THE HUMANITY CENTRE

The idea that culminated in the formation of Alao Aka-Bashorun Foundation for Human Rights (AAFRIGHTS) was first mooted at the 70th Birthday Anniversary of Mr. Alao Aka Bashorun on 5th of December 2006. It was coordinated as Comrades' Open House' to a Foundation or a Centre was raised as a private discussion with Baba Omojola who enthusiastically welcomed it and asked the speaker to work out a draft modality for it. Somehow this was not done until two years later. This was after the issue cropped up again at the Founders day and Award Giving celebration of the Lagos State Branch of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) on December 9, 2002.

After Mr. Aka-Bashorun award was received on his behalf by Barrister S.B. Alli of Aka Bashorun's Chambers that a torrent of tributes started pouring on Mr. Aka Bashorun, who speaker after speaker variously described as indefatigable and indomitable defender of human rights. His pivotal role in providing legal aid for indigent victims of human rights violation was sung to high heavens where he was able to secure justice for many and succour for others. His roles in this regard were described as a springboard for the establishment of various human rights and pro democracy movements in Nigeria. Some of which he either led or participated in as members. Examples are Patriotic Democracy Front (PDF), National Consultative forum (NCF), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Campaign for Democracy (CD), Nigerian Tenants Association (NTA), Nigerian Pasengers Welfare Association e.t.c.

It was at this Forum that it was formally resolved that a human rights institution be established to keep the thoughts and ideals of Mr. Alao Aka-Bashorun on top of the agenda in national discourse. The Lagos State CDHR Branch Chairman Mr. Ade Ikuesan and a few other members were then constituted into a committee to draft a consultative proposal as well as Theoretical Framework for AAFRIGHTS.