By Victory Anty And Favour Effiong
Handkerchiefs of activists and civil society lawyers are saturated with tears following the demise of colleague and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja, Lagos State branch Chairman, Comrade Adesina Ogunlana who passed away on Wednesday.
Expressing the unfortunate loss, Citizen Agba Jalingo recalled his camaraderie with the late advocate of human rights.
Agba Jalingo while expressing the loss via his Facebook page said the sudden departure is not clear to him just when the deceased clocked 60 years old.
“Comrade Adesina, surprised me pleasantly when he drove by road twice from Lagos along with Comrade Ayo Ademiluyi to come and visit me and Joseph Odok in Afokang prison, in Calabar, Jalingo journeyed memory lane.
He continued: “On both occasions, they brought us souvenirs including two copies of the book, “Do Not Die In Their Wars”, autographed and sent by the author, Comrade Dele Farotimi.
“Not long after our release, we were at a peaceful #RevolutionNow rally in Ikeja and were arrested by the Police at “Ikeja-Along” by the railway. 11 of us were taken to the Lagos police headquarters in Ikeja. We were arraigned before a magistrate in a court inside the Police station and it was Comrade Adesina, who we fondly call SERUBAWON and Comrade Inibehe Effiong, who promptly came all the way and appeared for us and took us on bail. The charge was quashed. He has done very many others.”
He said Adesina was a committed civil society lawyer, activist and a fearless fighter for the common man, irrespective of who is involved.
“He doesn’t have to know you, but will go to any lengths if your rights are abridged. He is also a former Chairman of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA, from 2016-2018.
“One very selfless and committed tree has fallen from our community and may your tireless soul spring forth worthy fruits to continue the struggle. Viva Comrade!” He prayed.
Joseph Odok, incarcerated alongside Agba Jalingo also shared good memories with Adesina who had visited them in Afokang prison.
Joseph said: “Dear Comrade Adesina Aluta Ogunlana, I am deeply pained that you are no more. Your memory lives on me. The love and sacrifice of when in incarceration along Citizen Agba Jalingo, after leaving the cell. Enjoy the heavenly abode meant for good souls. Rip.”
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