Sanwo-Olu Sued for Blocking Lawyer Festus Ogun on X, Alleged Rights Violation and Emotional Trauma

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, has filed a suit against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging the governor’s decision to block him on X (formerly Twitter).

Ogun alleged that the governor’s action, which he discovered in 2021, stemmed from his critical stance on Sanwo-Olu’s policies and his calls for accountability over the October 2020 #EndSARS incident at the Lekki Toll Gate. He argued that the block not only silenced his voice but also deprived him access to vital information shared on the governor’s verified handle.

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In his filing, Ogun described the move as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and a violation of his fundamental rights to freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination based on political opinion. He maintained that public officials’ social media accounts serve as essential platforms for engaging citizens and should not be used to exclude dissenting voices.

The lawyer is asking the court to compel Sanwo-Olu to unblock him, issue a public apology within seven days of judgment, and grant a perpetual injunction restraining the governor from blocking him or any citizen on official social media platforms in the future. He further claimed that the governor’s action inflicted “emotional trauma and mental distress” on him.

The case has reignited debate over digital rights, accountability, and the conduct of elected officials in Nigeria’s democratic space.