Boss Picks
The Great Gani Fawehinmi: His Life, His Legacies & His Frustrations
Published
7 years agoon
By
Eric
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
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James Barnor @96: Sights and Sounds of the 2025 HACSA Sankofa Summit in London
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 23, 2025By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
Friends, family members and well wishers last week gathered in Chesterfield Hotel, Mayfair, London, to celebrate Ghanaian born ace photographer, James Barnor, as part of activities to mark the 2025 HACSA Sankofa Summit.
According to a post by the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, who participated in the 2-day intellectual fiesta comprising hearty lunch and fireside chats, noted that the “moving session is a heartfelt tribute to his extraordinary legacy, which spans over six decades of capturing the soul of African identity, fashion, culture, and Diaspora life through the lens.”
The post further stated that “Today’s chat is not only a journey through visual history but also a celebration of life, as we mark James Barnor’s 96th birthday, a testament to a life lived with purpose, vision, and enduring impact.
“The atmosphere is both reflective and celebratory, bringing together cultural leaders, creatives, and changemakers who are united in honouring a pioneer whose work continues to inspire generations. This event encapsulates the spirit of the Sankofa Summit sponsored by Svani Groups, looking back to honour, looking forward to preserve, and moving together to build.”
This is wishing a happy 96th birthday to a prolific image hunter.
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Yvonne Khamati: The Coming of a Presidential Amazon
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 22, 2025By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
With a focused eye on the presidency of the Republic of Kenya, seasoned diplomat and thorough bred politician, Yvonne Khamati, is a force to reckon with. She is by every intent and purpose born for leadership, having started very early to mount saddles of political and diplomatic seats, dishing out first class acumen and sound ambassodorial gestures that have placed Kenya in better corners of the world map.
As the July 2027 date for the election of a new president for the Kenyan Republic draws nearer, young, seasoned and tested Yvonne Khamati, who was born in 1982, is ready to move the nation to a new level, having set standards, conquered diplomatic territories, developed new horizons, and is set for the task ahead.
Khamati was born in Nairobi, Kenya, where he started his early education, attending elementary school before joining Stretford Grammar School, in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she completed her O-Level studies in 1998. By 1999, she returned to Kenya and attended Peponi High School, for her A-Level education, which she concluded in 2001.
Setting her mind to acquiring the best of academic tutelage, she devoted the period between 2001 and 2009, among other things, for intense studying, studying at various institutions of higher education including the University of Nairobi, the United States International University Africa and the online American World University.
Consequently, she earned a Diploma in Sociology & Criminology, a Diploma in Political Science & International Relations, a Bachelor of Business Administration from San Juan de La Cruz University (Universidad San Juan de la Cruz) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Counselling Psychology.
In 2012, she returned to the classroom, and earned a Professional Graduate Diploma in Management from Cambridge Association of Managers.
Currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Heroes Council, a parastatal under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, Yvonne, as close friends, colleagues and family members address her, is a full-blooded Kenyan, and was nominated to the East African Legislative Assembly as Member of Parliament by Ford Kenya Party (and the Kenya National Assembly) at the age of 21. Yvonne cut her political teeth at a very young age, which put her at a gracious advantage of thorough knowledge of thr country’s political and economic terrain.
Again, as a diplomat, she was appointed by then President Mwai Kibaki to serve as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to Ethiopia and African Union at 24. She is a typical example of catch them young, and has garnered thorough and home-based experience requisite for leadership.
She has also served in the past, as the Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives and Rapporteur of the African Diplomatic Corp, in the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has also worked in various missions. As at November 2018, she served as the Deputy Ambassador of Kenya at the Kenyan Embassy in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia.
In 2017 she was named among 100 top Africans under 40 by MIPAD (Most Influential people of African Descent).
On the side, she runs the YK Foundation which works on empowering women and the girl child in rural areas providing scholarships, sanitary towels, jigger treatment and feeding programs.
