The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Ondo State, (AAUA) Students’ Union on Friday honoured a human rights lawyer, Barrister Tope Temokun, as a “Senior Lawyer of the Masses (SLM)”.
The award, presented at the Nelson Mandela Hall in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Oyo State, recognised Temokun’s tireless commitment to justice, equality, and the defense of the oppressed.
In his acceptance speech, Temokun urged the next generation of leaders to rise to the challenges of the times.
Temokun, who appreciated and energised the students with their union slogans, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
He said, “I thank the esteemed Students’ Union body of Adekunle Ajasin University for this honour.
He dedicated the award to the oppressed and marginalised, whose strength and determination have inspired his advocacy.
Reflecting on his lifelong dedication to human rights, Temokun said, “For many years, I, along with like-minded individuals, have devoted our time and energy to advocating for human rights, challenging abuses, and seeking justice for countless victims through legal action and public advocacy.
“It’s encouraging to see that these efforts are gaining recognition, sparking a movement for freedom — the right to choose, to grow, and to live free from fear and discrimination.”
He emphasised that the award was not only a personal accomplishment but a symbol of hope, progress, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a society plagued by impunity.
Addressing the Students’ Union, Temokun stressed the critical role of student unions as independent pressure groups that hold governments and institutions accountable.
He said, “When a union remains silent in the face of injustice, it betrays its core purpose. At that point, it loses the right to exist.”
He further urged the university management to value and nurture independent student leadership, which, he argued, produces individuals who elevate the reputation of their alma mater.
Drawing inspiration from iconic legal figures like Femi Falana, Mike Ozekhome, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, Temokun called on institutions to support the development of radical intellectuals rather than domesticated leaders.
Temokun revisited a pivotal moment in the history of Adekunle Ajasin University — April 2002 — when students staged a peaceful protest demanding better infrastructure.
He recalled how the protest was met with severe backlash from the university administration and state authorities, resulting in the rustication of eighteen students, the expulsion of one, and brutal treatment of peaceful protesters by armed policemen.
The lawyer said, “Several students were wounded, and seven, including the Students’ Union president, Ojuri Iranlowo, were arrested, tortured, and detained,” highlighting the sacrifices made by these students.
He added, “Despite the adversity, their actions led to tangible improvements in the university’s infrastructure.
“This honour is dedicated to those unsung heroes who paved the way for the campus we have today.”
Temokun called for a shift in mindset, urging the university management to create an environment that fosters bold, visionary thinkers who can represent the university with pride on the national and international stage.
He said, “This institution should take pride in producing figures like Femi Falana, Mike Ozekhome, and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, who were once students here, victimised for their activism.
“But the system that valued vibrant unionism nurtured them into the leaders they are today. Let Adekunle Ajasin University embrace justice, cultivate intellect, and develop radical thinkers—not puppets or robots.”
Reiterating that true peace on campus must be rooted in justice, Temokun said, “Let there be peace on our campus, but let there be justice too,” underscoring that silence in the face of injustice undermines the integrity of any institution.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and his willingness to collaborate with the Students’ Union and other progressive campus organisations to address issues of rights abuses.
He called on students to embrace their generational responsibility and stand up for fairness.
He said, “This moment is a call to action for today’s generation to recognise their historical role and fulfill it. Once again, let there be peace on our campus, but let there be justice too.”
