Remembering Gani Fawehinmi

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo at the Lecture

Recently, the Ikeja Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association held the 11th edition of the  Annual Gani Fawehinmi Lecture/Symposium at the Oranmiyan Hall of the Airport Hotel in Lagos.
The event is held yearly is to celebrate and promote the ideas, principles, courage, achievements and contributions of late lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Two things made this event stand out. One of them was that an Integrity Award was conferred on late lawyer and human rights activist, Bamidele Aturu and the Vice-Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The other thing that made the event unique was that a book titled: Stand Up for What is Right, Even If You Are Standing Alone, which is  a compendium of lectures delivered at the yearly event from 2005 to 2014, was unveiled and launched. The presentation was done by Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
This year’s lecture was captioned Ethnicity, Religion, Illiteracy: The Promises and Illusions of Democracy in the Struggle to Uplift the Nigerian masses from Impoverishment. Among those who spoke at the event were,  Anthony Cardinal  Olubunmi Okogie who was the Chairman of the event,  Femi Falana, a scholar, Dr. Timilehin Zaid and the Chairman of the NBA, Ikeja Branch, Yinka Farounbi. Olubunmi Okogie:-
This former Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, said that the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal government was clueless  just as he stated that  the country needed an urgent rescue from what he described as “imminent brink of irredeemable destruction.”
Okogie said, “There is extra urgency to rescue Nigeria. This is the time when every right-thinking Nigerian must pray to hate the present situation strong enough so as to desire the fortitude to act right.
“This time does not allow for indifference. All must rise to save Nigeria from the brink of irredeemable destruction. This is the time we must play politics of the best, for the best position, in order to guarantee the best for our nation.
“Let only those with the fear of God and love of their neighbours rule Nigeria; only those who know what to do should sit at the helm of affairs. Enough of mediocrity, enough of failures, enough of nepotism, and enough of ethnicity.”
Okogie, who described Fawehinmi, as a courageous, principled, selfless and detribalised statesman,  stated that the late activist was  restless in his grave given the present state of the nation.
“It is said that Gani Fawehinmi died a sad man. For a man, who was fearless in speaking his mind without caring whose ox is gored. He was jailed many times and detained many more times for no personal crimes but for his struggle to ensure justice, fairness and good governance in the country, dying without seeing signs that the new dispensation he struggled for will be achieved, is a devastating blow. Now in his death, the knowledge that Nigeria had deteriorated so badly since his passing away must be giving Gani sleeplessness in his grave. We may think we know Gani; one thing we may never fully comprehend, is what motivated a Nigerian in the midst of the opportunities in our style of wealth without accountability, to still remain different, disciplined and selfless.
“Gani must be terribly worried about the general decay in our political and economic atmosphere which is riddled with lies, deception, incompetence, lawlessness and lack of vision.
“Gani would be saddened that in this age and time, that Nigeria is still playing politics of religion and tribe/ethnicity when the primary concern should be capability. Gain would have been grossly infuriated  with the quality of leadership in Nigeria today and would have fought intensely for a  change.”
Femi Falana:-
The human rights lawyer also paid a glowing tribute to Fawehinmi
“Since the Russian Revolutionary, George Plekhanov, wrote 117 years ago his famous essay entitled ‘The Role of the Individual in History,’ historians on the Left and Right have been debating what impact could an individual make in changing the course of history. Although Plekhanov strategically disagreed with other leaders of the Russian revolution, his younger comrade (and by the way, a lawyer too), Vladimir Lenin, acknowledged his “immense contributions” especially in providing theoretical insights. One of those contributions of Plekanov was theorising about the interplay of objective and subjective forces as exemplified in the essay we are referring to here.
“It is hardly imaginable for any theoretician to enter into the debate on the role of the individual in history in the Nigerian context today without examining the role of Gani Fawehinmi whose memory is richly honoured by the presentation of the book under review.  Indeed, there is hardly a more fitting epitaph to Fawehinmi than the title of the book, STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT, EVEN IF YOU ARE STANDING ALONE.  Every minute of the life and times of the man, described by Justice Kayode Esho in the book as “one of the greatest advocates that have worn the Silk,” was a teachable moment. In theory and practice, Fawehinmi taught us lessons about what difference a man make without prejudice to the defining role of organisation and other historical forces. As Professor Bolaji Akinyemi once put it another forum, it is said that a tree does not make a forest, but Gani’s tree actually strove assiduously to make a forest in the struggle for social justice and freedom.
“Like every human being, Gani, of course, had his faults, but you could never accuse him of not standing up for what he was convinced about; he was never lacking in the rare virtue of courage of conviction.  He stood up for his conviction by tirelessly offering the public ideas to solve socio-economic and political problems. He not only spoke out loudly against injustice and unfreedom, he also acted in the courtrooms and on the streets. That is why the Ikeja NBA should be commended for keeping the memory of Fawehinmi alive with the bounteous harvest of ideas embodied in this book of great value. It is a great service to posterity.
“Fawehinmi devoted his life to the advancement of human progress; embodied in the well-edited book are ideas from divergent perspectives about what is to be done to advance human progress.  The reader is therefore invited to partake freely in the big harvest of ideas on freedom, democracy, good governance, legal activism, fighting corruption, eradicating poverty, electoral integrity and a people-centred political economy. These themes and others efficiently explored in the book, of course, coincided with the themes of Fawehinmi’s perspicacious interventions in the public sphere.
“In fact, they defined Fawehinmi’s life historically. Between 2005 and 2014, the Ikeja NBA, the organisers of the Fawehinmiism Lecture Series, invited men and women imbued with some ideas in the respective themes to make presentations which are now complied into a book in an exemplary institution-building manner. It is salutary that those who institutionalised this remarkable Lecture Series were able to attract these great women and men of ideas to be part of this feast of the minds over the years.
“Furthermore, it is a tribute to the culture of documentation, which, as we all could remember, was one of those great Fawehinmi’s passions. Fawehinmi’s passion for ideas and documentation was such that it would be eternally regretted that he couldn’t publish his definitive memoirs before the callous illness took over his life. But his numerous polemical statements and insightful publications would remain veritable sources for synthetizing ideas for progress. Meanwhile, if you like to decode the philosophy of Fawehinmiism, the starting point may as well be reading STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT, EVEN IF YOU ARE STANDING ALONE. Indeed these words came directly   from Fawehinmi himself. “
Timilehin Zaid:-
The scholar and Muslim Cleric, Dr Timilehin Zaid, stated that if people really kept to the tenets of the religion they professed there would be a change in the country.
“Though not many will agree with me if I say true religion has the solution to the myriad of problems facing Nigeria. By religion, I do not mean a particular faith tradition. I mean religion as it is and as it ought to be. I mean the universal value system common to all faith traditions. If we are truly religious, as we often pretend to be our actions would be guided by God-consciousness. We would know that the promises we make, the responsibilities we bear and our numerous undertakings all have a trans-human reference. Absolute justice is the soul of any true system of governance. All religions including African Traditional Religion social justice in its broadest sense which includes justice, fairness and righteousness.”
Yinka Farounbi:-
“Gani Fawehinmi lives permanently in the subconscious minds of the people. Apart from JesusChrist and Prophet Mohammed, only few other persons have their names constantly mentioned like Gani.”

