Ranti Fawehinmi pays
TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND
GANI FAWEHINMI . SAN, SAM - the Icon of freedom & Justice.
April 22nd 1938 - Sept. 5th 2009.

He was larger than life. An indefatigable fighter, a lover of the masses , a selfless and patriotic Nigerian. Words are too numerous to describe a man who fought against the oppression of the poor, a man that dared the high and the mighty in power , a one man squad that fought the military regimes of IBB and Abacha to stand still. He was a phenomenon on earth, he became a reference point for freedom and justice after his exit.

Gani, as was fondly called by Nigerians but in the home front he was called Ganiu, a detribalised Nigerian. His love for his country transcend ethnicity and religious barriers . This was confirmed when ex military head of state , General Buhari now President Buhari attended the burial of Gani's motther in Ondo ,South West Nigeria , a rare thing with the General, that gesture did not however sway Gani's opinion in the subsequent events that ensued. He was at all times ready to stand alone in his belief and principle.

Here are some of my reminiscences of him, in 1978, he was honored with the cheiftancy title of Lomafe of okedasa in Ondo land now Ondo city , his elder brother the ate Hon,Justice Rasheed Fawehinmi who also passed on January 12th 2016, himself an incorruptible Judge was also honored with the title of Loyinmi at the same time by Oba Adekolurejo. It was in recognition of the contributions of the duo to the development of the state.

I remembered again in early 2000s when ex President Clinton came to Nigeria shortly after the country returned to democracy ,there were only 3 Nigerians that Clinton deemed recognisable to have fought for our democracy. In the words of Clinton, he said," Gani Fawehinmi Fought for it, Chinue Achebe wrote it ." he mentioned one other muscian .. The "it" is the democracy whose benefit is being squandered by untrustworthy politicians that we have entrusted with the affairs of the nation. Take it or leave it, Gani Fawehinmi , the restless, Gani Fawehinmi the indomitable, Gani Fawehinmi the brave, fought for the liberation of Nigeria from the shackles of wicked reigns than anyone else .

Fawehinism became a philosophy while he was alive. His beliefs became a school of thought. His legacy is monumental, he left shoes too large for anyone to fit in. He was a colossus, an enigma and a rare breed.
Gani left behind one of the biggest law Library in Africa, he left behind the National Conscience Party, he left behind many unswerving apostles of good governance .
Therefore we shall arise and fight bad leadership and erring government. In the minds of those who love him Gani lives on!!!

Now that you have exited, the good name you left behind will not be soiled.

Eulogy
Kare oma Aso
Oja le onile bo tI e leyin
Okurin wa, okurin wa wa wo wo
Atapa ni sa u
Olahun ha ha gbokunrin win
Ma ba ja ma ba re.

Alas! the great grand son of Lisa Alujanu lives on

Rip

Remembering a legend.
A true lover of masses.

Three surat al ikhlas for him.