The legal community and civic space in Nigeria were shaken on Wednesday by the news of the passing of Adesina Ogunlana, a prominent and resilient member of the legal profession. Ogunlana, also known as Serubawon, which translates to ‘scare them’ or ‘frighten the oppressors’ in colloquial Yoruba, has embarked on his final journey. He was known for his unwavering dedication to defending the voiceless and oppressed in courtrooms and advocating for social justice through protests and activism.
Ogunlana, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday, passed away just days after the milestone event. Throughout his career, he participated in numerous protests, including the Occupy Nigeria movement in 2012, the 2020 #EndSARS rallies, and the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests. Additionally, he served as the lawyer for #EndSARS petitioners at a panel investigating the Lekki Tollgate incident.
His proactive involvement in national issues and his simultaneous commitment to legal practice made him a formidable figure in the civic space. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) mourned his passing, recognizing his leadership during his tenure as the Chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the NBA. During his leadership, he played a pivotal role in leading protests against the increase in the Land Use Charge introduced by the Lagos State Government in 2018.
Described as an activist in the truest sense, Ogunlana’s commitment to the rule of law, administration of justice, and human rights was widely acknowledged. The NBA, as well as the legal profession as a whole, expressed deep condolences to his family and acknowledged the significant loss his passing represents. The news of his death prompted an outpouring of tribute and memories across social media, reflecting the profound impact of his legacy in the legal and civic spheres.