Gani Fawehinmi: When lawyers honoured late human rights activist

Pastor Tunde Bakare & Justice Ayo Salami at the event

Ayodele Olalere Legal practitioners and politicians, last Wednesday, gathered for the 10th Chief Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture and symposium tagged: ‘Fawehinmiism’, with the theme: ‘Nigeria at Centenary: A nation still in bondage? The lecture was attended by notable lawyers and politicians among who were retired former Appeal Court President, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, who served as the chairman of the event; religious leader cum politician, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the guest speaker, as well as the first civilian governor of the old Kaduna State, Dr. Balarabe Musa. It also witnessed the presence of many Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

Organised by the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the event was put together to honour the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN). In his speech, while eulogising the virtue of Fawehinmi, Bakare said Gani, while alive, fought for the masses and was never afraid to fight for justice and truth. According to him, Gani proved he was indeed ‘Senior Advocate of the Masses’, a sobriquet he earned because of his fights for human rights. “He (Gani) was the dread of dictators, a thorn in the flesh of oppressors, a defender of the poor, the people’s lawyer. He is remembered today not for the houses he built though he built a few edifices, not for the cars he rode, though he was wealthy enough to afford them, not for his professional attainment though he won quite a few awards including the Bruno Kerensky Price for internationally recognised human rights advocates, the International Bar Association’s Bennard Simon’s Award and eventually, the highest honour in the Nigerian legal profession, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), after having been politically denied his due for many years. Gani is remembered today for the lives he uniquely touched,” he eulogised.

Organised by the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the event was put together to honour the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN). In his speech, while eulogising the virtue of Fawehinmi, Bakare said Gani, while alive, fought for the masses and was never afraid to fight for justice and truth. According to him, Gani proved he was indeed ‘Senior Advocate of the Masses’, a sobriquet he earned because of his fights for human rights. “He (Gani) was the dread of dictators, a thorn in the flesh of oppressors, a defender of the poor, the people’s lawyer. He is remembered today not for the houses he built though he built a few edifices, not for the cars he rode, though he was wealthy enough to afford them, not for his professional attainment though he won quite a few awards including the Bruno Kerensky Price for internationally recognised human rights advocates, the International Bar Association’s Bennard Simon’s Award and eventually, the highest honour in the Nigerian legal profession, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), after having been politically denied his due for many years. Gani is remembered today for the lives he uniquely touched,” he eulogised.

Bakare added that Gani’s passion for the masses made him to handle so many cases free of charge and was never overly concerned with material gains. “Gani fought like a bulldog and once he was persuaded that a case was worth handling, he would deploy the power of concentration and pursued it to a logical conclusion and he never abandoned his cases. Gani’s passion for justice was legendary and it overrode his need for profit, yet God blessed him with a business acumen that sustained his humanitarian life and purpose. He would not refuse cases simply on the basis of the inability of the prospective client to afford legal representation, rather once he was convinced that justice for the poor was at stake, he would handle such cases pro bono. The rule of law, fundamental human rights, democracy and social justice summed up the profit for which he laboured with boundless energy.” He added, “As a human right activist, Gani was in class of his own, ready to go solo for what he believed in, many times to the consternation of his colleagues in the struggle. He was in the struggle to spend and be spent. “As it were, he died for the people of this country when the cumulative effects of years of brutal treatment in jail cells finally told on him as he succumbed to lung cancer. Yet, heroically, even on his death bed, he remained a fighter, not just in instructing his chambers to pursue to logical conclusion his pending cases against the Federal Government, but also took the failure of our country’s medical system to diagnose his ailment early enough as evidence of the country’s social decay, as such expressed a desire that such facilities be made available for the Nigerian people. Therefore, in his life and death, Gani’s mission was the liberation of the people from social, economic and political bandage.”

