Early Life
Fawehinmi, popularly called Gani, was born on 22 April 1938, into the Fawehinmi family of Ondo, in Ondo State.
His father, Chief Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi, the Seriki Musulumi of Ondo was a successful timber magnate, a great philanthropist, an opponent of excessive taxation of the poor and a deeply religious muslim leader. He was reported to have brought Islam to Ondo Town. Chief Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi died on 5 February 1963 at the age of 89 years.
Gani's grand father was the Late Chief Lisa Alujanu Fawehinmi of Ondo, who engaged in several successful battles for and on behalf of the Ondo people in the nineteenth century. Hence, the appellation the 'Alujanun', which means spirit. He died at the age of 92.
Gani had his early education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Iyemaja - Ondo from 1947 to 1953 and his secondary school education at Victory College Ikare, a Christian School from 1954 to 1958, under the leadership of the Late Rev. Akinrele where he sat for and passed his West African School Certificate Examination in 1958.
Following His Passion
Gani enrolled at the Holborn College of Law- University of London to read law in 1961. While at University, his father died. He completed his degree in London with a measure of difficulty due to lack of funds(From his father). This involves doing various menial jobs in London.
While in college, he was popularly known as "Nation" because of his passionate interest in national, legal and political affairs. He was an avid reader of Daily Times and West African Pilot, the most popular newspapers at that time.
In 1993 Fawehinmi was awarded the biennial Bruno Kreisky Prize. This prize, named in honour of Bruno Kreisky, is awarded to international figures who advance human rights causes. In 1998, he received the International Bar Association's Bernard Simmons Award in recognition of his human-rights and pro-democracy work. In 1994 he and some other notable Nigerians formed the National Conscience Party of Nigeria which exists till today and he stood for a presidential election in 2003 under the umbrella of the National Conscience Party.
Gani Fawehinmi became a holder of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) the highest legal title in Nigeria in September, 2001.
Criticism of Military Dictatorship and Corruption
With his boundless energy he tenaciously and uncompromisingly pursues and crusades his beliefs, principles and ideals for the untrammelled rule of law, undiluted democracy, all embracing and expansive social justice, protection of fundamental human rights and respect for the hopes and aspirations of the masses who are victims of misgovernance of the affairs of the Nation.
Fawehinmi, popularly called Gani, was born on 22 April 1938, into the Fawehinmi family of Ondo, in Ondo State.
His father, Chief Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi, the Seriki Musulumi of Ondo was a successful timber magnate, a great philanthropist, an opponent of excessive taxation of the poor and a deeply religious muslim leader. He was reported to have brought Islam to Ondo Town. Chief Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi died on 5 February 1963 at the age of 89 years.
Gani's grand father was the Late Chief Lisa Alujanu Fawehinmi of Ondo, who engaged in several successful battles for and on behalf of the Ondo people in the nineteenth century. Hence, the appellation the 'Alujanun', which means spirit. He died at the age of 92.
Gani had his early education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Iyemaja - Ondo from 1947 to 1953 and his secondary school education at Victory College Ikare, a Christian School from 1954 to 1958, under the leadership of the Late Rev. Akinrele where he sat for and passed his West African School Certificate Examination in 1958.
Following His Passion
Gani enrolled at the Holborn College of Law- University of London to read law in 1961. While at University, his father died. He completed his degree in London with a measure of difficulty due to lack of funds(From his father). This involves doing various menial jobs in London.
While in college, he was popularly known as "Nation" because of his passionate interest in national, legal and political affairs. He was an avid reader of Daily Times and West African Pilot, the most popular newspapers at that time.
In 1993 Fawehinmi was awarded the biennial Bruno Kreisky Prize. This prize, named in honour of Bruno Kreisky, is awarded to international figures who advance human rights causes. In 1998, he received the International Bar Association's Bernard Simmons Award in recognition of his human-rights and pro-democracy work. In 1994 he and some other notable Nigerians formed the National Conscience Party of Nigeria which exists till today and he stood for a presidential election in 2003 under the umbrella of the National Conscience Party.
Gani Fawehinmi became a holder of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) the highest legal title in Nigeria in September, 2001.
Criticism of Military Dictatorship and Corruption
With his boundless energy he tenaciously and uncompromisingly pursues and crusades his beliefs, principles and ideals for the untrammelled rule of law, undiluted democracy, all embracing and expansive social justice, protection of fundamental human rights and respect for the hopes and aspirations of the masses who are victims of misgovernance of the affairs of the Nation.
Affiliation with Dele Giwa
In 1986, while Chief Gani Fawehinmi was Dele Giwa's Lawyer, the later was killed in a bomb blast under suspicious circumstances .
As a result of his activities chief Gani Fawehinmi, had been arrested, detained, charged to court several times. His passport was also seized on many occasions. His residence and Chambers were searched several times. He was beaten up many times and was deported from one part of the country to another to prevent him from being listened to by the masses. His books were confiscated by the Federal Military Government and And his library at Surulere , a suburb of Lagos were set ablaze. Even his Chambers at Anthony Village, Lagos State, was attacked and invaded by persons suspected to be agents of the government 26 August 1994 and they shooting his Chambers guards,in the process, seriously wounding two of them.
