Boss Picks
The Great Gani Fawehinmi: His Life, His Legacies & His Frustrations
By Eric Elezuo
If the late sage and legal luminary, Chief Abdul-Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi, had been alive, he would have been celebrating his 80th birthday. Of course, he would have been at the forefront of battling the scourge of government failure that has plagued Nigeria for decades.
The man, who came to be known simply as Gani was born on April 22, 1938 at his family home in Okedasa Street, Ondo Town. He was the only male child out of six children of his mother. His parentage was of absolute royalty as his father, late Chief Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi, a successful Timber merchant,Philanthropist, Seriki Musulumi of Ondo, was one of the famous sons of Late High Chief Lisa Alujannu Fawehinmi of Ondo Kingdom. His mother, Alhaja Muniratu Fawehinmi, on the other hand, was the Iya Olori Egbe Adinni of Ondo Central Mosque, and was the daughter of late Chief Yesufu & Madam Rabiatu Akinnibosun.
An author, publisher, legal icon, human rights and social critics of repute, Gani was the acclaimed Senior Advocate of the Masses and philanthropist.
He started his early education in 1947 at the Ansar-ud-deen Primary School, Yemoja in Ondo, and obtained his first certificate in 1953. He proceeded to Victory College, Ikare-Ekiti in 1954 and graduated in 1958 before attending the Holborn College of Law, University of London from 1961 to 1964 as an external student.
While a college student, Gani developed passionate interest in national, legal and political matters, prompting his mates to nickname him “Nation”. He was also an avid reader of books and journals, was known to love readingDaily Times and the then West African Pilot, which were the most popular newspapers in Nigeria at the time. He then worked briefly as a law clerk in the High Court of Lagos until 1961.
A dark era occurred in Gani’s life when he lost his father while still in the university. Though he encountered a bit of financial difficulty, he managed to complete his course. He was involved in various menial jobs in London, and there developed the spirit of resilience and survival. He even took up a full time job as a toilet cleaner at Russell Square Hotel in Southampton Row, London.
Gani’s radical approach to life came to the fore while he was in London. It was there that he got acquainted with books of revolutionary or radical figures such as Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, David Ben-Gurion, Gandhi, Mao Tse Tsung and Karl Marx and the likes. In 1964, he returned to Nigeria and was called to the bar the following year (1965).
He started his career with a stint at his brother, Hon Justice Rasheed Fawehinmi’s law firm, before establishing his own Law Practice, Gani Fawenmi & Co in Lagos. Gani Fawehinmi became a holder of the highest national legal title in September 2001 as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Always standing for the downtrodden, Gani gained wide prominence in the legal world and beyond when he took up the case of a factory worker, Bala Abashe who alleged that the Secretary to the Government of the then Benue-Plateau State, Andrew Obeya, had an affair with his wife. He stood for Abashe on pro bono (free), refusing all entreaties to drop the case, and at the end of the day, the legal process forced Obeya to resign. However, Fawehinmi was detained for nine months. The publicity of the case catapulted him to the level of total exposure and prominence.
“He was a scourge of oppressive governments and hard zero tolerance for human rights abuse”
Gani continued to grow in leaps and bounds in the legal profession, and by 1971, he was made the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association. He served till 1973. His rising profile was not without a backlog – in 1981, he was queried by a disciplinary committee and told to explain himself within fourteen days why he was touting himself through advertisements in a weekly publication contrary to the ethics of the bar.
In the case, Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) v. Chief Gani Fawehinmi (1985) the Supreme Court upheld the Appeal Court judgment rendering the LPDC’s proceedings against Chief Fawehinmi ineffective on the basis that the constitution of the LPDC with the Attorney-General as Chairman made him accuser, prosecutor and judge at the same time which breached the principles of natural justice and therefore Chief Fawehinmi’s right to fair hearing. The judgment led to an amendment of the Legal Practitioners’ Act 1975.
