Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lifted a social media block placed on human rights lawyer, Festus Ogun, following a lawsuit challenging the restriction.
Ogun had dragged the governor before a Federal High Court in Lagos, arguing that his fundamental rights were violated when he was blocked on X (formerly Twitter).
He insisted that as a public officer, Sanwo-Olu’s account serves as a platform for official communication, and shutting citizens out amounts to censorship.
The lawyer, who is known for his strong stance on human rights and accountability, claimed the governor blocked him after his criticisms of government actions, particularly on issues tied to the October 2020 #EndSARS protests.
His suit sought a declaration that the action breached his rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and protection from discrimination.
In a surprising twist, the governor invited Ogun to Lagos House, Marina, on September 12, 2025.
Following the closed-door meeting, Sanwo-Olu unblocked the lawyer on X. While the governor did not issue a public statement on the matter, the move is seen as an attempt to settle the dispute out of court.
Reacting to the development, Ogun described the unblocking as a step forward in protecting citizens’ digital rights. “No leader should silence the people they govern, whether offline or online.
“This case was about ensuring that our constitutional freedoms are respected in the digital space,” he said.