Lawyers have been extolling the virtues of Mohammed Fawehinmi, who died August 1 in Lagos, reports ADEBISI ONANUGA
Lawyers and other stakeholders in the Justice sector have been extolling the virtues of Mohammed Fawehinmi who died in Lagos on Wednesday, August 1, 2021 at 52. Mohammed, fondly called MO by his associates and friends, was the first child of the late fiery rights activist and constitution lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, (SAN), (SAM).
Mohammed was a brilliant, innovative legal practitioner, says Oyetibo
Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) described the late Mohammed as brilliant and innovative.
He said: “The news of the demise of Mohammed Fawehinmi came on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 like a thunderbolt. Mohammed was the first child of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN). He first read and graduated in Business Administration before reading Law and becoming a lawyer.
“He was a sportsman. In actual fact, he was a sprinter. I recalled that in the late eighties, his dad, Chief Fawehinmi, was preparing him to participate in the Olympics. Unfortunately, he got involved in a motor accident which marked a turning point in his life as he became confined to a wheelchair.
“Though immobilised, his socio-politico-economic mentalisation remained one that could be said to be of high level altitude status. He did not allow his precarious condition to dampen his spirit. He remained active politically and professionally.
“Mohammed had a friendly and charming character. He was highly respectful and humble. As a legal practitioner, he was brilliant and innovative. As a political activist, he was moderate. He has played his part on this planet and the Lord who called him home at this time knows best. No man chooses the time of his exit from this planet.
‘’May the heavens receive his soul in peace. I commiserate with the Chief Gani Fawehinmi family as well as the Gani Fawehinmi Chambers Alumni of which Mohammed was a member.
He was committed to liberation of Nigerians, says Falana
Femi Falana (SAN) in his tribute entitled: ‘’Adieu Mohammed Fawehinmi” said he was deeply saddened by the tragic news of the untimely death of Mohammed Fawehinmi.
“As we mourn his passing, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his mother, siblings and the entire Fawehinmi family.
“Mohammed was born in February 1969 while his father, the Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN, was held in an illegal custody in Kaduna under the State Security (Detention of Persons) Decree No 24 of 1967. Mohammed later trained as a lawyer and was already in legal practice when he had a lone accident in Lagos in September 2003.
“Unfortunately, the injury sustained by him in the accident confined him to a wheel chair for the rest of his life. Notwithstanding his physical challenge Mohammed was ever prepared to join other patriots in confronting the forces of oppression and exploitation.
“In spite of the challenge of insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment plaguing the nation Mohammed strongly believed that a new Nigeria was possible. As a chip of the old block, Mohammed was courageous, dedicated, knowledgeable and committed to the liberation of the Nigerian people from the shackle of injustice in all its ramifications. Mohammed will be surely missed for his unwavering commitment to the struggle for a united, just and prosperous Nigeria.
“We pray that the condolences of the Nigerian people will bring comfort to the Fawehinmi family and ease the pain of the great loss.”
MO had the same zeal as his father – Adegboruwa
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) also wrote in his tribute that Mohammed used to come like a guest, not involved in the day to day business of the Gani Fawehinmi Chambers whilst he studied law. He was also not much involved in the political side at the time. Unmistakably however, he had the same zeal, energy and strength as his father, if not more. Mohammed Fawehinmi was to all then like the young shall grow, who didn’t exhibit the silver spoon trait common with most first sons of the high and mighty. His father, the quintessential Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), was a no nonsense man. He didn’t spare Mo (as we used to call him) or any other person indeed. Mo himself told us tales of how he tasted of the Bulala, times without number. But once he got into the Chambers, Mo was on fire! He exuded amazing energy, for research and discovery. He told me he wanted to start from scratch, so he would come to my table and ask if I had legal issues to research on. He was very intelligent, humble, energetic, given to diligence and legal discoveries. He was very easy to relate with so he readily flowed with everybody. And did we all like him! It was usual for lawyers to gather to mimic Chief and recall some of his memorable encounters, either with the security agencies or with the media. And Mo would join us, adding his own narratives from his personal moments with Chief, whilst one of us stood by to watch out for Chief, who normally stormed the lawyers’ hall unannounced.
From the background story that he narrated to us himself, Mo wanted to enlist in the Nigerian Army and had proceeded to obtain the form for enrolment at the Nigerian Defence Academy, which he filled with so much enthusiasm. In one of the columns in the form was a space for his father to sign, so he joyfully took the form to Chief to endorse his signature. I’m sure you can guess what followed. Chief was livid with anger and it took the quick intervention of senior lawyers working with him then to calm him down and save Mo, who sprinted away like a deer. Who would have believed it, that this 14-year-old boy was dreaming of joining the coup plotters, whom his father had battled all his life. Who would take over one of the most successful law firms in Africa? Mo told us that he was thoroughly disciplined in the wee hours of the following morning. Mohammed was born in 1969 whilst Gani was in unlawful custody of the military at the Kaduna Prison, held under the draconian State Security (Detention of Persons) Decree No. 24 of 1967, promulgated by the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. How could such a person aspire to join the military! Mo would later study English as his first degree before he proceeded to study law.