In the process of his crusades for the rule of law, the hopes and aspirations of the poor and the oppressed, he fought many battles against the military dictatorship as a result of which he had been arrested several times by the military governments and its numerous security agents. He had been dumped in many police cells and detained in several prisons between 1969 and 1996.
His supporters have call him "the scourge of irresponsible governments, a thermometer with which the blood pressure of dictators is gauged, the veritable conscience of the nation and the champion of the interests and causes of the masses".
His promotion to becoming the Senior Adovcate of the country was delayed as a way to victimise him. Eventually, he got the award in 2003 i.e. the Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Rejection of National Award
In 2008 Mr Gani Fawehinmi rejected the highest order that can be bestowed on a citizen by the Nigeria government- Order of the Federal Republic(OFR), in protest of years of mis-rule since independence, Many Nigerians call him the people's president.
In 1986, while Chief Gani Fawehinmi was Dele Giwa's Lawyer, the later was killed in a bomb blast under suspicious circumstances .
As a result of his activities chief Gani Fawehinmi, had been arrested, detained, charged to court several times. His passport was also seized on many occasions. His residence and Chambers were searched several times. He was beaten up many times and was deported from one part of the country to another to prevent him from being listened to by the masses. His books were confiscated by the Federal Military Government and And his library at Surulere , a suburb of Lagos were set ablaze. Even his Chambers at Anthony Village, Lagos State, was attacked and invaded by persons suspected to be agents of the government 26 August 1994 and they shooting his Chambers guards,in the process, seriously wounding two of them.
In the process of his crusades for the rule of law, the hopes and aspirations of the poor and the oppressed, he fought many battles against the military dictatorship as a result of which he had been arrested several times by the military governments and its numerous security agents. He had been dumped in many police cells and detained in several prisons between 1969 and 1996.
His supporters have call him "the scourge of irresponsible governments, a thermometer with which the blood pressure of dictators is gauged, the veritable conscience of the nation and the champion of the interests and causes of the masses".
His promotion to becoming the Senior Adovcate of the country was delayed as a way to victimise him. Eventually, he got the award in 2003 i.e. the Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Rejection of National Award
In 2008 Mr Gani Fawehinmi rejected the highest order that can be bestowed on a citizen by the Nigeria government- Order of the Federal Republic(OFR), in protest of years of mis-rule since independence, Many Nigerians call him the people's president.
PRESS RELEASES
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE PHYSICAL REMOVAL OF NUHU RIBADU FROM THE GRADUATION CEREMONY AT NIPSS, KURUThe event that took place at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru near Jos on Saturday, 22nd November, 2008 is most disheartening, absolute bizarre and unprecedentedly barbaric..
Press Statement: Appreciation and Gratitude
Letter on the Re-opening and Re-investigation of the Assassination of Dele Giwa
Press Statement on Why I disagree with the Order made by the Supreme Court in Amaechi v. Omehia on 25/10/2007
Press Statement on The murder of Dele Giwa, 21 years after: The urgent need to reopen investigation
The Moral Imperatives for the Speaker of the House of Reps.(Mrs Patricia Etteh) to resign or be removed
Why the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa should be removed from Office
Creating a Sane Society: Imperatives of Good Governance and Rule of Law
Press Statement on Strike Against Fuel Prices
Press Statement on Obi, Supreme Court and Jurisdiction
Press Statement: When will an Igbo be Inspector-General of Police?
Press Statement on Atiku Abubakar, Nigerian Bar Association and Court Judgments
Press Statement on My Reply to Nigerian Bar Association reaction to my criticism of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal on Atiku
Press Statement on the Court of Appeal Decision on Atiku: It is totally wrong
Press Statement on the Misuse by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo of Presidential Power to campaign in an election
Press Statement on the Constitutional Effect of Vice President Declaration for Action Congress
Press Statement on the Ratification of State of Emergency by the National Assembly
Press Statement on the Declaration of State of Emergency in Ekiti State
Press Statement on the Impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose
Press Statement on the Suspension of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State
Press Statement on the Petition to the Code of Conduct Bureau
Press Statement on the Front Page of the SUN of today, 30/09/2006
Press Statement on the Burial of the Generals and the ignoble role of NTA at Night
Press Statement on the Constitutional implications of the part-ownership of Transcorp by President Obasanjo
Press Statement on Atiku Abubakar
Fuel price increase:The need for national revolt
Investigations of Obasanjo Presidential Library by EFCC
Tafa Balogun and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC): A Show Of Shame
Obasanjo's Foreign Tours and Their Implications On Governance
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE PHYSICAL REMOVAL OF NUHU RIBADU FROM THE GRADUATION CEREMONY AT NIPSS, KURUThe event that took place at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru near Jos on Saturday, 22nd November, 2008 is most disheartening, absolute bizarre and unprecedentedly barbaric..