Though he won that one, he was soon to run afoul of an NBA directive in 1984, when the NBA under the presidency of Bola Ajibola directed its members not to represent any client in a military tribunal. Fawehinmi flouted the directive because he believed the accused should be always have a right to fair hearing. As a result, his name was placed in NBA’s dishonour roll. He saw as this as a price he had to pay to keep his dreams alive.
In addition, he is a staunch believer in social justice, and with his boundless energy, he tenaciously and uncompromisingly pursued his beliefs, principles and ideals for the rule of law, undiluted democracy, social justice, protection of fundamental human rights and respect for the hopes and aspirations of the masses who he believed are victims of government’s recklessness.
He was not only dishing out lip service for the downtrodden, he followed it up with the institution of a scholarships and welfare activities. In 1971, he established Scholarships Award and awarded scholarships from then till his death on Saturday September 5, 2009. It is no wonder therefore that he was awarded the Senior Advocate of Masses Obafemi Awolowo University in 1988. Among other of his awards are the Biennial Bruno Kreisky Prize in 1993, International Bar Association’s Bernard Simmons Award in 1994 and American Bar Association Award 1996.
Arrest and Detention
As a result of his human and civil right crusade, Gani was at various times arrested – 40 times in all, detained, had his passport seized by security agencies on seven different occasions and had his books confiscated. He was also on several occasions charged to court from between 1969 and 1996 under the then Federal Military Government Regimes. He was deported from Port-Harcourt, Rivers State to Lagos State within the Federal Republic of Nigeria soil by the then Abacha’s Regime on August 26, 1995, the first of its kind. He was a scourge of oppressive governments and hard zero tolerance for human rights abuse.
In the course of the many persecutions he suffered, his library at Surulere was set ablaze. His law Chambers at Anthony Village, was invaded by persons suspected to be agents of the government with many of his staff wounded in the aftermath.
Having seen the inside of almost all the notorious cells in the country, his supporters referred to him as “the scourge of irresponsible governments, the veritable conscience of the nation and the champion of the interests and causes of the masses”. He was also called in many quarters the people’s president
Party Politics
It is said that when good men keep quiet, the evil men are enthroned, and evil thrives. Consequently, Gani found it absolutely necessary to delve into politics to help correct the anomalies of the successive governments.
In 2002, with some other notable Nigerians, he formed the National Conscience Party of Nigeria (NCP) which is still in existence today, and contested the presidential election in 2003 under its umbrella.
Until his death, he was the Seriki Musulumi of Ondo Kingdom, married and blessed with two wives and 14 children.
Gani, who has the most voluminous biography of over 4,300 pages, reportedly dedicated his whole life to the defence of human rights and condemnation of all ill-fated government policies. He also fought the military junta to a standstill. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in September 2001 after years of denial.
One of the most interesting aspect if Gani was his no holds barred attitude when it comes to speaking the truth. In sympathizing with former President Obasanjo on the death of his wife and Bellview plane crash both in 2005, he turned around and lambasted the President for his government of ineptitude, especially as it relates to Nigeria’s health system. A part of his condolence message read:
“The events of Saturday and Sunday the 22nd and 23rd October, 2005 which have thrown the country into mourning should never be allowed to repeat themselves. We do not want another plane crash and if you bring in another wife before you constitutionally quit office on 29th May 2007, please do not allow her to go for a cosmetic surgery for beautification again. We cannot afford another death of the President’s wife in Aso Rock.”
Below are some of his memorable quotes:
On the disappearance of Charles Taylor
“The disappearance of Charles Taylor from Nigerian soil is a humiliating disgrace to Nigeria. Obasanjo must explain why this happened.”
“There is nothing new in the speech. It is the same old wine in new bottles. It’s a disappointing statement. In fact it is a disastrous speech.”
“I’m not surprised at this result, I’m saddened, not surprised. This government will do anything to keep its power by deceiving the people.”
“This is incredible. This is fantastic. This gives us hope that something good will begin to happen soon.”
In 2008, against all expectation, Gani rejected the Order of the Federal Republic honours; the highest national honour that could be bestowed on a private citizen, in protest of years of misrule. Chinua Achebe was another Nigerian who rejected national honours.
