Lagos Lawyer Sues Governor Sanwo-Olu For Allegedly Violating Constitutional Rights By Blocking Him On X

Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun has filed a lawsuit against Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing him of violating his fundamental rights by blocking him on X (formerly Twitter). The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1739/25, claims the governor’s action in 2021 was a response to Ogun’s criticisms and demands for accountability over the 2020 #EndSARS massacre.

Ogun argues that being blocked on the governor’s verified handle, @jidesanwoolu, denies him access to vital government updates, constituting a breach of his right to freedom of expression and information under the Nigerian Constitution. He also alleges discrimination based on political opinion, calling the act “unconstitutional, arbitrary, and discriminatory.”

The lawyer seeks a court order to compel Sanwo-Olu to unblock him, issue a public apology, and refrain from targeting critics online. Ogun emphasized the broader implications, stating, “This suit is about setting a precedent in Nigeria’s digital rights jurisprudence.” He referenced a 2019 U.S. ruling against former President Donald Trump for similar actions, urging Nigerian courts to follow suit.

The lawyer emphasized that this lawsuit transcends a personal grievance, framing it as a crucial public interest case aimed at setting a precedent for Nigeria's digital rights jurisprudence.

“This suit is not just about me. I have filed this lawsuit in furtherance of public interest and with the hope that it sets a precedent,” he said. He condemned a “growing culture of repression” where Nigerian authorities use tools like arrests, surveillance, and social media blocking to target dissenters, journalists, and activists.

“Intolerance to criticism and accountability is unconstitutional and undemocratic,” the lawyer's statement read. “That narrative must stop, and we have a collective duty to invite the judiciary to put an end to it.”

The case has sparked online debate, with some praising Ogun’s principled stance—eschewing financial damages to avoid being labeled a “gold-digger”, while others question its legal weight. As of now, the Lagos State Government has not responded to the lawsuit.

The case is now pending before the Federal High Court, and its outcome is eagerly awaited by civil society organizations, legal experts, and digital rights activists across Nigeria.