Connect with us

Lifestyle

Alao Aka-Bashorun: Nigerian Lawyer, Activist, and Defender of Democracy

Published

3 months ago

on

Alao Aka-Bashorun (1930–2005) was a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and fearless defender of democracy. Known for his brilliance, integrity, and uncompromising commitment to justice, he emerged as one of the most outspoken voices against military dictatorship and political repression in Nigeria’s modern history.

Early Life and Legal Career

Born in Lagos in 1930, Aka-Bashorun pursued law with a determination that would define his career. Called to the Bar in the 1960s, he quickly built a reputation as a lawyer of uncommon intellect, ethical standards, and devotion to the oppressed. In his legal regalia—wig and gown—he came to symbolize not only the practice of law but also the broader struggle for justice in Nigeria.

His practice was marked by an insistence on fairness, often taking up cases that challenged injustice and government overreach. This foundation prepared him for the national prominence he later achieved.

Leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association

Alao Aka-Bashorun rose to national prominence when he was elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from 1987 to 1989. His tenure was one of the most consequential in the association’s history. Under his leadership, the NBA became a powerful and principled voice for accountability, human rights, and the rule of law at a time when Nigeria faced authoritarian military rule.

He steered the Bar toward activism, insisting that lawyers had a duty not only to the courts but also to society at large. His presidency was marked by bold statements against government decrees that undermined the judiciary, as well as efforts to mobilize lawyers into a collective force for democracy.

See also  Youths hold prayer session in Kano to celebrate Seyi Tinubu at 40

Confronting Military Dictatorship

Even before the June 12 crisis, Aka-Bashorun had distinguished himself as a fierce critic of the military regimes of General Muhammadu Buhari (1983–1985) and General Ibrahim Babangida (1985–1993). He openly opposed repressive decrees such as Decree No. 2, which allowed indefinite detention without trial, and Decree No. 4, which curtailed press freedom.

These early battles earned him both admiration and enmity, but they cemented his reputation as a lawyer unwilling to bow to intimidation.

Role in the Struggle for June 12 and Democracy

His most defining role came during the aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election—widely considered Nigeria’s freest and fairest. When General Babangida annulled the election results, Aka-Bashorun was among the most vocal critics. He condemned the annulment as a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s will and mobilized the legal community and civil society to demand restoration of democratic governance.

He was also a strong supporter of the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and other pro-democracy coalitions, which coordinated protests, advocacy, and international pressure on the military regime. His activism placed him at personal risk, but he remained steadfast, embodying the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic movement.

Legacy and Impact

Alao Aka-Bashorun passed away in 2005, but his legacy endures. He is remembered as a lawyer who refused to compromise with injustice, a Bar leader who transformed the NBA into a moral force, and an activist who helped keep the flame of democracy alive during Nigeria’s darkest years.

His life continues to inspire generations of lawyers, activists, and Nigerians committed to human rights and democratic governance. In the history of Nigeria’s legal profession and democratic struggle, Aka-Bashorun stands as an icon of courage, integrity, and service.

See also  BIOGRAPHY OF LERE OLAYINKA

Sources
The Guardian Nigeria, “Remembering Alao Aka-Bashorun: An Icon of the Bar and Human Rights Defender,” June 12, 2020.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 533
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

Published

14 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

See also  Koffi Idowu-Nuel: Nigeria’s Multi-Talented Comedian, Actor, and Musician

“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

See also  Actor Odunlade Adekola has sadly lost his father

“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 42
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

Published

17 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 38
See also  Christianity Without Loving Others Is Questionable, Says Cleric
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

Published

18 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 33
See also  Jonathan Adagogo Green: Nigeria’s First Indigenous Professional Photographer
Continue Reading

Trending