Tracing the genesis of the Nigeria’s problem, the General Overseer of Latter Rain Assembly and convener of Safe Nigeria Group (SNG) said Nigeria began to experience problems the moment true federalism was jettisoned by past governments shortly after Nigeria gained independence. He added that selfishness on the part of politicians to acquire wealth plunged Nigeria to corruption. He further said that tribal sentiments fanned by politicians resulted into religious crisis which has thrown Nigeria into its present condition. “The framework of the democratic Nigerian state at independence was hinged on true federalism in acknowledgement of the fact that ours is a nation comprised of many national sub-entities. The new Nigerian state was structured along regional federating units that allowed each region to pursue its ideals and developmental aspirations at its own pace within Nigerian national ideal. Each region had its own constitution, each region had its own coat of arms, and each region possessed residual constitutional powers such that matters that were not within the national jurisdiction fell within regional legislative powers. “However, within a short while, abundance translated to selfishness as politicians became consumed with occupying the neo-colonial space in class distinction, but to sustain the class differences they resorted to corrupt and ostentatious living while living conditions became increasingly difficult for the people. Politicians fanned the embers of ethnic and regional divisions to consolidate their power bases and by so doing, gave up the pursuit of a Nigerian ideal thereby halting the evolution of a true Nigerian nation. Development was no longer the motivation for public service. Election rigging and politically motivated violence held sway in the west as the brightest were crowded out of the system. By these actions, the politicians had shown they are unable to govern and had demonstrated dependence on the military. With officials engrossed in corrupt enrichment, government’s focus shifted from developmental or transitional programmes and complacency set in. The Nigerian people would then become apathetic resigning themselves to the situation waiting for the next messiah, thereby demonstrating their inabilities to take their destinies, a despicable state of dependence.” Proffering solutions, Bakare said the proposed national conference is a good opportunity for Nigerians to come together and deliberate on our co-existence. He said emphasis should be placed on restructuring the country before the 2015 election. “We must return to the dialogue table to restructure. We must get set to rebuild and restore, we must retrieve what is remaining of the pillars of our founding fathers and we must restructure and reconstruct; we must rebuild from wall to wall, from gate to gate, from community to community, from city to city and from region to region until the whole nation is restored to its former and even greater glory. That is why we welcome the idea of a constitutional conference and insist that the modalities must be genuinely people driven. Those against it are selfish and self focused.” Continuing, he said: “Therefore, we must find a creative mechanism to bring all the sub-nationalities together to negotiate the destiny of our nation in such a manner that smoothly and peacefully transports us from the current system to a true people’s constitution that has genuine claims to the phrase ‘We the People’. Such a constitution must guarantee social and economic rights as well as civil and political rights without derogating these rights through backdoor provisions. We must embark on people-driven restructuring, cautiously impossible males violent change inevitable and that a constitution that will not bend will break.” On 2015, he said: “Therefore, we must not put the cart before the horse by placing emphasis on 2015. If we do not do the needful in 2014, there may be no 2015, but if we dedicate ourselves to restructuring our nation at this opportune time, the outcome will be the emergence of credible leadership that will ensure a Nigeria that works.”

GANI 13

Eulogies for Gani Fawehinmi and family at lecture

By Adebisi Onanuga 24/01/2012 00:00:00



Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola has said the one week protest on the removal of fuel subsidy was a reminder of the fact that the work of the late social crusader and constitutional lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, was largely unfinished as at the time he died two years ago.


He said Gani Fawehinmi was a human being and one of the best species ever lived and who wanted a Nigeria where liberty, freedom and justice flow like a mighty river and from which every citizen would take his or her fill.


Aregbesola, who spoke at the eighth Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture organised by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, said the mass of people that gathered daily at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom park during the protest was indicative of the people his works had affected positively adding that the scenario at the park looked as if it was Chief Gani Fawehinmi himself that led the protest.


“It is instructive that, by a stroke of fate, a huge crowd of demonstrators mass at Gani Fawhinmi Memorial Garden, which they rechristened Gani Fawehimi Freedom Square to protest the hike in the prices of fuel in the country. It was like Chief Gani Fawehinmi himself led the protest.


“This is a firm assurance that even though he has departed, he will forever be with us in the struggle for the emancipation of Nigerian people and the banishment of tyranny, oppression and dictatorship in all ramification”, he said.


Beyond anything, Gani Fawehinmi, according to Governor Aregbesola, was renowned for fighting through the instrumentality of law and was feared by successive military regimes and their compliant judges.


He described late Fawehinmi as a consummate social crusader and fighter for people‘s right adding “he was a selfless man who dedicated a lifetime to the pursuit of a cause he believed in”.


The NBA, Ikeja branch chairman, Mr. Adebamigbe Omole also eulogized late Gani Fawehinmi for what was described as his unparallel crusade against military tyranny, misrule and unwavering contribution to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.


Omole observed that the day Gani Fawehinmi was called to the Nigerian bar in 1966 marked the beginning of his struggle for the emancipation of Nigerians from neo colonial mis-governance.


The NBA, Ikeja branch chairman also commended the role played by the Mrs. Ganiat Fawehinmi and her son, Mohammed during the protest against fuel subsidy saying, “I cannot but say that Gani`s spirit has come upon you”.


“You are a pride to womanhood, your activites in the past weeks of the struggle against fuel price hike and school fees hike in Lagos State University is a testimony to the fact that you were not merely a consort to Gani or merely the mother of his children, but a gallant, honest bearer and sustainer of Gani`s great legacy” he said.


On Mohammed Fawehinmi, the NBA Ikeja branch chairman had this to say, “your activities have only confirmed the Yoruba adage that says”omo to ekunba bi, ekun lo ma jo”.


SOURCE: nationonline

GANI'S WILL

I, Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi, otherwise known as Gani Fawehinmi, Legal Practitioner of 35, Adeniran Ajao Road, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos State (Nigeria), hereby make this Will dated 19th day of December 2008.

1. I revoke all earlier Wills and other testamentary dispositions made by me

2. (A) I appoint First Trustees Nigeria Limited a subsidiary company of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, of 42/43 A.G. Leventis Building, Marina (2nd Floor) Lagos, as my Executor and Trustee.

(B) In this Will, the expression ‘Trustee’ or this ‘Will’ and of any trust arising under it.

(C) If for whatever reason my first choice of Trustee declines the appointment or otherwise refuses or neglects to act as such then I appoint Union Trustees Limited, a subsidiary company of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, of 160/162, Broad Street, PZ Building (1st Floor), Lagos, as my Executor and Trustee of this will and in the event of failure or refusal of the Company to act as such, I appoint UBA Trustee Limited, a subsidiary company of United Bank for Africa Plc, of UBA House, 57, Marina (2nd Floor) Lagos.
(D) It is my desire that my Executor and Trustee of this Will should at any time be a Corporation or an Institution.

(E) My Trustee shall be remunerated in accordance with their published scale of fees current at my death as varied from time to time during the administration of any trust arising under this Will. The remuneration should however be reasonable and competitive with charges for similar service rendered by them to other parties.

(F) The Trust created under this Will shall be administered by my Trustee in accordance with the provisions of this Will.

3. (A) I direct my Executor and Trustee to ensure that I am buried (after all Muslim funeral rites have been performed and opportunity has been given to as many people as possible to view my corpse lying-in-state) in my house at Oka Road Ondo. My tomb should be located next to my mother’s tomb in the compound.

