Jonathan Cooper, an international human rights barrister has died.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that Cooper, who was admired by proponents of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and some other Biafra separatists died suddenly on Saturday whilst walking in Scotland with his husband, Kevin.
Cooper was ubiquitous in his influence – fighting for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights; lecturing throughout the world on human rights; fighting for the Human Rights Act; championing the European Convention on Human Rights; editing the European Human Rights Law Review and working to defend the Rule of Law and the independence of judges and advocates in places as diverse as Turkey, Belarus, Albania, Africa and throughout the Caribbean.
His work in challenging discrimination against same sex couples was immense. Together with Tim Otty QC, Cooper was the moving force behind the Human Dignity Trust which successfully challenged laws criminalising gay sex throughout the Commonwealth.
Biafra agitators, mostly IPOB members, are filled with sadness and send their condolences to his family and Kevin. Since the late activist lent his voice in support of the Biafra cause earlier this month (September), many Biafra agitators immediately loved him.
Kanunta Kanu, younger brother of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, wrote on his social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter) on Monday: “Dear Jonathan Cooper OBE, today you are no more, your death shocked most of us and Biafrans that has worked closely with you since 2017 till your last day on this earth.
“You looked for the best in others and gave the best of what you had”. Biafrans will always remember you.”
One Ilechukwu wrote on Facebook on Monday: “SAD NEWS.
RIP Jonathan Cooper (OBE).
IPOB mourns your exit.
This generation of BIAFRANS will never forget your good work for us.”
Solomon Egbo, on Monday, wrote on his Facebook page with crying emojis: “I am shocked, heartbroken, shattered and completely devastated for the sudden death of my brother, good friend and mentor, Barrister Jonathan Cooper OBE. He is a very good man, I don’t want to use was because I still can’t believe Jonathan is no more, gone from us forever. Rest In Power my dear Jonathan, mentor and good friend. May you find rest where you are now. I missed you and will forever miss you Jonnie...”
Samuel Okwonkwo wrote on Facebook on Monday: “Sad And Shocked To Hear About The Death Of Jonathan Cooper OBE. We Met In 2019 At The United Nations. You Worked Very Hard For IPOB And Also Fought Passionately Before The International Body For Biafrans Who Were Killed, Tortured, Dehumanized And Arrested By The Nigerian Government. Rest In Power Sir. We Biafrans Will Miss You!”
