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 numerous to describe a man who fought against the oppression of the poor, a man that dared the high and the mighty in government, 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 among his siblings, he was called Ganiu, was a detribalised Nigerian. His love for his country transcend ethnicity and religious inclinations. This was confirmed when ex military head of state, General Buhari attended the burial of Gani's. Mother at Ondo in the South West Nigeria , a rare thing with the General, that gesture did not however sway Gani's opinion in favour of the General in the subsequent events that ensued, as had to do with Gani's ratification of the General's second coming into power. He was at all times ready to stand alone in his beliefs and principles.

Here are some of my reminiscences of him, in 1978, he was awarded the traditional title of Lomafe of okedase in Ondo land, his elder brother Justice Rasheed Fawehinmi was awarded the chieftancy 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, still out of Gani's convinction that one can see things better when you stand out and usually at the other side, he accepted the title but preferred the coronation which was for the same day to hold at different times of the day.

I remembered again in early 2000s when ex President Clinton came to Nigeria soon after Nigeria returned to democracy from the military era, there were only 3 Nigerians to whom Clinton deemed recognisable as having fought for our democracy. In the words of Clinton, he said, Gani Fawehinmi Fought for it, Chinue Achebe wrote it and another Muscial Icon whom he said sang it. 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 Nigerians from the shackles of wicked reigns than anyone else.

Fawehinism became a philosophy while he was alive. His beliefs became 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