(B) I deserve a decent burial. A special account has been opened at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Moloney Branch in which reasonable fund is being kept to meet my funeral expenses.

(C) Upon my death, any three of the following persons but including Mojeed Ajao, that is: i. Mohammed Fawehinmi ii. Basirat Biobaku iii. Rabiat Fawehinmi and iv. Mojeed Ajao are to jointly draw money from the account to meet my funeral expenses.

(D) A special instruction has been given to the Bank for this purpose.

(4) (A) My children by my wife (Mrs. Ganiat Bukun Fawehinmi) are:
a. Mr. Mohammed Fawehinmi
b. Mr. Saheed Fawehinmi
c. Miss Basirat Fawehinmi (now Mrs. Biobaku)
d. Miss Hafusat Fawehinmi (now Dr. (Mrs.) Oni)
e. Miss Kudirat Fawehinmi
g. Miss Simbiat Fawehinmi (now Mrs. Osho)
h. Mr. Mubarak Fawehinmi
(B) My children by Miss Abike Ikuomuyilo (Mrs. Abike Fawehinmi) are:
a. Miss. Rabiat Fawehinmi
b. Miss Aminat Fawehinmi
c. Miss Rukayat Fawehinmi
d. Master Yusuf Fawehinmi
e. Master Kamal Fawehinmi
f. Master Taju Fawehinmi
(C) My child by Miss Bushiral Alabi is Miss Aishat Fawehinmi

5. (A) I devise and bequeath my houses and landed property at Plot 9, Block S GRA, Ikeja otherwise known as Plot 9A & 9B, Ademola Close, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos (hereinafter referred to as Plot 9A & 9B Ademola Close GRA, Ikeja, Lagos (comprising six houses and a gate house) to: (a) Mrs. Ganiat Bukun Fawehinmi (b) Mr. Mohammed Fawehinmi (c) Mr. Saheed Fawehinmi (d) Miss Basirat Fawehinmi (now Mrs. Biobaku) (e) Miss Hafusat Fawehinmi (now Dr. (Mrs.) Oni) (f) Miss Kudirat Fawehinmi (g) Miss Idiat Fawehinmi (h) Miss Simbiat Fawehinmi (now Mrs. Osho) (i) Mr. Mubarak Fawehinmi.

(B) The houses and the landed property must not be sold in the life time of their mother and Mohammed Fawehinmi.

(C) In view of his disability, Mr. Mohammed Fawehinmi, my eldest child and son, can choose where he may wish to live in any of the houses or any part of the houses in the premises except the small bungalow at the back of the premises which I built for my late mother.

(D) The decision of Mohammed Fawehinmi on clause 5 (c) above cannot be overridden or changed by anyone.
(E) Subject to clause 5 (c) above, if any part of the houses is to be let or leased out, all the children by my first wife and their mother must agree to that effect.

(F) Subject to clause 5 (c) above, if all or any of the Houses and Landed property is to be sold all the surviving children by my first wife must agree to that effect.

(G) The small bungalow at the back of the premises which I built for my late mother in her life time should be reserved for the use of my sisters whenever they or any one of them visit Lagos. The keys to the bungalow should therefore be given to Mrs. Rufukatu Fashipe on behalf of any my sisters.

(H) My sisters to whom Clause 5 (g) above applies are:
1. Mutiatu Akinlami
2. Rufukatu Fashipe
3. Ibiola Fagbemi
4. Mayiwola Oluyemi. They cannot sell or let the bungalow. They are only given right of use when they visit the building or the premises.

(I) Upon the death of all my sisters listed in clause

5. (h) above, the bungalow shall revert to the children of my first wife.

6. I devise and bequeath my following houses and landed property at:

(A) 28, Sabiu Ajose Crescent, Surulere, Lagos:

(B) A storey building with old boys’ quarters registered on 15/03/94 as No.43, at page 43 in volume 590 of the Land Registry at Akure, and
(C) Plot 138, Block XI in Ondo State Housing Corporation Estate, Ijapo, Akure (three bungalows) to: a. Miss Abike Fawehinmi, b. Miss Rabiat Fawehinmi, c. Miss Aminat Fawehinmi, d. Miss Rukayat Fawehinmi, e. Master Yusuf Fawehinmi, f. Master Kamal Fawehinmi, g. Master Taju Fawehinmi.

(D) The house at 28, Sabiu Ajose Crescent, Surulere, Lagos must NOT be sold in the life time of their mother.

(E) Subject to clause 6 (d) above, if the house is to be sold after death of their mother, all the children of my second wife must agree to that effect.

(F) However, subject to Clause 6 (g) below, the houses at Akure can be sold or leased during the life time of my second wife. The proceeds of the sale or lease as the case maybe, may be partly used to improve and repair 28, Sabiu Ajose Crescent, Surulere, Lagos and partly divided equally amongst all the children and their mother and wisely invested by them for their welfare.

(G) Rabiat Fawehinmi, the eldest child by my second wife shall be entitled to 20% of all the proceeds of the Sale or Lease of the houses at Akure. It is the balance of 80% of such proceeds that could be partly used to effect any improvement or repair of, Sabiu Ajose Crescent, Surulere, Lagos and partly divided equally amongst all the six children of my second wife and their mother. Rabiat Fawehinmi is also to benefit from such equal sharing. She must not be excluded simply because she is entitled to 20% of the proceeds of the sale or lease in the first place. This is special right I have given to her.

(7) I devise and bequeath my land at Agbara Estate of the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) to my daughter, Dr. (Mrs.) Hafusat Oni practising medicine in the United States of America (USA).

(8) I devise and bequeath my six plots of land at Fagun Estate in Ondo as follows: a. Two plots to Mrs. Rufukatu Fashipe, b. Two plots to Mr. Saheed Fawehinmi, c. One plot to Mr. Kazeem Kuteyi, the grandson of my late sister Ninilola Akinwande, d. One plot to Miss Aishat Fawehinmi.
(9) I devise and bequeath my plots of land at Ojojo in Ondo as follows: a. Two plots to Mrs. Ibiola Fagbemi, b. Two plots to Mrs. Mayi Oluyemi, c. One plot to Mr. R. N. Ogundipo, d. One plot to the children to my late sister Alhaja Ninilola Akinwande.

