The Students’ Union of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, on Friday, January 17, 2025, conferred the title of Senior Lawyer of the Masses (SLM) on Barrister Tope Temokun, a renowned human rights lawyer and advocate for the oppressed.
The ceremony, held at the Nelson Mandela Hall of the university, also saw him awarded honorary membership of the union.
The recognition, which celebrated Barrister Temokun’s steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and the defence of the downtrodden, was marked by an inspiring acceptance speech that resonated with the audience.
While accepting the honour, Barrister Temokun, who began by chanting the union’s slogans, expressed his gratitude to the students for the recognition.
“I thank the esteemed Students’ Union body of Adekunle Ajasin University for this award,” he said, dedicating it to the oppressed masses who have been the driving force behind his advocacy.
Reflecting on his years of activism, Temokun said: “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.”
He described the award as a symbol of hope and progress, while urging the Students’ Union to remain an independent and fearless voice in the fight against injustice.
“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 said.
Barrister Temokun called on the university’s management to embrace and support vibrant, independent student leadership, stressing that such leadership would produce alumni who would bring pride to the institution.
Drawing examples from legal icons like Femi Falana, Mike Ozekhome, and Ebun Olu Adegboruwa, he argued that institutions should nurture radical thinkers rather than conformist leaders.
Recounting a critical moment in the university’s history, he narrated the events of April 2002, when students embarked on a peaceful protest against poor infrastructure but faced severe backlash from the university management and the state government.
“Several students were wounded; seven, including the Students’ Union president, Ojuri Iranlowo, were arrested, tortured, and detained,” he said, recalling how 18 students were rusticated, one expelled, and protesters brutalised by armed policemen.
Despite these challenges, the protest eventually led to notable improvements in the university’s infrastructure. Dedicating his award to those who bore the brunt of the struggle, he remarked:
“Their sacrifices laid the foundation for the befitting university campus we see today. Do we remember them? This honour is for them—the unsung heroes of that struggle.”
Temokun also urged the university administration to create an enabling environment for critical and visionary thinkers who would bring honour to the institution.
“This university will be proud to have the likes of Femi Falana, Mike Ozekhome, and Ebun Olu Adegboruwa as alumni. These individuals were once victimised 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.”
The lawyer further emphasised that peace on campus must be rooted in justice. “Let there be peace on our campus, but let there be justice too,” he declared, warning that silence in the face of injustice undermines the credibility of any institution.
Concluding his address, Barrister Temokun reaffirmed his commitment to justice and pledged to support the Students’ Union and other progressive organisations on campus in tackling rights abuses. He called on students to rise to their responsibility and champion fairness and justice.
“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 responded with a standing ovation, reflecting the impact of Barrister Temokun’s words. The recognition as Senior Lawyer of the Masses highlights his extraordinary contributions to the fight for justice and equality, serving as a call to action for all to challenge oppression and defend the rights of the marginalised.
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