On Friday, January 17, 2025, history was made as Barrister Tope Temokun, a distinguished human rights advocate and legal luminary, was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Lawyer of the Masses (SLM) and awarded honorary membership by the Adekunle Ajasin University Students’ Union. The recognition, bestowed at the Nelson Mandela Hall, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, is a testament to Barrister Temokun’s unyielding dedication to justice, equity, and the defense of the oppressed.
In his acceptance speech, Barrister Temokun delivered a powerful and deeply inspiring address that resonated with the audience and served as a call to action for the next generation of leaders.
Opening with heartfelt appreciation, Barrister Temokun gingered the students with the students union slogans then he expressed profound honor at receiving the award. “I thank the esteemed Students’ Union body of Adekunle Ajasin University for this award,” he said. He dedicated the recognition to the oppressed and downtrodden masses whose resilience and courage have fueled his advocacy over the years.
He reflected on his lifelong commitment to human rights, stating:
“For many years, I and like-minded individuals have dedicated time and resources to promoting human rights, fighting abuses, and seeking justice for countless victims through litigation and public advocacy. I am happy that these efforts are not only gaining recognition but also creating a rallying point for freedom—the right to choose, to develop, and to live without fear of harm or discrimination.”Barrister Temokun described the award as more than a personal achievement—it is a symbol of hope, progress, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice in a society riddled with abuse and impunity.
In a rallying cry to the Students’ Union, he underscored the importance of maintaining the independence of unions as critical pressure groups that measure and respond to the impact of government and institutional policies.
“When a union is silent in the face of injustice, it has betrayed its historical essence and purpose. At that point, it loses the right to exist,” he asserted.He urged the university management to recognize the value of vibrant, independent student leadership, which, he argued, produces individuals who elevate the reputation of their alma mater. Drawing parallels to iconic legal figures like Femi Falana, Mike Ozekhome, and Ebun Olu Adegboruwa, he emphasized that institutions must embrace the development of radical intellectuals, not domesticated leaders.
Revisiting a pivotal moment in Adekunle Ajasin University’s history, Barrister Temokun recounted the events of April 2002, when students protested against poor infrastructure. The protest, though peaceful, was met with severe backlash from the university management and state authorities.
Eighteen students were rusticated, one was expelled, and peaceful protesters were brutalized by armed policemen. “Several students were wounded; seven, including the Students’ Union president, Ojuri Iranlowo, were arrested, tortured, and detained,” he recalled.
Despite the sacrifices made by these students, the protest achieved significant progress in addressing infrastructural deficiencies. Barrister Temokun dedicated his award to those who suffered during that time, stating:
“Their sacrifices laid the foundation for the befitting university campus we see today. Do we remember them? This honor is for them—the unsung heroes of that struggle.”Addressing the university administration, he called for a paradigm shift. He urged the management to foster an environment that encourages bold, visionary thinkers who can represent the institution proudly on national and international stages.
“This university will be proud to have the likes of Femi Falana, Mike Ozekhome, and Ebun Olu Adegboruwa as alumni. These individuals were once victimized as students, but the system that respected vibrant unionism produced them. Today, those institutions proudly claim them as their products. Let Adekunle Ajasin University embrace justice, nurture intellect, and train radical thinkers—not puppets or robots.”Barrister Temokun made it clear that true peace on campus must be rooted in justice. “Let there be peace on our campus, but let there be justice too,” he declared, emphasizing that silence in the face of injustice erodes the integrity of any institution.
Concluding his address, Barrister Temokun reaffirmed his commitment to justice and his willingness to collaborate with the Students’ Union and other progressive organizations on campus to address issues of rights abuses. He called on students to embrace their generational responsibility and fight for what is just and fair.
“This reminiscence is a reawakening call to the present generation to identify their historical role and play it. Once again, let there be peace on our campus, but let there be justice too.”The audience erupted in applause as Barrister Temokun concluded his address. His words served as a reminder of the power of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. The recognition of Barrister Tope Temokun as the Senior Lawyer of the Masses is a testament to his extraordinary contributions to society and his enduring legacy as a defender of the oppressed. It is a call to action for all to stand firm against injustice, to challenge oppression, and to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.