GANI FAWEHINMI TRUST ACCOUNT

(10) I direct my Trustee to open an account to be known as “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account” in a reputable Bank into which all monies accruing to my estate should be paid.

(11) My large landed property at Ugbo Ijebu Off Okopa Road, Ondo, measuring 7.801 Hectares shall be sold at a very good price by my Trustee and the proceeds shall be paid into ‘Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.

(12) My house at Oka Road, Ondo shall be used as family house and all my wives, children, grand children, great grand children and great great grand children, my sisters and their children shall have access to the house. The house shall be maintained from time to time by my Executor and Trustee.

(13) In view of the condition of my first son, Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi, my Executor and Trustee shall assist in maintaining the houses at Plot 9A & 9B, Ademola Close, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos particularly the gardens, lighting, the meter system, the generators and security. The said maintenance shall be borne by the Executor and Trustee from the “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account. The maintenance of the property as aforesaid shall only continue during the lifetime of my first wife Mrs. Bukun Fawehinmi and my disabled son Mohammed Fawehinmi.

(14) My Executor and Trustee shall also assist in the maintenance of 28, Sabiu Ajose Crescent, Surulere, Lagos.
The cost of such maintenance shall be borne through “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account”, if and when the Executor and Trustee considers such maintenance necessary and appropriate having regard to the provisions of Clause 6 (f) hereof.
(15) (a) My Executor and Trustee is to partition my house at Gani Fawehinmi Street, Ondo into flats for letting or leasing and to manage or cause to be managed the said property and the proceeds from the letting or leasing are to be paid into the “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account”.

(b) The cost of maintaining, repairing and partitioning the property into flats is to be borne from the “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account”.

(16) My Trustee is to sell my flat at 26 Maybourne Grange, Turnpike Link, East Croydon, CRO 5NH, England and pay the sterling (pounds) proceeds into the Sterling or Pound currency account opened for that purpose in my “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account” and to form part of “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account”.

(17) I direct my Trustee to ensure that all my Books and my entire library are taken from my chambers, the Gani Fawehinmi Chambers at 35 Adeniran Ajao Road, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos to the new library and gallery in the Nigeria Law Publication House, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja as soon as the building is completed and ready for occupation. This direction shall be carried out within 7 days of my death if the books have not already been transferred in my lifetime.

18. My chambers, the Gani Fawehinmi Chambers at 35, Adeniran Ajao Road Ajao Estate Anthony Village, Lagos shall be wound up literally within two years after my death.

19. I direct my Trustee to effect all necessary repairs to my building at Adeniran Ajao Road, Ajao Estate Anthony Village, Lagos when it is vacant and after the repairs, the building should be let and the proceeds of the lease should be paid into “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account”
(b) My Trustees, may in their discretion, convert the building into flats if that would make the property more commercially lettable.

20. I give the possession and the remainder of my lease at 90 Lewis Street, Lagos to my Trustee to hold in trust for my estate. My Trustee should allow the Nigeria Law Publications Ltd. to continue their tenancy at the premises for so long as they may wish subject to payment of rent. My Trustee shall pay the proceeds thereof into the “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.”
21. Nigeria Law Publications Limited and Books Industries (Nigeria) Limited
(a) I founded the Nigeria Law Publications Limited in 1976 to promote the development of law in Nigeria.

(b) I virtually own the company although I have given shares to my children and other persons who have consequently become shareholders of the company but in the minority.

(c ) I am most anxious that this company should not die after my death but should survive for the advancement of law and its development through various legal publications by the company particularly the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports.

(d) The most important duty of my Trustee is to ensure that this company does not die but continues to promote the development of Nigerian Law.

(e) I give to my Trustee all my shares in the Nigerian Law Publications Limited to hold in trust and to be administered subject to the provisions of this Will.

22. I direct my Trustee to exercise the powers appertaining to my shares in the Nigerian Law Publications Limited which I could have exercised myself in accordance with the following directions:

(a) To ensure that the post of Managing Director of the Company is filled by a very competent and experienced person of good business ability and acumen, Mr. Mojeed Ajao the current Managing Director of the company shall be at liberty to continue in office until he attains the age of 60 years.

(b) To ensure that the Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor-in-Chief and the General Editor of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports are very competent lawyers of not less than 10 years Post-Call experience.
(c ) To appoint to the Board of Directors of the Company at least one reputable professor of law and one Senior Advocate of Nigeria at any given point in time who shall serve as non-executive directors for such term as may be prescribed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company.

(d) To put in place and maintain in the company an accounting system that would ensure transparency, accountability and prudent management of the funds of the company.

(e ) To ensure periodic audit of the account of the company.

(f) To ensure that my majority shareholding in the company is not diluted.

(g) To do all other things as are reasonably necessary of the publications of the company particularly the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports which is very dear to my heart.

23. I give my Trustee my shares in Books Industries (Nigeria) Limited to hold in trust and to be administered subject to the provisions of this Will.

24. I direct my Trustee to exercise the powers appertaining to my shares in the Books Industries (Nig.) Limited which I could have exercised myself in accordance with the following directions:

(a) To ensure that the post of Managing Director of the company is filled by a very competent and skilled person who can profitably manage a printing company with business skill and acumen.

(b) To appoint to the Board of Directors of the company at least one woman of considerable experience in company management.
(c ) To put in place and maintain the company an accounting system that would ensure transparency, accountability and prudent management of the funds of the company.

(d) To ensure periodic audit of the accounts of the company.

(e ) To ensure that my majority shareholding in the company is not diluted

(f) To ensure that the company gives priority to the printing of the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports and other books being published by the Nigerian Law Publications Limited.

25. I direct my Trustee to pay all dividends and income accruing to me by reason of my shareholding in the Nigerian Law Publications Limited and Books Industries (Nigeria) Limited into the “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.”

26. (a) I direct my Trustee to allow the Books Industries Nigeria Limited to continue to use the front building of my landed property at plot 9/11, Akinola Sholanke Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos on payment of adequate rent which should be paid into Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.”

