There’s been an outpouring of grief in Nigeria’s activist community following the sudden death of Comrade Obawolu Adedoja Aanu, a passionate advocate for social justice.

According to reports, Aanu tragically slumped and died at the entrance of her home in Lagos on Saturday evening, shortly after returning from her shop. Her unexpected death has left friends, colleagues, and fellow human rights campaigners in shock.

Until her passing, Aanu was a vibrant and consistent voice in Nigeria’s civil society space. She was a dedicated member of several organisations, including the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and the People’s Conscience group. Known for her tireless work at protests, advocacy meetings, and civic engagements, she was widely respected for her passion and commitment to holding leaders accountable.

“She was very active, full of energy, and a true comrade,” said a fellow activist who confirmed her death.

Her sudden death comes just four months after another leading figure in the rights movement, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman—popularly known as “Revolutionary Alfa”—also passed away. Sulaiman died in a fatal car crash on the Abeokuta-Sagamu road in Ogun State while traveling to Ibadan. He was 53 years old and served as the Executive Chairman of the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ).

With the loss of two influential voices in such a short time, Nigeria’s civil society movement is mourning deeply while reflecting on the tireless contributions these activists made in the fight for justice and equality.