He died in the early hours of September 5, 2009 after a prolonged battle with lung cancer at the age of 71 years old, and was buried on September 15, 2009 in his home town, Ondo.
It will not be out of place to say that Gani Fawehinmi died a disappointed man, because the dream country he constantly clamoured and fought for was never achieved at the time of his death.
LETS SALUTE A GREAT MAN,WHO CAME, SAW AND LEFT HIS FOOTPRINTS ON SANDS OF TIME
By Eric Elezuo
Communications giant, GLOBACOM, has celebrated its Group Executive Director, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, as she clocks 31.
In a message via the Group’s X account, Globacom celebrated the go-getting abilities Ms Michael-Adenuga, recognising her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment, which have continued speak loud in the growth and development of the Gbobacom Group.
The message reads:
“Today, we celebrate Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, whose dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment continue to make a meaningful difference.
“As you mark another year, we wish you good health, happiness, and many more years of fulfilment and remarkable accomplishments. May the year ahead bring every opportunity to continue making an enduring impact.
“Happy Birthday, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga.”
Sade Michael-Adenuga is the last daughter of the billionaire businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Glo brand, among many other business concerns.
Beautiful and highly ceregral, Sade is a certified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She currently serves as a Group Executive Director of Globacom Group, and is the founder of QuickLaw.
By Eric Elezuo
The story of the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is one told from a multiple dimension. It encompasses passion, love, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and more importantly, brotherhood.
Here’s a classic tale of two individuals, who started as acquaintances, transmuted into being friends, and today has become inseparable, not just as brothers, but as ‘twin’ brothers. No wonder the Bible says, there’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother; that’s the story of ‘Demola and Dele. A typical example of Double D. A classic tale of friendship made in heaven.
Both have seen measured successes in their various fields of endeavours. Adeleke, besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, has in his own way, conquered the field of politics, having served as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and presently serving as the Executive Governor of Osun State.
Momodu, on his part, has not in any way lacked behind. Beyond establishing and sustaining Africa’s number one celebrity magazine, Momodu is an iconic journalist, publisher, businessman and a motivational speaker, who has both working and personal relationships with many influential world leaders. He has been one shot away from the highest office in the land, having contested for the Nigerian presidency, first as a candidate in 2011, and as an aspirant in 2023.
Born same year, 1960, same month, May, the brothers have from time in memorial, shared a common bond that has given onlookers the apertite to ask more questions about their originality. But while one is from Edo State, the other is from Osun. However, the state barriers notwithstanding, Adeleke and Momodu has proved to the world what true friendship means.
Over the weekend when Momodu celebrated his 66th birthday, just three days after Adeleke celebrated his at the Government House, in Oshogbo, the Governor gladly referred to Momodu as his ‘twin’ brother, a motion that everyone readily agreed with. It is worthy of note that while Adeleke was born on May 13, 1960, Momodu was born on May 16, 1960. Friends and associates always insist that Adeleke is three days older than Momodu, and that one fact Momodu has come to live with, and joyously celebrates.
In his message at the birthday celebration, held with incisive discussion on the theme, Ignorance and The Danger of Xenophobia, at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre, Alalubosa, Ibadan, the Governor extolled the qualities of Momodu, fondly referring to him as ‘my twin brother’. He hailed Momodu for always using his birthday to speak to the conscience of Africa, especially in the last three years.
At the event, organized by The Dele Momodu Foundation, with the theme, “Ignorance and the Danger of Xenophobia.” Speakers at the occasion condemned the rising tide of xenophobic attacks, particularly those targeting Nigerian citizens in South Africa, warning that such hostility undermines regional progress, peace, and continental unity.
DELE MOMODU – MAY 16, 1960
Dele Momodu, without an iota of doubt stands tall among those who have been diligent in businesses, and it is therefore, no surprise that he has stood, and is still standing not just before kings but with kings.
Born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960, some 63 years ago, Chief Dele Momodu as he is known in the business circle, and Bob Dee, in the social stage, is by every standard a man who is diligent in his business. And it is no wonder that he has not only stood before kings, he had and continues to dine with kings. There is practically no influential person that Dele Momodu does not know across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Africa and on the inter-continental stage. He is that large!
