The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of human rights activist and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, Adesina Ogunlana. Sanwo-Olu, who described Ogunlana’s death as shocking and a great loss to the state, commiserated with the deceased’s family and the entire members of the NBA, particularly the Ikeja branch, over the death of “the fearless and courageous lawyer.” Ogunlana, 60, was reported to have slumped on Tuesday in his office at Fadeyi, along Ikorodu Road, Lagos.
He was not publicly known to be battling any illness. A fearless, radical, human rights activist, Ogulana, fondly called “Serubawon” celebrated his 60th birthday on July 27, 2024, 10 days ago with a lecture at the Ikeja Bar Centre. Ogunlana served as the NBA Chairman, of the Ikeja branch between 2016 and 2018.
He was also one of the leading lawyers who fought for the victims of the #EndSARS protests in Lagos in 2020. In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described the death of Ogunlana as a great loss to his family, associates, clients, and legal practitioners. He said Ogunlana, who was referred to as “Serubawon” by some of his colleagues, lived a fulfilled life by making a positive impact on the lives of ordinary people, during his lifetime.
The news of Ogunlana’s death broke in the early hours of Wednesday. Ogunlana has been mourned by family, friends and assoc.