Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal: Leading Disability Inclusion in Lagos Through Policy and Practice
Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal serves as the General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), an agency that has been at the forefront of championing disability inclusion in Lagos State for over fifteen years. As a lawyer, disability rights advocate, and dedicated public servant, Oyetunde-Lawal has emerged as one of the most influential voices shaping both policies and practical solutions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the state.
Strengthening Legal Protections and Institutional Collaboration
Under her leadership, LASODA has adopted a more assertive stance against abuse and discrimination, moving beyond informal reprimands to pursue prosecution in serious cases. This is particularly evident in instances involving sexual and physical abuse of persons with disabilities, where the agency has taken firm legal action. LASODA works closely with national bodies, various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), non-governmental organisations, and private sector partners to promote inclusive budgeting, effective policy implementation, and institutional accountability.
The agency currently operates through ten recognised disability clusters across Lagos State, which serve as primary channels for engagement, beneficiary identification, and programme coordination. According to Oyetunde-Lawal, these clusters are critical for ensuring transparency and equitable access to opportunities. "Lagos is a highly transient state. People relocate, some pass on, and records change constantly. Our manually generated data places registered PWDs between 10,000 and 15,000, but the numbers fluctuate. That is why we encourage persons with disabilities who are not yet registered to join any of the recognised clusters near them or visit our offices to be properly integrated into our database," she explained.
Addressing Misrepresentation and Stigma
Oyetunde-Lawal expressed significant concern over the widespread misrepresentation of persons with disabilities in society. She identified stigma, stereotypes, and harmful narratives as some of the most persistent challenges facing the disability community. "There are still wrong assumptions – that people with disabilities cannot have children, that all albinos are blind, that PWDs cannot go to school or contribute meaningfully. These narratives must be corrected. We must tell our stories ourselves and stop allowing society to define us through ignorance," she emphasised.
She also highlighted the dual role of social media in shaping public perception, noting that while digital platforms provide opportunities for visibility, they also pose risks through misinformation and harmful content. To improve access to information and digital inclusion, LASODA is currently developing its official website.
Personal Journey and Professional Background
Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal's personal journey is deeply intertwined with her public work. Nearly two decades ago, she survived bone cancer, an experience that resulted in the amputation of her right leg above the knee. She describes her survival as a product of faith, community support, and resilience – experiences that now profoundly shape her empathy and leadership approach.
Her professional credentials are extensive:
- Trained lawyer and certified expert in alternative dispute resolution
- Certifications in human resource management and emotional intelligence coaching
- Diploma in special needs education from the University of Derby
- Certifications in autism, Asperger's syndrome, and ADHD
Beyond her government service, Oyetunde-Lawal is a multimedia professional, TEDx Gbagada speaker, author of the memoir Adénìké, and founder of the Amputees United Initiative, a support platform for amputees. Growing up as an only child in a community that challenged rigid gender roles, with strong parental support especially from her father, she developed a mindset of independence, confidence, and service.
Vision for an Inclusive Lagos
Oyetunde-Lawal identifies perception, stigma, and access as the biggest barriers facing persons with disabilities in Lagos. She emphasises that acceptance by individuals, families, and society is foundational to progress, alongside improved access to education, employment, infrastructure, and assistive technologies. She advocates for local production of assistive devices and fiscal incentives to reduce their cost.
Her leadership style blends legal reasoning, emotional intelligence, and practical problem-solving. In managing complex teams and emotionally demanding cases, she prioritises fairness, active listening, and balance, anchored by her faith, family, and community connections.
Looking ahead, Oyetunde-Lawal envisions a Lagos where no person with disability is left behind – a state with inclusive education, accessible spaces, meaningful employment, locally produced assistive technologies, and policies that move beyond tokenism to achieve real equity. Aligned with the THEMES+ agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration, she believes disability inclusion must remain a front-burner issue. "Disability can happen to anyone, and inclusion is a collective responsibility. Society must see people before labels and back policies with genuine action," she stated.
Advocacy Through Storytelling and Creative Interventions
Oyetunde-Lawal commended Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele for her advocacy on lupus awareness through her film Behind The Scenes. She praised Akindele for using her platform to promote empathy, reduce stigma, and give visibility to people living with lupus. "When influential voices speak responsibly, they help change narratives. Funke's work shows that storytelling can be a powerful tool for advocacy, healing, and social reorientation," she said.
According to her, the film has helped members of the lupus community feel seen, heard, and supported, while deepening public understanding of lupus as a medical condition rather than a social label. She added that such creative interventions complement government efforts in addressing invisible and autoimmune conditions that are often overlooked in disability conversations.
Although her NGO, Amputees United Initiative, has taken a back seat due to her official responsibilities, Oyetunde-Lawal continues to mentor and support individuals within the disability community whenever possible. She concludes with a message of resilience: "In the world of disability, life changes constantly. Nobody has it all. But we must keep pushing, keep learning and keep creating space for others to thrive."
