Why Adegboruwa Calls for Immediate Suspension of Nationwide Protests |READ FULL

As the nationwide hunger protests extend into their second day, prominent human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has issued a passionate appeal for an immediate suspension of the demonstrations. In a statement released on Friday, Adegboruwa expressed concern over the losses recorded during the protests, which he noted were deviating from their intended goals.

The legal advocate emphasized that while the protests aimed to address critical issues of hunger and governance, they had unfortunately been hijacked by "sponsored agents," leading to unnecessary violence and casualties. Adegboruwa urged the protesters to vacate their various protest grounds and suspend the demonstrations indefinitely to allow room for meaningful dialogue and engagement with the federal government.

"I appeal to the protesters to withdraw themselves from their various protest grounds and to suspend the protests immediately and indefinitely, to give room for meaningful dialogue and engagement with the federal government," Adegboruwa stated. He stressed the importance of avoiding further losses and urged the organizers and their representatives to seek dialogue as a constructive way forward.

The human rights lawyer also extended his condolences to the families of both security personnel and protesters who have suffered during the unrest. "My sincere condolences to the employers and families of the security personnel and also to the protesters, praying to God to comfort them and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses," he added.

Adegboruwa further called on President Bola Tinubu to address the nation directly and engage with the protesters through their representatives. He highlighted the necessity of such engagement to prevent further escalation and ensure that the grievances of the citizens are heard and addressed appropriately.

As one of the lawyers representing the Take It Back Movement, a group actively involved in the protests, Adegboruwa has been a vocal advocate for the protesters' rights. On July 26, 2024, he had written to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting police protection for the demonstrators to ensure their safety during the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.