Khamati, who is married to Nigerian Oxford University trained lawyer, Laiwola Yahaya, and bless with two children; Zalika Kalani and Kazeem Yahaya, is a bundle of academic, entrepreneurial, diplomatic and leadership skills. These qualities set her apart to give Kenya the next leadership direction.
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The Life and Times of Gwogwogwongwo Crooner, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha (1930 – 2025)
Published
1 month agoon
June 9, 2025By
Eric
This propelled the song to #81 on Apple Music Nigeria, making Ejeagha the oldest Nigerian artist to ever chart.
His 1983 album, Akụkọ N’egwu Original Vol. 1, also re-entered the spotlight, breaking into the Spotify Nigeria Top 100 Albums, four decades after its release. That was a turning point in his many decades of professional music craft.
Following his death, tributes have continued to pour in for the late highlife musician also revered as a cultural icon.
According to a News Agency of Nigeria report, his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed that the revered artiste died around 8 p.m. on Friday following a prolonged illness.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha carved a timeless legacy with his unique blend of traditional Igbo folk music and storytelling.
His musical journey began in the 1960s, and by the 1980s, he had become a household name with classics like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwo gwo gwo ngwo).
Ejeagha was born to a father-civil servant, who worked with the Ministry of Health in Enugu. He attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu, and at a young age, played ogene with his friends.
In 1945, he joined Coal Camp Boys, a local music group in Enugu. After completing his primary education in 1948, he continued to pursue his passion for music. In 1949, at the age of 20, he became an apprentice, learning hairdressing with his friend, Cyprain Ozochiawa, who was a barber and musician. He also learnt how to play guitar. Ejeagha was invited by Joseph Ogbu to join his band as a guitarist in 1950.
Following his performance, he was called for an audition by Atu Ona, who was the controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service, and was later offered a radio program Guitar Playtime, where he performed on radio and produced musical programs. During this time, he formed Premier Dance Band.
During the Biafran War, Ejeagha disbanded his music group, but continued to perform a radio program Igbo paly on Radio Nigeria. Because of the war, he left Enugu for Umuahia, where he stayed until the war ended. Prior to the war, Ejeagha had released several singles in collaboration with CT Onyekwelu, including: “The unfortunate lady” (1957), “colliery massacre” (1959), and “Ofu nwanne” (1959).
After the war, he was invited by the Nigerian Television Authority as a guest presenter for an Igbo program akuko N egwu in 1972; the program featured folksong lyrically composed by Ejeagha and his group. The program was a success and gave rise to the Igbo expression “Akuko Mike Ejeagha”.
Ejeagha plays his music with guitar and his lyrics were written in Igbo language. He has contributed over three hundred recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria.
In 2018, Nigerian singer Kcee visited him inorder to be permitted to use some of his songs, including: “Ome ka agu” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”. On 12 September 2022, Pulse NG reported that a documentary film about Ejeagha titled Gentleman was under production. In July 2024, his 1983 song, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”, gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter.
On September 2, 2024, Peter Mbah renamed the Abakpa Road after Ejeagha.
The President hailed Ejeagha’s distinctive storytelling through music as a cultural treasure, noting his role in preserving and promoting Igbo traditions across generations.
“May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” Tinubu stated.
In his tribute, a former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote on X: “I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.
“His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth, “he said.
He praised Ejeagha for using music as a tool for teaching, healing, and preserving the philosophical depth of Igbo culture.
“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.
“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience,” he said.
Also, Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi, on X, expressed deep sorrow: “Mike Ejeagha was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State. His fan base transcended boundaries, and he was one of the most recognisable voices in music.
“Ejeagha’s immense talent and genius lay in how he took simple indigenous folktales and turned them into unforgettable songs that resonate across cultures,” he said.
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflected on the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, thanks to Brain jotter: “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.
“Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”
Gentleman Mike Ejeagha has since been burial in respect to his wishes.
May his soul rest in perfect peace!
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