Biography of Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN


Chief Gani Fawehinmi who was born in Ondo state, Nigeria on the 22nd of April 1938 and died at the age of 71 on the 5th of September 2009. The iconic fellow who was both an Author, a Publisher, Social critic, Lawyer and Politician. He was known as the “people’s lawyer” during his time, because he used his legal training to fight for the cause of justice for Nigerians. His father Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi, was a leading traditional and Islamic personality in the western part of Nigeria. Chief Gani who studied law at Holborn College, University of London in 1961 after his secondary school days in Ondo state. Unfortunately, before his 2nd year as an undergraduate student, he lost his father and his source of income dried up. He then, began to take up various menial jobs which included working as a toilet cleaner in order to complete his degree. He was called to bar in 1965 and he immediately began to practice in Lagos state and soon became mentor to several well-known lawyers. Some of his friends were the late Ransome-Kuti and Fela Kuti. In 1993, Gani was given an international award in honor of all his role in advancing the cause of human right. 

 

Full Biography of Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN

He suffered imprisonment and harassment for over three decades all in bid to fight for the rights of the just. He was one who feared no one and used his voice to fight for the oppressed. He fought for the protection of human right and also against the corruption of civilian rule, as well as the then military rule. The then military rule which was under the late General Sanni Abacha in the early 90’s, where he fought against the cancellation of the June 12 presidential election and the detention of the election winner. 

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On several occasions, he was being exiled from one part of the country to another, to prevent his voice from being heard by the masses.  Gani Fawehinmi was more than just an activist, he was also a philanthropist. He gave out several scholarships to Nigerian student and also established the Nigerian weekly report which has gone a long way today in helping law students and practitioners. Gani Fawehinmi was indeed one of the past heroes of our time and most of his works would forever be remembered.

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