Deji Adeyanju is a human rights defender (HRD) and lawyer from Nigeria. For nearly 30 years, he has been fighting for human rights, many times at huge personal cost and sacrifice.
“I’ve had encounters where I almost lost my life, on many occasions. I’ve been detained for periods that add up to years in prison custody and detention facilities, while fighting for my rights and the rights of others; fighting for the rights of journalists to do their work; fighting for other HRDs; critics of government, minority groups, and the marginalised and oppressed people.”
Close to a decade ago, Deji was connected to DefendDefenders by a friend, after he had spent another spell in prison.
“When I heard that there is an organisation that defends HRDs, called DefendDefenders, I could not believe it. I was amazed that such an organisation existed on the continent. I was then introduced to Joseph Bikanda – such a pleasant human rights activist, a true comrade to the core, who subsequently introduced me to the head of DefendDefenders, Hassan Shire. It was a transformative encounter, and my life has not been the same since I met DefendDefenders. In fact, the first support I received was from their relocation programme. My life was in danger at the time when I came out of prison. Security agents were following me… and I had to stay in one of the safe houses in the Ubuntu Hubs programme.”
“Some time later, at a meeting of HRDs from across the continent that DefendDefenders convened in Kampala, an idea just hit me suddenly: Why don’t I go and study law? I have been at the receiving end of injustice, I’ve been balkanized, I’ve been harassed, I’ve been beaten up on the street, I’ve been imprisoned unlawfully…and I’m passionate about this human rights work. The first person I discussed it with was Joseph. We were among some of our comrades from Egypt and from Tunisia, and I told them that I was going to study law when I got back to Nigeria. Everybody in the room was so excited, and the encouragement that I got from everybody was so amazing. When I got back to Nigeria, I went to the university, and I enrolled for my LLB programme. I studied law and the dream became reality. I finished law school, and I am now actively practicing law. So, I must say, indeed, knowing DefendDefenders has really been a turning point in my career and my life.”
Over the years, DefendDefenders has always been one of the frontline protectors and supporters of Deji’s work in Nigeria. It is also through DefendDefenders’ support that Deji has attended the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights.
“2018 – if I am not mistaken, was the first time I went to the African Commission, courtesy of DefendDefenders. When I was there, I met several other HRDs and policymakers. I remember speaking during the NGO Forum and at that session of the ACHPR, I spoke about how coming to the commission and just talking and complaining is not enough, that we need to name and shame those who violate human rights on the continent, and I got the loudest ovation from the room. It was indeed very exciting.”
Deji further describes his first participation at the ACHPR as an eye-opener, where he met and heard the stories of several HRDs from around the continent, the challenges that each of them faced in their respective countries, and learning a lot from their experiences. He has attended several subsequent sessions of the ACHPR over the years, including this years’ 83rd session in Banjul, The Gambia.
In addition to gaining access to networking and advocacy platforms, Deji has received support in many ways, including training and capacity building. Many other HRDs he has referred to as DefendDefenders have also benefited in similar ways.
“We are grateful for the line of defense they [DefendDefenders] provDejior us. Nobody thinks about HRDs, the people defending the rights of others. It’s only organisations like DefendDefenders that go out of their way to think about us; about safeguarding our lives and our welfare; about protecting or even hiding us sometimes when we are in danger; and even the safety of our family members. DefendDefenders do not just see us as numbers; they see us as human beings, as lives that are valuable. They understand that the difference between life and death for an HRD in danger is delay, so they are always ready to quickly act to save lives. DefendDefenders help us overcome daily challenges, providing the necessary psychosocial support, institutional support, and financial support for the work that we do. So, it has been a great pleasure and privilege working closely with DefendDefenders.”