(b) As for the rear building, I direct my Trustee to allow the Books Industries Nigeria Limited to use the Ground Floor for its expansion on payment of rent to be paid into “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.”

(c ) Miss Bushirat Alabi the mother of my child, Miss Aishat Fawehinmi, shall vacate the flat she occupies on the first floor within two years after she has been given the sum of N1,000,000 by my Trustee to start a new life of trading or business of her choice in accordance with clause 28 (6) herein.

(d) a room in the flat she occupies at the moment contains some of my important belongings and the second flat on the same first floor contains my important belongings. The room and the flat should be kept under lock and key until the panel which will work on equipping the gallery and library at the Nigerian Law Publications house at CBD, Alausa, Ikeja set to work to examine the materials they consider useful for the Gallery and Library.
(e) I direct my Trustee the two flats in the top second floor to the Books Industries (Nigeria) Limited and the rents accruing from the lease should be paid into my account (“Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account”).

27. I direct my trustee to manage my stocks and shares in other companies in trust for my estate and to pay all dividends accruing therefrom into “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.”

28. The “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account” is to be managed, invested, administered and operated in the most prudent, most profitable and most cost-effective manner including using part of it for:

(1.) The education, maintenance and upkeep of all my children (all fifteen of them) who are still in school until they obtain their first degree. The appropriate amount in each case to be determined by my Trustee must be reasonable. Except for those already studying in educational institutions abroad, all my other children are to be educated in educational institutions available in Nigeria.

(2) Maintenance and upkeep of my Library and Gallery (in addition to the internally generated revenue by the library and gallery) at the Nigerian Law Publications house at CBD, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

(3) Maintenance of the following houses namely: (i) Family House at Oka Road, Ondo (ii) The other two houses are: (a) Plot 9A & 9B, Ademola Close, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State during the life time of my disabled son Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi and his mother. (b) 28, Sabiu Ajose Street, Surulere, Lagos State until everyone of my children by my second wife obtains his or her first degree.

4. Special maintenance of my disabled son, Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi.
5. Maintenance of Mrs. Bukun Fawehinmi and Mrs. Abike Fawehinmi. The former shall be given N60,000 a month while the latter shall be given N50,000 a month. Those amounts may be reviewed by my trustees from time to time having regard to the cost of living in Nigeria and funds available in the “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.”
6. A once for all assistance should be given to the mother of my child (Miss Aishat Fawehinmi) by name Mrs. Bushirat Alabi for her to start a new life by probably going into trading or any other business and remarry. The sum not exceeding N1,000,000 should be given to her. Once she is given that money, she must vacate the flat she occupies within two years of my death or if she is found pregnant by another man, whichever is earlier.

7. Maintenance of my sister Mrs. Mutiatu Akinlami who had a stroke in 2003. She should be given a monthly feeding allowance of N25,000. Her physiotherapist’s bill not exceeding N30,000 per month should also be paid.

8 The building and maintenance of my grave at Oka Road, Ondo.

9. The maintenance of my mother’s and father’s grave at Ondo the former in front of my house at Oka, Ondo and the latter in the premises of Ansar-ud-deen, Ondo.

10. The following persons shall be given the following monthly allowances as long as they live.
a. Mrs. Rufukatu Fashipe (N40,000)
b. Alhaja Humuan Fawehinmi N10,000)
c. Mr. Jibayo Awosika N10,000)
d. Mrs. Eunice Ladiran Awosika N10,000)
e. Alhaja Fali Aladejana N10,000)
f. Princess Lompe Ayoola N10,000)
g. Mrs. Taiye Jinadu (N10,000)
h. Mrs. Laduti Akinwande N10,000
i. Mrs. Debo Omoloja N10,000
j. Mrs. Sola Akinyemi N15,000)
k. Mr. Tuyi Akinwande N15,000)

11. A one-off gift of N500,000 should be given to Mrs. Adefolayan Falade living in Jos, for the advance of her personal educational institution.

12. The education of Master Kazeem Kuteyi the great grandson of my late mother up to university level and the Nigerian Law School.

13. The education of Mr. Chidozie Augustine Nwaneri up to the first degree level.

14. The training up to first degree level of Miss Tope Orebola.

15. Training up to first degree of Miss Folake Akinyemi.

29. I hereby direct my Trustee to award 10 yearly scholarships tenable for one year to 10 indigent but brilliant students from poor homes attending Nigerian universities. The awards titled “Gani Fawehinmi Yearly University Award” must be preceded by advertisement in at least one widely circulating newspaper in Nigeria. Each successful students should be given N100,000 for only one year. The amount may be reviewed depending on the prevailing economic condition and the strength of the Nigerian currency.

30. (a) I direct my Trustee to give N1000,000 yearly to the NBA, Ikeja Branch to organise and host the yearly lecture/symposium of FAWEHINMISM which was established by the branch in 2005.
(b) I hereby direct my Trustee to give the sum of N50,000 every month to assist the Oke-Otunba Central Mosque Ondo.

31. (a) At the end of every quarter of the year, my Trustee must cause to be organised by my immediate family the feeding of disabled, poor and/or blind beggars that can be gathered around GRA, Ikeja in line with my tradition for more than 30 years.
(b) I direct my Trustee to also cause to organise by my immediate family the feeding of disabled, poor and/or blind beggars that can be gathered around my family house in Oka in Ondo Town during important Muslim Festivities and to commemorate the remembrance of my father, my mother and myself on our birthdays.