‘’In all aspects of his life, Mo was a chip of the old block, in his strides, his character, his demeanour and even his passion. He didn’t so much believe in cutting corners, as he opted to go through the mills in the Chambers. He expressed his desire to be assigned to a senior lawyer for mentorship whilst going round the tables to pick one or two assignments for other lawyers. By fate, Mo was assigned to me and we worked together on a number of cases. A day to any court hearing, Mo would have prepared the case file for our preview, gathered the authorities to be relied upon and checked through to see if there were pending assignments. And you can be sure that he would always get to court before you. He indeed inspired me, as he gave no sign that he was the son of my boss. Mo had a very fertile mind, he was very probing and it took me time to get used to his many questions on legal issues arising from the cases that we handled together. One of those cases was the one instituted at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, on behalf of fishermen against the massive oil spillage in Eket in 1998. He was so passionate about securing justice for the fishermen. In another case involving Madam Carol Effiong, whose only daughter connived with strangers to sell her mother’s house, Mo took over the case personally, vowing to ensure that justice prevailed on her side. Mo was a happy go lucky guy, very considerate of others and the plight of the downtrodden. On some occasions, he had intervened to secure legal representation for some category of persons who could not afford the cost of hiring lawyers. I enjoyed my time with him.
“Mo was a detrabilised Nigerian. Initially when he joined us in the Chambers, we were all curious to know how he would fit into the various struggles of the Chief, on behalf of the masses, at the National Conscience Party platform and civil society generally. Apparently, Mo had his own revolutionary passion and he needed no persuasion on issues relating to good governance, due process of law, democracy and better life for the masses.
“Looking back now, I realis e that Mo most probably stepped into the background whilst Chief held sway as the undisputed leader of the pro-democracy group in Nigeria, given all that Mo has accomplished after the demise of Chief. As a sign of his belief in one Nigeria, he was engaged to a lady from the South East, whom he wanted to marry and he was very serious about it. Mo would say it as it is and had no apology at all for anyone whose ox may be gored thereby. He was very frank and objective, always ready to be persuaded with superior reasoning different from his own.
“He was very eloquent, perfectly combining his knowledge and study of English language with the practice of law. His was a case of whom the cap fits, let him wear it. The admirable part of his life was the way in which he handled the accident, with personal determination and zeal not to be deterred or discouraged thereby. He was always ready to do his utmost for the public good, he filed cases in court to challenge unfavourable government policies and rose to defend the masses at all times. Mo never married, despite his strong desire to do so. He was about 32 when he had that accident and had an Igbo lady he wanted to marry. Even after the accident, she still wanted to stay with him, but he advised her to move on, fearing that she would not be able to cope with the demands of his new condition. He was dependent on others for his survival and didn’t want that burden on her. She went away disappointed. He never wanted to take advantage of anybody or use his condition for exploitation. That is vintage Mo.
His injury notwithstanding, Mo kept the fire of activism, nurtured while his father was alive, burning. He intervened in national issues and would appear at important events involving the struggle to liberate Nigeria from the hands of its oppressors and gate keepers. Mo was courageous, dedicated, knowledgeable and committed to the liberation of the Nigerian people from the shackle of injustice in all its ramifications. And that is the reason for this tribute. Mo didn’t die, just as Gani himself didn’t depart the revolutionary scene, notwithstanding his physical absence. Their voices still speak and will keep speaking truth to power, on behalf of the people of Nigeria, along with the voices of other heroes and martyrs of our revolutionary struggles. Mo, you have not died the death of aristocrats but rather you name is ingrained in the minds of the people that you stood and fought for, your legacies remain indelible in the annals of our democratic experiences and I know that at the right time, history will stand you out as one of those who came, who saw and who conquered. Rest in power, thou soldier of the masses.
A pragmatic, humble soul – Shittu
Lagos lawyer, Wahab Shittu said the shocking exit of Mohammed Fawehinmi, aka “ Egimmo”, brought tears to my eyes. Not surprisingly, for me, Mohammed was a humble soul, if you like “ a pure spirit” and a rare breed indeed.
According to him, “My closeness to the Fawehinmi Family of course, started with my long-standing admiration for the Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) of blessed memory. This affection got me closer to the family and his children, particularly Mohammed ( Egimmo), Saheed Fawehinmi, Bashirat Biobaku nee Fawehinmi, Idiat “ Bobo” Saliu nee Fawehinmi, Mubarak Fawehinmi, and of course the widow of the late fiery lawyer, Mrs Ganiat Fawehinmi that we all choose to call “ Mama”.
