Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has lifted the social media block on human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, on X (formerly Twitter), following a brief meeting between the two at Lagos House, Marina, on Friday.
Ogun, who had previously filed a lawsuit against the governor for what he described as a violation of his fundamental rights, confirmed the development via a post on his Instagram account on Saturday.
“Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unblocked me on X (Twitter). I met briefly with him yesterday at Lagos House Marina, on his invitation, to amicably resolve my complaint of human rights violations. We will continue to hold authorities accountable, regardless. Aluta continua!” Ogun wrote.
Ogun had earlier filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging Sanwo-Olu’s decision to block him on X.
In suit FHC/L/CS/1739/25, the lawyer alleged that the governor’s action was prompted by his constructive criticism of the administration, particularly relating to the #EndSARS protests of October 2020.
He argued that the block denied him access to crucial updates and information from the governor’s verified public account thereby violating his constitutional right to receive information without interference.
According to court filings shared by Ogun on his Facebook page, he contended that the governor’s action was unconstitutional, arbitrary and discriminatory, that It amounted to an attack on free speech and public accountability and the matter went beyond personal grievance and raised serious democratic concerns.
He also cited a 2019 U.S. court ruling in support of his claim, arguing that blocking critics on public accounts undermines democratic engagement.
Ogun, who described himself as “haunted, traumatised, and emotionally disturbed,” asked the court to compel the governor to unblock him on X, issue a public apology and be barred from targeting online critics going forward.
Sanwo-Olu’s invitation to Ogun for a private meeting appears to have resolved the dispute without the need for prolonged litigation.
While no public statement has been made by the governor’s office, Ogun’s confirmation suggests that the unblocking and dialogue were part of a mutual resolution effort.