32. I hereby direct my Trustee to set up a small committee of experts to work with Mr. Mojeed Ajao the managing Director of the Nigerian Law Publications Limited, Mr. Ugwuzor Adindu of Gani Fawehinmi Chambers and Library, Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi my first son, Barrister Rabiat Fawehinmi, Mrs. Bukun Fawehinmi, Mrs. Abike Fawehinmi, Mr. R. N. Ogundipe and Mr. Adeniji, former Librarian of the University of Lagos.
(a) To ensure the evacuation of my books from Gani Fawehinmi Chambers at Anthony Village to my new library and gallery called Gani Fawehinmi Library and Gallery at the Nigerian Law Publications House at CBD, Alausa, Ikeja.
(b) To ensure that the new library is fully established in the said CBD, Alausa, Ikeja to occupy three floors including the basement, the ground floor and the first floor.
(c) To order appropriate furniture which the Nigerian Law Publications Limited shall pay for.
(d) To gather my books, intellectual materials, newspapers, including glazed and bound newspaper booklets and other written materials wherever they are kept in various places, in Lagos State, Ondo State or in my flat in London and take them to the new Library and Gallery.
(e) The Gallery must depict my life, my struggles including my detentions, trials, imprisonment, etc. To this extent, all the glazed materials kept in boxes in GRA, Ikeja, NLP Warehouse Ikeja, Mafoluku, etc. are to be displayed in the Gallery and Library.
(f) To display also in the Gallery my detention bags, my detention and prison rough steel drinking cups, my prison uniforms (prisoner J60), my detention dresses, my detention notes and pictures and several pairs of glasses.
(g) To display conspicuously my lawyer’s robes and particularly my Senior Advocate of Nigeria robes in the gallery.
(h) To display my full robes of the LLD award of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
(i) My Trustees should run the Library and Gallery as a commercial enterprise to generate funds so that it can be self-sustaining.
(j) I direct my Trustee to ensure that at least 10 copies of every new book published by the Nigerian Law Publications Ltd. are donated to the Library.
(k). I direct my Trustee to ensure that the Library is updated with books to be purchased from the income generated by the Library from time to time. A reasonable part of the fund in the “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account” may also be used to maintain the Library and Gallery if need be.
(l) I direct my Trustee to pay into Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account any dividends accruing to my estate from the Gani Fawehinmi Library and Gallery Ltd.
(m) I direct my Trustee to ensure that the post of Managing Director of the company is filled by a competent and experienced person with requisite qualification in Library science.
(n) All the books of all types, titles, etc. and bound newspapers and magazines of all types in my chambers (Gani Fawehinmi Chambers) belong to me and they are to be taken to the Gani Fawehinmi Library and Gallery.

33. Both my Trustee and the Nigerian Law Publications Limited must ensure that my children (fifteen of them) and my two wives do not suffer. They should be taken special care of. My first son, Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi, who is disabled by serious motor accident by providing him with:
(a) A nurse (if necessary)
(b) A cook
(c) An assistant
(d) A suitable financial allowance monthly.
(e) A driver
(f) Constant medical attention particularly in Nigeria
(g) If and when the motor car bequeathed to him become unserviceable then a new motor car of his choice should be purchased for him.

34. I further direct my Trustee to provide him with a new car whenever the one being used by him becomes unserviceable.

35. The cost of such car of his choice must however in the opinion of my Trustee be reasonable having regard to the obligations of the Trustee and the balance in the “Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.”

36. All my wearing apparels and shoes (except few which are to be displayed in my Gallery) are to be divided amongst all my male children.

37. I give to my first son, Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi the following vehicles.
(1) Toyota Landcruiser with Registration Number AZ 919 AKD
(2) Toyota Previa with registration number 822 KRD

38. I give to Miss Rabiat Fawehinmi my Toyota Crown with registration number AH 945 NND (she must not forget to use it on the day of her marriage).

39. I give to Mrs. Basirat Biobaku my Pajero Mitsubishi Jeep with registration number AJ 20 NND.

40. I direct my Trustee that any amount which is accruing to my personal account in any bank in Nigeria and outside Nigeria in England shall be paid into or transferred to Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account in naira currency and if the amount is in sterling, then in the sterling account of the Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.

Annual Payments To My Children
41. Subject to and after the satisfaction of all bequeath and other obligations contained in this Will, payment of all fees, rates and other charges payable whether under this Will or any Law:
(a) I direct my Trustee to pay my children in equal amount at the end of each year or so soon thereafter as may be practicable a sum not exceeding 25% of the balance of the annual income accruing in the Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account.
(b) 1. I direct my Trustee to set aside 5% of the said balance of the annual income accruing to the Gani Fawehinmi Trust Account for the purpose of a loan scheme under which any of my children may be granted such loan as my Trustee may in their discretion determine.
ii. The loan which may be interest free and uncollaterised shall be repayable with such period as my Trustee may determine.
iii. If the loan falls due but is unpaid by the borrower/child, then my Trustee may deduct such part of the loan as may remain unpaid from the amount payable to such child under clause.

41. a. above
c. The balance of 70% shall be profitably invested by my Trustee.
Residuary Estate

42. I give to my Trustee my residuary estate to hold in trust to be administered in accordance with the provision of this Will.

43. I direct my Trustee to set up a small committee of eminent persons who are well familiar with my life and time at least one of whom should be a lawyer to prepare or cause to be prepared a very detailed and well researched biography of me to chronicle my professional life, human rights activities, my socio-political-economic struggles, my criminal trials, my detentions and other relevant aspects of my life. The biography which should be published by the Nigerian Law Publications Limited and Printed by Books Industries Nigeria Ltd. or any other suitable printer may be in one or more volumes.

44. a. I plead with all my children and wives not to resort to any form of court litigation over my Will. They should resolve amicably any dispute or controversy with themselves, the Nigerian Law Publications Limited and my other companies and my Trustee. If at all any dispute or disagreement arises under or in connection with this Will and all efforts to amicably resolve it fails then the parties concerned shall refer the matter to Arbitration. Each party shall, however, bear his or her own cost of the Arbitration.
b. I have had enough of painful struggles and controversies in my life time, I should be allowed to rest in peace.
c. If any child or wife breaches this passionate plea, he or she will reap my displeasure and wrath.

45. Generally, any of my children or wives can have access to my grave site to pray and or seek spiritual assistance.


In witness whereof, I Chief Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi have hereunto set my hand this 19th Day of December, 2008.


Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi

Signed by the said Testator, in the presence of us present at the same time, who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, have subscribed our names as witnesses:

•Mr. Michael O. B. Johnson,
Litigation Manager,
Gani Fawehinmi Chambers,
35, Adeniran Ajao Road, Ajao Estate, Anthony Village, Lagos, Nigeria.
•Adebayo Segun Isaac,
Senior Gate Clerk at Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s House,
Plot 9A & 9B,
Ademola Close,
GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

A PERSONAL TRIBUTE TO GANI

GANI may not be with us physically but his spirit will continue to watch over Nigeria till it reaches the Promised Land he so gallantly tried to lead the country to.
My husband and I had been in constant communication with Gani till recently when he was no longer able to take calls. As a medical doctor he kept me updated on his various treatment plans and I visited him a couple of times to give him nutritional advice while he was in London. He took to heart our discussion on the role of nutrition in cancer prevention and care. His wife, Ganiat steadfastly ensured he ate wholesome, non processed foods that enhance health. She was a pillar of strength. His daughter, Dr. Hafisat Oni and I also spoke often, looking into the latest cancer treatment possibilities in the United States.
I spoke to Gani about two weeks before he died. Gani had a true love for the Nigerian masses and humanity. In some of our conversations he used to talk to me about the pain he felt not from the cancer but from the state of the nation despite all his efforts.
Even though I knew medically that the odds were against him, I prayed and hoped against all odds that he would pull through. Alas it was not to be. Nigeria has lost one of the best Presidents it could have had. I remember about twenty two years ago when Chief Obafemi Awolowo died. My mother burst out crying uncontrollably saying what a great loss Nigeria had suffered, as Awo would have led the country to great heights if he had been President.
I comforted her even though I could not grasp the extent to which she understood the monumental loss. It was dŽjˆ vu as twenty two years later my husband and I were called by Gani's family with the terrible news that he lost his final battle. I broke down crying with a gut wrenching pain. Our daughter who is a young adult and knows of Gani's greatness comforted me. I can only pray that in twenty two years time history does not repeat itself again.
Gani fought for the masses. His struggle must not be in vain, the fight for the man or woman on the street must continue. They are sometimes referred to as "the common man" yet they are not common but of a rare breed. These are people who have the courage to get up every morning and struggle hoping against hope, people who when pushed against the wall find a way to push the wall back, people who do not have basic human rights to shelter, food, health care and education. We may say this is all relative. I ask relative to what? Where do we draw the line of relativity? It is often said "Nigerians are resilient". Even if they are we cannot continue to test their resilience.
As daunting as these challenges may be we can make them happen with good governance, accountability and public/private partnerships.
As we mourn the loss of Gani and simultaneously celebrate his life and what he stood for, we must all join hands to help reduce the disease burden by providing better healthcare, food, shelter and education for the masses. How many future Ganis may be right there on our streets, homes or country but will be lost due to the failures of the nation. Nigeria cannot continue to discount its future gains.
What does it profit a person if they gain the whole world but have no place to call home? Gani loved his home country Nigeria and we can see by the out pouring of affection for him how much his country loved him in return. Gani can truly call Nigeria home. We must not, we cannot, we will not let Gani's dream die.
Dr. Arese Carrington (US).

FAWEHINMI’S ONDO HOUSE, THE MORNING AFTER

At Gani Fawehinmi’s Oka, Ondo town home on Wednesday morning, the day following his interment, a lot had changed. The surging crowd was gone, and so were the canopies that shielded them from the elements. The frenzied photographers who, barely 24 hours earlier, had turned the graveside into a camp had all departed. The DAAR Communications Outside Broadcasting (OB) Van that for a few days became a part of the landscape was gone. Only a group of workmen remained, cleaning up.
And then there were the banners bearing Gani’s images - a good number of them prison photos.

The four slabs that covered the grave had been sealed into place with concrete, and all that kept the site company were the wreaths from the day before. Nearby, Gani’s mother’s marble tomb bore the footprints of the crowd that had gathered to bid farewell to her son. The inscription engraved onto it revealed that the son died exactly six years to the day the mother was buried - September 5, 2003.

Just outside the entrance to the house sat Gani’s younger brother, Olumide, eager to share reminiscences. “He was my very, very good friend. We were so close... the love I had for him, that was why I had to name my first son, Gani Fawehinmi... he has even promised to be a lawyer. All my children - I have two boys and a girl - are so fond of him.
“And I know my children will be the ones that will miss him (most), because most weekends they will say ‘My daddy, let’s go to Baba’, but now there’s no Baba...”
Much has been said of Gani’s “payroll” - the startling number of people who monthly benefited from him in cash. Olumide Fawehinmi gave an idea of the size of the “payroll”.
“Everybody, quote me, everybody in (the) family house, they are on Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s payroll... those that are on his payroll in this town alone, they’re over 200. As I’m talking to you, I’m a successful businessman, (but) I’m on his payroll. He doesn’t look at whether you are successful. There was a time he told me, (about) 15 years ago, he said ‘Olumide, if not for the way this country is, I will just tell all the family to stop working ...” Even Olumide’s children were on the payroll as well. “All of them. My last born, who’s a girl, will be three years old by November, and she’s on the payroll of Chief...”

Loads of memories
Civil Engineer, Gregory Odunwo, did construction work (“finishing”) at Gani’s Ikeja residence, as well as the late lawyer’s Gallery at the Central Business District, Alausa. Odunwo said he met Gani five years ago.
“I think I can precisely tell you that within the five years that I came across this man, I’ve been able to finish my house to the taste that I want, through this man... he’s God-sent to me.” And he was quite clear on the first thing he needed to do in memory of the man who had shown him much kindness and generosity.

“I beautified the mother’s grave, I beautified the father’s grave, and I’m going to beautify his grave... by the time you come here within the next 40 days you will see the beautification of the grave. I’m working on it already. I’ve just finished work this morning, and I’ve been here for the past three days, working to make sure everything is in order.”
“Who will fight for us, we poor people?” asked Ebenezer Akinwande, who is married to Gani’s younger sister. Then he quickly added, smiling, “though I don’t consider myself poor...”

Olalekan Ojo, Gani’s photographer, worked with him for more than 15 years. He told NEXT that Gani would often tell him “Lekan, you’re not my staff, you’re my son.” Breaking into a smile, he recalled how Gani would sometimes talk to him as though he were a lawyer and not a photographer, and expect him to help recollect legal details.
Amidst the outpouring of memories, the condolence register lay closed. The final entry, by F. Makinde, said it all:
“Chief Gani, Hero of Modern Nigeria. Good Night. R.I.P.”

SOURCE:234NEXT.COM