Governor Uba Sani Pays Tribute to Gani Fawehinmi 16 Years After His Passing

Governor Uba Sani Pays Tribute to Gani Fawehinmi 16 Years After His Passing

Akahi News learnt that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has penned a heartfelt tribute to honour the memory of Chief Abdulganiyu “Gani” Oyesola Fawehinmi, GCON, SAN, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated human rights activists and pro-democracy crusaders, sixteen years after his passing.

In a reflective statement shared on Wednesday, Governor Sani described Fawehinmi as “my mentor, my hero,” noting that the late legal icon’s life epitomised courage, integrity, and a tireless commitment to justice. He recalled that Nigeria and Africa lost a towering figure on 5 September 2009 — a man whose struggle shaped the country’s democratic trajectory.

“I first met Chief Gani Fawehinmi in a Nigeria shackled by military authoritarianism, a nation gasping under the weight of repression,” Governor Sani wrote. “At a time when fear sought to suffocate hope, Chief Fawehinmi emerged as a beacon of fearless resistance.”

A Mentor in the Fight for Democracy

Governor Sani recounted meeting Fawehinmi in the turbulent period following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. He said the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria treated him as a son, offering mentorship and support that deepened his commitment to the pro-democracy struggle.

He disclosed that Fawehinmi’s Lagos residence became his “second sanctuary,” where he shared space with Comrade Femi Aborisade and was further immersed in activism. “It was in those hallowed chambers that I drank deeply from his well of knowledge, courage, and unyielding faith in justice,” he recalled.

Champion of Justice and Defender of the Masses

Akahi News gathered that Governor Sani celebrated Fawehinmi’s reputation as the “Senior Advocate of the Masses,” noting that he fearlessly confronted military dictatorship and used the law as a weapon for social engineering.

Despite multiple imprisonments, Fawehinmi remained undeterred, leading the Joint Action Committee of Nigeria (JACON), where Sani himself served as National Vice Chairman. Together, they expanded the democratic struggle into Northern Nigeria, building a nationwide coalition against tyranny.

Governor Sani also highlighted Fawehinmi’s humanitarian contributions, particularly his scholarship scheme for brilliant but indigent students. He revealed that the initiative, which began in 2000, has transformed the lives of over a thousand Nigerians who are now professionals and leaders in various fields.

Legal Legacy and Political Space Expansion

The Kaduna governor recalled how he worked closely with Fawehinmi and other activists within the National Conscience Party to resist efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties. Their landmark Supreme Court victory, he said, safeguarded pluralism and strengthened Nigeria’s democratic framework.

“This victory was a testament to Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s enduring belief in the law as a tool for justice,” Governor Sani said, praising the late activist’s steadfastness and vision.

Call to Uphold His Ideals

Governor Sani urged Nigerians to continue to defend democracy, expand civic space, and fight for social justice in honour of Fawehinmi’s memory. “His life reminds us that democracy is fragile and must be vigilantly protected,” he said, pledging to uphold these principles in his leadership as Kaduna State governor.

“As we commemorate the sixteenth anniversary of his passing, it is not merely a remembrance but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ideals he embodied,” he concluded, praying for the late icon’s eternal rest.

Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who died on 5 September 2009, is remembered for his dogged fight against oppression, corruption, and human rights abuses. His name remains synonymous with legal activism and the struggle for a just and equitable Nigeria.

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