Lawyer Set Sue Sanwo-Olu For Blocking Him On X, Alleges Rights Violation

• A Nigerian lawyer, plans to sue Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
• The lawsuit is prompted by Ogun being blocked on X for nearly three years.
• Ogun claims the block violates his constitutional right to freedom of expression.

Nigerian legal practitioner, Festus Ogun, has announced plans to take legal action against Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, over being blocked on X (formerly known as Twitter).

In a statement shared on his X account, @mrfestusogun, the lawyer revealed that he has been unable to access the governor’s posts for nearly three years due to the block. He argued that the action infringes on his constitutional right to freedom of expression, particularly as a resident of Lagos.

“For close to three years now, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has blocked me on Twitter. By August 2025, I will be heading to court to seek redress,” he posted.

Ogun emphasized that the block amounts to a suppression of his right to engage in political discourse and hold elected leaders accountable. He also engaged with followers in the comment section, many of whom weighed in on the possible legal and digital rights implications of the governor’s action.

See screenshot of post below:

See some reactions below:

@kinpelG: “But with the new Twitter thing, you can still see whatever he post, just that you can’t comment.”

@toplegalsage: “Interesting. I recall seeing an English case about 2 years ago that supports this position. Where the English Court said public offices can’t restrict or censor viewership. You have an interesting mind FO.”

@Nehem11: “I want to learn please, is it on his personal handle or the LASG handle? If it is his personal handle, can we say he is breaching your constitutional rights?”

@pioneerjoshua8: “Me that was blocked by Bola Ahmed Tunibu himself. The acclaimed president of the FRN. INEC did same in 2023. All the government agencies are running from accountability.”

@FadaChristmas_: “Does Nigerian courts know anything about human rights and justice? Is it not a cash and carry institution? What a country!”