Press Statement
The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (Centre) is thrilled to congratulate Abiola Idowu-Ojo on her well-deserved appointment as the Executive Secretary at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission). She has been serving as the Commission’s Acting Executive Secretary since August 2023.
Abiola studied towards the Master’s degree in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa (HRDA) at the Centre in 2003. Upon completion of this degree, Abiola was selected from among the year’s graduates, to undertake an ‘internship’ as Legal Expert with the Commission in Banjul, The Gambia. Initially planned for a year, Abiola’s term was prolonged to last around two years. After a stint in private practice, she returned to the Commission as Senior Legal Researcher. She also for a number of years served as the Commission’s Acting Deputy Executive Secretary.
During her more than twelve years with the Commission, Abiola added much value to the work of the African Commission. These include the drafting of its strategic plans, reforming and improving the communications procedure, and in providing ongoing technical support to the institution. Together with her team, Abiola mentored numerous HRDA alumni undertaking internships as ‘Legal Experts’ at the African Commission.
Abiola is an expert in human rights with rich experience of over 15 years in legal practice and research. Her sustained commitment to human rights within Africa has shaped her into an expert in human rights, governance and development issues. She has also served at the International Bar Association, the United Nations-International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, and the Dentons ACAS-Law, a Nigerian law firm renowned for its excellent and creative legal solutions in the various sectors such as energy and natural resources, mining, electricity, telecommunication.
“It is deeply reassuring that, at this time of international pushback against the rights agenda and ongoing reform processes within the African Union, a person of the experience, wisdom and compassion of Abiola Idowu-Ojo, has been entrusted to serve at the helm of Africa’s primary human rights watchdog”, commented the HRDA Programme Director, Professor Frans Viljoen.
The Centre wishes Abiola continued success and express confidence that the African Commission will excel with her as its Executive Secretary.
