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| Mr. Lanre Arogundade |
The Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) announced on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, that the Department of State Services (DSS) has officially removed Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), from its watchlist after nearly 40 years.
The announcement was made by IPI Nigeria President, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed, during the 3rd Nigerian Media Leaders’ Summit held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The summit, convened by the Journalism Clinic and led by veteran journalist Taiwo Obe, gathered media proprietors, senior editors, and key stakeholders from across Nigeria.
Mr Mojeed said the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, informed IPI Nigeria of the development during a recent engagement with the Service.
The DSS decision followed sustained and intensive campaign by IPI Nigeria to get Mr Arogundade’s name removed from the watchlist. The renewed campaign became necessary when Mr. Arogundade’s name was not removed despite previous assurance.
For about 40 years, Mr Arogundade was subjected to persistent harassment and embarrassment, including brief detention by security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
IPI Nigeria says it welcomes the decision and commends the DSS for finally removing Mr. Arogundade’s name from the watchlist.
Media executives present at the Abeokuta summit applauded the announcement while Mr. Arogundade, who was also among them, expressed his gratitude and that of his family to IPI Nigeria for the commendable effort.
A press statement signed by Tobi Soniyi, Legal Adviser/Chairman, Advocacy Committee of IPI states that Mr. 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.
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