His death was announced by his colleague, Deji Adeyanju, who tweeted on Thursday afternoon, “My brother comrade Ariyo Dare Atoye has gone to be with the Lord. He was looking at me till the last moment. From God we came, and it is certain to Him we will return.”
SaharaReporters learnt that the activist died of lung cancer.
The activist, who had been in critical health condition for weeks, in a short text message he sent from his sick bed to SaharaReporters in mid-October, said he needed prayers from Nigerians to save his life.
After a brief stint in politics, he returned to activism and co-founded the Centre for Civil Liberty, which operated from Abuja.
Atoye worked closely with several other human rights groups and activists that included Deji Adeyanju and Omoyele Sowore, speaking truth to power and holding the Muhammadu Buhari, regime accountable for its serial human rights abuses.
Since 2017, Atoye has championed electoral reform advocacy in Nigeria, and his contributions to the recent amendments to electoral guidelines by the Nigerian legislature were widely acknowledged.
Peter Obi wrote: "I was saddened by the news of Ariyo-Dare Atoye's death. He was a human rights activist, a known voice in the civil society space, and he contributed greatly to the signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2022. May God, who called him home at this time. grant him eternal rest and comfort his family, and all who mourn him. -PO."
Aisha wrote: "Death!
Ariyo! Ahhhhh!
Rest In Peace.
Today I realised more than ever that it is not about how long we live but what difference we make.
You devoted your last years on this earth fighting for Nigeria to have a New Electoral Act.
We will forever be grateful.
Rest on!"
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