My personal feelings for the protection of all human rights has compelled me to act against a glaring violation.

The naming of the Transnational Centre for education after a rich Nigerian donor Afe Babalola, at Kings College, London leaves me deeply perturbed.

Afe Babalola is unfortunately an individual who has used his power and influence in Nigeria to harass, persecute and prosecute human rights activist, Dele Farotimi.

He has used the Nigerian police, and a flawed law and legal system to abduct Mr Farotimi and remand him in jail because he believes Mr Farotimi has defamed him.

He could have sued Mr Farotimi, if he believed he was defamed, but has instead used the flawed Nigerian legal system to jail and punish Mr Farotimi for what was free speech.

This is not an isolated incident. Powerful figures like Babalola, politicians and police in Nigeria persistently manipulate their power to trample over human rights, and it is a struggle countless others in Nigeria, and around the world, face on a routine basis.

According to Amnesty International, there were prevalent human rights abuses in Nigeria in 2020, including arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, and other ill-treatment. Notwithstanding these pertinent issues, a celebrated institution like Kings College, London, proposes to honour Babalola, who contributes to this damaging cycle. This situation not only undermines the values of justice but also glorifies those who operate in stark contradiction to these values.

I stand against such manipulation and abuse of human rights. So, I call upon Kings College, London, to reconsider their decision to name their Transnational Centre for Education after Afe Babalola. I urge them to stand with Nigerians in their plight and their search for universal justice, fairness, free speech and human rights. I ask them to reflect on the message they send by honouring such an individual.

In taking this stance by not naming their centre after Mr Afe Babalola, they will affirm their commitment to the ideals of justice, fairness, and human rights that educational institutions should uphold unconditionally. This is our plea, and this is our petition. Let's stand together against the abuse of human rights. Sign this petition today.