The leadership of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA Global Resource Initiative) has expressed profound joy and appreciation following the prestigious honour bestowed on one of its National Leaders, Barrister Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN, by the Georgia House of Representatives, United States of America.
In a letter of appreciation sent to the Georgia House of Representatives, HURMA described the honour as a global recognition of courage, excellence, and commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
The HURMA national leader who is also the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District in the January 2027 general elections, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN (KRAD), got recently honoured by the Georgia House of Representatives, United States, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the legal profession, human rights advocacy, and democratic governance.
The award was formally presented at a ceremony held in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The event was organised by the Emerging Leaders Dialogue & Q&A Series and attracted prominent members of the Nigerian community in Georgia, distinguished American guests, and public officials.
The recognition followed the adoption of House Resolution 1449 by the Georgia House of Representatives on February 24, 2026. The resolution commended Adegoke for his distinguished legal service, human rights advocacy, and contributions to democratic governance.
The event, originally scheduled for May 7, 2026, but later rescheduled to June 21, was attended by notable personalities, including Honourable Representative Segun Adeyina, Oba Bernard S. Akinrimiṣi, Hon. Kunle Masha, Otunba Rasaq Ibrahim, Bello Oyakhilome, and the Convener of the Emerging Leaders Dialogue & Q&A Series, Dr. Atilade O. Oshoniyi, alongside his wife, Mrs. Ronke Oshoniyi, a retired Magistrate.
The House Resolution was sponsored by five distinguished lawmakers: Representatives Segun Adeyina (110th District), Adesanya (43rd District), Gabe Okoye (102nd District), Olaleye (59th District), and El-Mahdi Holly (116th District). The resolution describes Adegoke as an internationally respected legal practitioner, constitutional scholar, and human rights advocate.
It further acknowledges him as a lifelong defender of human rights who has devoted substantial portions of his legal career to pro bono representation in matters relating to environmental justice, labour rights, freedom of information, electoral integrity, and the protection of indigent and marginalised persons, often challenging powerful institutions in defence of the public interest.
The ceremony also featured the inaugural edition of the Emerging Leaders Dialogue & Q&A Series, during which Adegoke delivered a lecture titled “Leadership Before Power, Service Before Position.” His presentation captivated the audience, who applauded his eloquence, depth of knowledge, and insightful analysis of Nigeria’s socio-economic and political challenges.
Drawing on his extensive legal and public affairs experience, Adegoke offered practical perspectives on governance, leadership, and nation-building, while responding thoughtfully to questions on pathways to national development.
Also in attendance was Representative Terry Cummings of the Georgia House of Representatives, who commended Adegoke’s passion, courage, and commitment to public service. According to Cummings, people like Adegoke are needed to transform society because of their willingness to speak truth to power and champion the interests of the people.
The resolution further underscored the values that have defined Adegoke’s public and professional life, noting that the promotion of democratic values, constitutional governance, and human rights is a shared global responsibility, and that individuals such as Adekunle Rasheed Okiki Adegoke exemplify the ideals of justice, integrity, and public service admired and upheld by the people of Georgia.
Consequently, the House authorised and directed the Clerk of the House to prepare and make available an official copy of the resolution for presentation to the award recipient.
“This honour is not just for Barr. Adegoke, SAN. It is an honour to all human rights defenders in Nigeria and Africa. It shows that the world is watching and appreciating those who stand for justice even in difficult times,” HURMA stated in the letter signed by both the BOT Chairman, Barr. Lekan Alabi and the Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak
Barr. Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, SAN is a renowned human rights lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and a leading voice in HURMA’s campaigns against corruption, injustice, and abuse of power. He has handled several pro bono cases for the poor and marginalized across Nigeria.
HURMA noted that this international recognition will further strengthen the organization’s resolve to defend the rights of citizens and promote good governance.
The organization congratulated Barr. Adegoke, SAN and thanked the Speaker and Distinguished Members of the Georgia House of Representatives for the recognition.