Press Statement: Appreciation and Gratitude
Letter on the Re-opening and Re-investigation of the Assassination of Dele Giwa
Press Statement on Why I disagree with the Order made by the Supreme Court in Amaechi v. Omehia on 25/10/2007
Press Statement on The murder of Dele Giwa, 21 years after: The urgent need to reopen investigation
The Moral Imperatives for the Speaker of the House of Reps.(Mrs Patricia Etteh) to resign or be removed
Why the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa should be removed from Office
Creating a Sane Society: Imperatives of Good Governance and Rule of Law
Press Statement on Strike Against Fuel Prices
Press Statement on Obi, Supreme Court and Jurisdiction
Press Statement: When will an Igbo be Inspector-General of Police?
Press Statement on Atiku Abubakar, Nigerian Bar Association and Court Judgments
Press Statement on My Reply to Nigerian Bar Association reaction to my criticism of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal on Atiku
Press Statement on the Court of Appeal Decision on Atiku: It is totally wrong
Press Statement on the Misuse by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo of Presidential Power to campaign in an election
Press Statement on the Constitutional Effect of Vice President Declaration for Action Congress
Press Statement on the Ratification of State of Emergency by the National Assembly
Press Statement on the Declaration of State of Emergency in Ekiti State
Press Statement on the Impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose
Press Statement on the Suspension of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State
Press Statement on the Petition to the Code of Conduct Bureau
Press Statement on the Front Page of the SUN of today, 30/09/2006
Press Statement on the Burial of the Generals and the ignoble role of NTA at Night
Press Statement on the Constitutional implications of the part-ownership of Transcorp by President Obasanjo
Press Statement on Atiku Abubakar
Fuel price increase:The need for national revolt
Investigations of Obasanjo Presidential Library by EFCC
Tafa Balogun and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC): A Show Of Shame
Obasanjo's Foreign Tours and Their Implications On Governance
He has won many national and international awards and he has been honoured by many clubs and associations. Amongst his honours and awards are the following:
§ Made a member of the Ghandi Foundation in 1971.
§ Honourary member of NUJ, in Nigeria 1972.
§ Life member of the University of Benin Students' Union in 1977.
§ Senior Advocate of the Masses OAU on August 27, 1988.
§ Life member, University of Ibadan Student Union, in 1988
§ NANS life membership in 1990.
§ Bruno Kriesky Award for his contributions to the defence of Human Rights on June 11, 1993.
§ American Bar Association Award for Human Rights in 1996.
§ Naming of the Victory College Ikare Library, his alma-mater, after him after 50 years of its establishment.
§ Prestigious Bernard Simons Memorial Award by the International Bar Association (IBA) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the rule of law in Nigeria in 1998.
§ Times Patriot Award by Daily Times Nigeria Plc. on 1st of June, 2001.
§ Best Humanitarian Award by City People on 25th March, 2001.
§ Worthy Contributions to the Development of Education in Nigeria by Hon. Dr. Willie Ogbeide Scholarship - Trust Fund Merit Award on 2nd December, 2001.
§ Principles of Human Rights Merit Award in his honour for his worthy contributions to the protection of human rights and Fundamental freedoms by Barrister Richard Dubor Books Launching Communitee on 9th December, 2000.
§ Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the maintenance of law and order, provision of security, crime prevention and control in Nigeria by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria on 22nd December, 1999.
§ Merit Award on him at Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Creation of Ondo State by the Ondo State Government on the 16th June, 2001.
§ Award on him for his relentless service and commitment to the Rule of Law in Nigeria by the Nigerian Bar Association (Ikeja Branch) on 15th of June, 2001.
· MAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
§ Named Man of the Year 1988 by African Concord Magazine.
§ Voted Quality Magazine Man of the Year 1988
§ In 1989, the Weekend Concord named him Man of the Year amongst others.
§ Named lawyer of the Year 1988 by the African Guardian Magazine of January 2, 1989.
§ In 1993, the Weekend Concord named him Man of the Year 1992 amongst others.
§ Named Man of the Year 1996 by Newswatch Magazine.
§ Voted Man of the Year 1996 amongst others by the Nigerian Tribune Newspapers of December 28, 1996.
§ On December 20, 1997 Punch Newspaper named him Man of the Year, 1997.
§ In December 1999, Nigerian Tribune named him Man of the Year amongst others.
§ On December 26, 1999, Hallmark Newspaper named him Man of the Year 1999.
§ On January 8, 2000 Weekend Triumph named him Man of the Year 1999.
§ On January 9, 2000, he was named Man of the Year 1999 by National Times.
§ Named Man of the Year 2000 by the Weekly Trust Newspaper of January 12-18, 2001.
· MAN OF THE CENTURY AWARD
§ Named Man of the Century by Weekend Concord on Saturday, December 25, 1999.
· CONTROVERSIAL LAWYER OF THE MILLENNIUM AWARD
§ On January 3, 2000, the Post Express named him the Controversial Lawyer of the Millennium.
· SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA (SAN) AWARD
§ On July 25, 2001, he was nominated for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC) and was sworn-in on September 10, 2001.
Death
Gani, as he was fondly called,died in the early hours of 05 September 2009 after a prolonged battle with cancer. He was 71 years old
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