Governor Sanwo-Olu Faces Legal Fire for Silencing Lawyer on Twitter

Nigerian lawyer and human rights advocate Festus Ogun has vowed to drag Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to court over what he describes as a gross violation of his constitutional right to free expression—after being blocked by the governor on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for nearly three years.

Ogun, in a post shared via his handle @mrfestusogun, announced his intention to file the lawsuit in August 2025, asserting that the governor’s action undermines the principles of accountability and open governance.

“For about three years, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has blocked me on Twitter,” Ogun stated. “August 2025, I will be approaching the court for legal remedies. As a Lagos resident, I am convinced that my blocking is an attack on my constitutional right to freedom of expression.”

The move has since ignited a heated conversation online, with many Nigerians sharing similar experiences of being blocked by public officials, including former and current top officeholders.

One user, @toplegalsage, cited a relevant English court ruling: “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.”

Others expressed cynicism over the Nigerian judiciary’s ability to uphold justice. “Does Nigerian courts know anything about human rights and justice? Is it not a cash and carry institution? What a country!” said @FadaChristmas_.