“I noticed Mohammed Fawehinmi early in his career as a legal practitioner, particularly his striking resemblance of his late father; handsome looks, excellent manners( respect and humility to all) and his eagerness to reenact in court the extraordinary performance in court of his great father.
“I met him severally in court, and there was no doubt he was poised to hit the legal market and the human rights community with a bang. His enthusiasm, hard work, brilliance and commitment shone like a thousand stars. Everyone took notice that another “ GANI’’ had arrived at the scene. He was the toast of everyone- Judges, lawyers, court officials and all because he was humble, respectful, responsible, courteous, bold, courageous, dashingly handsome and neatly dressed.
Then the unexpected happened. He was involved in a ghastly accident which consigned him to a wheelchair until his last moments. This incident shook the entire legal community, and all sympathised. But not Mohammed. He did not allow this setback to affect his enthusiasm and morale during and after the exit of his well-respected father.
“Mohammed readily stepped into the shoes of his late father. He spoke against human rights abuses, led protests in defence of the rights of the people and lent his strong voice against bad GOVERNANCE by successive Administrations. Just like his late father. Not once did he abandon the struggle. Not once did he surrender. Not once did he betray the struggle. Not once did he lobby or solicit for Government contracts. Not once did he embark on nocturnal visits to those with temporary access to power to curry favours. He remained with the ordinary people. He stood with the people. He was contented. He remained resolute. He chose to uphold the principles and struggles of his late father. He stood for equity, social justice and fought for the progress and empowerment of the people, especially the downtrodden. Just like his late father. Indeed, like father like son. I was impressed.
Many were impressed. Many concluded that with the example of Mohammed, Gani’s spirit was alive, for here was a Great son who never betrayed his father’s principles and legacies. Mohammed confirmed the truism that a lion cannot give birth to a Goat. Gani was a lion. Mohammed was equally a lion. When he spoke, he spoke courageously on issues of Governance, particularly against misrule, corruption and rights abuses. Mohammed was fearless, brave and consistently consistent.
On a personal level, Mohammed was extremely humble and courteous to everyone. He always bowed his head when greeting everyone. No airs at all. Always respectful, courteous and decent. A good guy, a great guy!. What a loss!.
A very considerate person, he refused to take a wife because he did not want to be a burden to any woman. Many women flocked at his feet, but he never took advantage of any. He politely stood his ground with women, preferring to dedicate his life to upholding the legacy of his father and the struggle for people’s emancipation.
Again, Mohammed was a father figure to the family. He supported mama and accompanied her to all gatherings of the struggle, including those dedicated to the emancipation of the people. Indeed he was a major pillar to mama,caring,supporting and standing by her like a rock of Gibraltar.
His siblings too adored “Egimmo”. Stories are told frequently of how intimately he related with the family and children of his siblings. He was a father figure to his siblings and a well sought after Grandfather to their children. They all simply idolised him. He will be sorely missed for “Egimmo” was friendly, chatty and sheer fun to be with.
I recall my first visit to the family house when l heard of his demise and my encounter with one of his junior and favourite sisters, Mrs Idiat Saliu nee Fawehinmi that we all fondly call “ Bobo.”. She cried herself out because she simply could not reconcile herself with the exit of “ Egimmo”. I moved to console her and she burst into uncontrollable tears. I was moved. Inspite of myself, l joined in the tears publicly. Such was the extent of impact Mohammed had on everyone including his siblings.
A major rallying point for the family had gone,a committed fighter for the rights of the people had departed. Mohammed was simply irreplaceable.
At the news of his death, tributes flowed from the high and mighty including the president of the country.The vice president, Pof Yemi Osinbajo SAN (GCON) personally visited the family to offer his condolences. This reflected the life of great impact that Mohammed lived.He was extraordinary. He was sweet. He was a symbol of the struggle for the rights of man. He was a real human-being.
In my second condolence visit, l met Saheed Fawehinmi who had to rush down from his US base to pay his last respects to his affectionate Elder brother. I suggested he steps into the shoes of his late brother. He said the shoes of his departed brother were too big for him to step into. He extolled the virtues of Mohammed in excellent terms in a story for another day. Evidently Saheed loved his departed brother and it showed.
Mrs Bashirat Biobaku was effusive in his praises of Mohammed particularly how he impacted the world.
And so for Mohammed, it was not how long he lived, but how well. Mohammed actually lived well.
For me, Mohammed’s exit was too hot for me to handle. I was struck by his uncommon humility. He respected me. I respected him. I still respect him and will always respect him for his accomplishments and great humility. And so are many who encountered this extraordinary Nigerian with a pure heart- without bitterness against anyone. A real personification of Goodness.
Farewell Mohammed, our collective brother. Farewell Mohammed, a man with the heart of Gold. Farewell our Egimmo for life.”, he stated.