By every standard a rare breed, Momodu is many things in one; journalist/publisher, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. Among all these he considers himself simply as a reporter, and even with a retinue of seasoned staff still ventures into the field to scoop exclusives. Those who have referred to him as a workaholic are not far from the truth. Even he, himself has an oft quoted line thus “those who come from poor background cannot afford to sleep too much”.
A beacon of the Momodu family, Dele, the last of three siblings, was ‘privileged’ to lose his father at the age of 13, and was therefore sentenced to the complete tutelage of his mother, and sometimes relatives. His mother became practically his mentor, teacher and soulmate until she passed away on May 18, 2007, two days after Dele’s 47th birthday. According to him, one of the many morals his mother, who he revered next to God, taught him, is never to despair even when times are tough. Even in her near poverty state, Dele maintained that ‘she didn’t give up on me.’
The accomplished journalist, whose first name was derived from Ayobamidele, meaning “my joy has followed me home”, is a proud 1982 graduate of the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) where he obtained a degree in Yoruba Language, and followed it up in 1988 with a master’s degree in English Literature.
He kicked off his professional career as a lecturer at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982 and 1983 while serving as a corps member. He went on to become the private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, a position he held from 1983 till 1985. In 1986, he was elevated to serve the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing his Motel Royal Limited.
Momodu is the proprietor of the no 1 celebrity journal, Ovation International Magazine, The Boss Newspaper and Ovation Television.
The Akinrogun of Gbonganland, who is also the Aare of Iwoland, has also been honoured with the Prestigious Value Leadership award by an organisation, Nigeria, which is a subsidiary of Moonlite Integrated Concept, among an avalanche of awards, honours and tags. Momodu us consistently praised for his admirable efforts, which have not gone unnoticed.
ADEMOLA JACKSON ADELEKE – MAY 13, 1960
Born of the Adeleke family of Ede in Osun State on May 13, 1960, Adeleke commenced his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Surulere Lagos State before he was privileged to relocate to Old Oyo State to continue his education at Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire.
Adeleke was born Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke to a Muslim father and Nnena Esther Adeleke, an Igbo Christian mother. Like him, Adeleke’s father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a Senator and the Balogun of Ede land in Osun State. His father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was also the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
On completion of his primary education, he moved on to The Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede to begin his post primary schooling. In the later years however, he attended Ede Muslim Grammar School Ede, where he completed his secondary school education and subsequently relocated to the United States of America, joining his two older brothers, who were also studying there.
In the United States, he joined Jacksonville State University, Alabama, and studied Criminal Justice, with minor in Political Science.
To prove doubting Thomases, who wiped up controversies around his educational qualification, wrong, he went back to school and got enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2021.
A businessman and administrator of no mean repute, Adeleke was the humble Group Executive Director at his brother’s company, Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016, where his credible performances shot the company to enviable heights; a height it is still enjoying till date.
It is imperative to note that before he joined Pacific Holdings Limited, Senator Adeleke worked with Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor from 1985 to 1989. His dexterity to work earned him a progression in career, and he berthed as Vice President at Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company. His meritorious stewardship lasted a period of five years, from 1990 to 1994.
Not a few has described Adeleke as the philanthropic capital of Ede, as his influence in aiding the less privileged and downtrodden remains top notch. He is a voracious believer in community development, and has not spared any expense to see that his community receives global influence.
Politically, Adeleke is a beacon of light and hard nut to crack, having remained an albatross to opposing powers and a reference point to ideal administration.
Shortly after he lost his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who died in April 2017, he contested the Osun West 2017 Senatorial by-election, emerging as the winner under the Peoples Democratic Party, where he decamped to from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Having emerged senator, Adeleke’s political influence waxed stronger, an on July 23, 2018, he emerged as the governorship candidate of PDP in Osun State.
