Power Shift: Deji Adeyanju Resigns, #EndSARS Activist To Lead Concerned Nigerians

The Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law, a leading civil society group, has named Adebayo Raphael, a distinguished human rights advocate and pro-democracy activist, as its new convener.

This leadership shift comes after the resignation of the organization’s founding convener, Deji Adeyanju, who stepped down to concentrate on his legal career and other personal pursuits.

The transition was confirmed in a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Agada Abuh Theophilus, in Abuja on Sunday. According to the statement, Adeyanju officially notified the Trustees of his decision to step aside.

Commenting on Adebayo’s appointment, the spokesperson highlighted that his new role reflects his deep-rooted dedication to social justice and his vision for a Nigeria that serves all citizens equitably.

“The appointment of Adebayo Raphael is a testament to his unwavering commitment to social justice and to building a Nigeria that works for everyone, regardless of their background,” the statement read.

Before assuming this position, Adebayo served as the National Secretary of the OurMumuDonDo Movement from 2015 to 2019, where he played a key role in protests against corruption, presidential excesses, gender discrimination, electoral fraud, and modern slavery.

In 2017, he was a principal organizer of the first nationwide peaceful protests against police brutality under the EndSARS-ReformPoliceNG Movement. By 2020, he was at the forefront of coordinating the #EndSARS protests in Abuja.

Reacting to his new role, Adebayo Raphael reaffirmed his determination to intensify advocacy for Nigerians, striving for a society that benefits the majority rather than the privileged elite.

“This is an opportunity to engage more directly and forcefully with the Nigerian state, which continues to favor the few at the expense of the many. With the full backing of the group, I remain committed to defending and educating the common people of our country. It’s time for them to rise from being victims of Nigeria’s harsh realities to becoming champions of a more just and ideal society,” he stated.