Arogundade finally removed from DSS watchlist after nearly 40 years

In what many are calling a long-overdue correction of a historical wrong, the Nigerian Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) has confirmed the removal of veteran journalist and media rights advocate, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, from the Department of State Services (DSS) watchlist after close to four decades.

The announcement was made by IPI Nigeria President, Musikilu Mojeed, during the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The summit, organized by the Journalism Clinic and spearheaded by renowned journalist Taiwo Obe, brought together leading media owners, editors, and industry stakeholders from across the country.

Arogundade, who currently serves as the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), had remained on the DSS watchlist for reasons never clearly stated by the authorities.

According to a statement signed by IPI Legal Adviser and Chairman of its Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, formally informed IPI Nigeria of the decision during a recent engagement with the intelligence agency.

The DSS decision followed sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist. It noted that the renewed campaign became necessary when Arogundade’s name was not removed despite previous assurance.

“For about forty years, Mr Arogundade was subjected to persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detention by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,” it stated.

IPI Nigeria said it welcomed the decision and commended the DSS for finally removing Arogundade’s name from its watchlist.

Media executives present at the Abeokuta summit applauded the announcement while Arogundade, who was also among them, expressed his gratitude and that of his family to IPI Nigeria for the commendable effort.

Arogundade’s journey to the watchlist started during the military regime when he served as the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) between 1984 and 1985.