The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has raised concerns over the continued non-implementation of the Ogun State Disability Law and secured the support of prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in the state.
The concerns were highlighted during a meeting held on June 6, 2026, between a CDHR NEC delegation led by National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and Falana, who serves as Chairman of the organisation’s Board of Trustees. The meeting focused on Nigeria’s governance challenges, growing insecurity, and the role of civil society organisations in strengthening democracy, accountability, and human rights protection.
Other members of the CDHR delegation included National Secretary, Comrade Idris Afees; National Treasurer, Comrade Helen Akomolafe; and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeshina Adewumi. Also in attendance was CDHR President Emeritus and Board of Trustees member, Barrister Malachy Ugwummadu. Participants described the engagement as productive and result-oriented, with discussions centred on the nation’s socio-political realities and the need for greater civic participation in promoting justice and the rule of law.
A major aspect of the meeting was the presentation of concerns from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Ogun State Chapter. The disability delegation was led by Mr. Abdulwahab Matepo, National President of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), and Mr. Ayo Awobona, Chairman of SCIAN Ogun State.
The CDHR delegation drew attention to the challenges facing persons with disabilities in Ogun State, particularly the non-operationalisation of the Ogun State Disability Law, which was passed in 2017 but was reportedly never gazetted, thereby hindering its implementation. The delegation noted that the situation has denied many persons with disabilities access to the protections and opportunities envisaged under the law.
According to the delegation, Ogun State remains one of the least inclusive states in Southwest Nigeria regarding disability rights and participation in governance. It observed that while other states in the region have domesticated the National Disability Act and established structures to promote disability inclusion, Ogun State has made little progress in advancing the interests of the disability community.
Responding to the concerns, Falana pledged to support efforts aimed at securing a lasting solution to the challenges confronting persons with disabilities in Ogun State. He assured stakeholders of his commitment to ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are adequately protected, respected, and enforceable.
The CDHR NEC reaffirmed its determination to engage the Ogun State Government and other relevant stakeholders toward the operationalisation of the Disability Law or the introduction of amendments that would guarantee the inclusion, protection, and advancement of persons living with disabilities. The organisation also reiterated its commitment to promoting human rights, social justice, accountable governance, and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised groups across Nigeria.
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