Adeleke ran for Osun state governorship election under the PDP against top contenders Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of APC and Iyiola Omisore of SDP on 22 September 2018. The election was declared inconclusive by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) while Adeleke was leading, and a rerun slated on September 27, 2018. The candidate of the APC Oyetola was declared winner after the run-off. Adeleke protested the result describing the election as a “coup”.
Much as on March 22, 2019, the tribunal sitting in Abuja declared Adeleke the winner of the election, the Supreme Court later affirmed Gboyega Oyetola as the authentic winner of the 2018 Osun State governorship election on Friday, July 5, 2019
Popularly known as the Dancing Senator because of his penchant to joyfully react to the sounds of music, Adeleke is uncle to one of Nigeria’s popular musicians, Davido.
Governor Adeleke is married to two beautiful women. They are blessed with three children who are all entertainers. They are B-Red and Shina Rambo and a daughter, Nike Adeleke. He is the uncle of one Nigeria’s primus inter pares in entertainment, Davido.
As expected, Adeleke is moving Osun State to the greatest of heights as he promised, and many who know him agree that there are still very many more in the offing even as he navigates his political prowess to win again on August 15.
These ‘twin’ brothers have become a toast of reference. They are hardworking, philanthropic in nature, and always happy.
Yes, always happy as the smiles and dance in their gaits at all times are unmistakable.
Cheers to brotherhood!
Cheers to Ademola Adeleke and Dele Momodu!
By Eric Elezuo
The Koumagnon Family and Allied Families of Seme-Kpodji, of the Republic of Benin, led by Monsieur Alberto Koumagnon, has declared their unflinching support for the candidacy of Romuald Wadagni as he steps out on Sunday to vie for the presidential seat of the Republic of Benin.
In statement of declaration, the families observed that Wadagni is propelled by a ‘vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country’.
The declaration is presented in full:
DECLARATION OF SUPPORT BY THE GREAT KOUMAGNON FAMILY AND ALLIED FAMILIES OF SÈMÈ-KPODJI FOR CANDIDATE ROMUALD WADAGNI
The great KOUMAGNON family and allied3 families of Sèmè-Kpodji, deeply committed to the values of peace, progress, and development, followed with particular interest the presentation, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, of the “Further Together” (Plus loin ensemble) social project by our dear candidate, President Romuald WADAGNI.
Following this important political event, and gathering on this day, 04/04/2026, we wish to express our full support for the vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country.
From the outset, we, descendants of the KOUMAGNON family and allied families, commend the enlightened leadership of President Patrice TALON who, faithful to his commitment to building a modern and prosperous Benin, has been able to propose to the presidential majority a competent, credible candidate who brings hope for consolidating achievements.
In this dynamic of continuity and progress, the candidacy of President Romuald WADAGNI is fully in line with the continuation of the structural reforms undertaken over several years in all sectors, particularly in infrastructure.
In this regard, we recognize and commend the many achievements of the government, especially road infrastructure, which has significantly improved mobility and living conditions for the populations of the communes of Sèmè-Kpodji and surrounding areas.
Moreover, these remarkable efforts reflect a constant determination to connect localities, stimulate economic exchanges, and sustainably strengthen the attractiveness of our territories.
Building on these achievements and firmly oriented toward the future, we are convinced of the relevance of the “Further Together” project.
Therefore, the great KOUMAGNON family and allied families of Sèmè-Kpodji give their firm, committed, and unconditional support to candidate Romuald WADAGNI, as well as to his running mate, Mrs. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima.
In the same spirit, we call on all daughters and sons of Sèmè-Kpodji, as well as all citizens committed to peace and development in our country, Benin, to mobilize massively in support of this hopeful momentum by turning out in large numbers on April 12.
We also wish to assure our dear candidate of our commitment to mobilize widely to ensure a high voter turnout in the commune of Sèmè-Kpodji.
Together, let us continue the efforts undertaken.
Together, let us consolidate our achievements.
Together, let us go further.
Long live Benin on its path toward progress!
Long live the WADAGNI–TALATA ticket!
Thank you.
Done at Sèmè-Kpodji, on 04/04/2026
The great KOUMAGNON family and allied families
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