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Human rights

Lagos Governor Sued for Blocking Human Rights Lawyer on X Over Criticisms

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been dragged to the Federal High Court in Lagos by human rights lawyer Festus Ogun over allegations of violating his fundamental rights by blocking him on his X (formerly Twitter) account since 2021. Ogun claimed that Sanwo-Olu's decision to block him was triggered by his "constructive criticisms" and "demand for accountability" over the October 2020 #EndSARS killings.

Key Takeaways:

  • Festus Ogun, a human rights lawyer, has sued Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for allegedly violating his fundamental rights by blocking him on X (formerly Twitter) since 2021.
  • Ogun claims that Sanwo-Olu's decision to block him was triggered by his "constructive criticisms" and "demand for accountability" over the October 2020 #EndSARS killings.
  • Being blocked has deprived Ogun of access to vital information and public updates, constituting a violation of his right to receive information without interference.
  • Ogun seeks a declaration that Sanwo-Olu's blocking of him on X is unconstitutional, arbitrary, and discriminatory.
  • He also prays for the governor to unblock him, issue a public apology, and stop targeting critics online.
  • The lawsuit cites a 2019 US District Court ruling in Knight First Amendment Institute v Trump, which found that blocking US citizens for criticizing the President on Twitter was a violation of the 1st Amendment.
  • Ogun argues that intolerance to opposing views undermines democracy and that Nigerian authorities must stop cracking down on dissents, critics, and vocal citizens on social media.

Statistics:

  • Since 2021, Ogun has been blocked by Sanwo-Olu on his X handle @jidesanwoolu.
  • The October 2020 #EndSARS killings led to Ogun's criticisms of Sanwo-Olu, which resulted in the governor's decision to block him.
  • The lawsuit claims that blocking Ogun on X has prevented him from accessing public updates and receiving information about policies and governance in Lagos.

Sources:

  • Festus Ogun's Facebook post announcing the lawsuit
  • Ogun's originating summons filed in the Federal High Court in Lagos (FHC/L/CS/1739/25)

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