense of the word.
“Not one to shy away from standing firmly on the side of the people, Mr. Ogunlana actively participated in the Nationwide Hunger Protest in Lagos last week,” the NBA spokesman eulogised.
Ogunlana was “renowned for his active commitment to the rule of law, the effective administration of justice and the protection of human rights”.
Lawal expressed his deep condolences to the grieving family of the late activist cum lawyer, Ogunlana, stating that the NBA and the legal profession would miss him.
On social media, friends and associates of the late legal icon have been sharing heartfelt tributes and recounting Ogunlana’s legendary exploits, which challenged many in the civic space.
