. Buhari, Sanwo-Olu,NLC others extol late lawyer’s virtues
The death of Mohammed, first son of Nigeria’s social Crusader, late Gani Fawehinmi, has sunk the community of human right, politics and freedom fighters in Africa’s biggest economy into mourning.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has, for instance, mourned the passing of Mohammed Fawehinmi, eldest son of the late legal luminary and human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
He also commiserated with family and friends of the deceased, describing his death as a colossal loss to the civil society movement in Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday said like his father, the late Mohammed Fawehinmi stayed the course with his persistent fight for the rights of the Nigerian people.
He added that the late Mohammed did not live under the shadows of his father as he had grown to become a dependable comrade.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the entire people of Ondo State on the demise of their illustrious son.
“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the family, friends and associates of the Late Mohammed Fawehinmi. He was undoubtedly a great Nigerian, passionate human rights activist and champion of a true Nigeria.As a civil rights activist, he spent his life in the service of humanity and particularly for the emancipation of the Nigerian people.
Mohammed Fawehinmi was as consistent as his father, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. He kept the flame of his father burning by fighting for the masses even on his wheelchair’.
Besides, President of Nigeria Labour Congress,Ayuba Wabba,said in a statement that Mohammed’s death is another tragic occasion for the family of the great legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mohammed Fawehinmi,” Wabba said.
He added that Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi during his time on earth proved to be a worthy son of his father following the path that the great defender of human rights trod.
He noted that Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi will be remembered not only for his brilliant legal mind but also for his commitment to the less privileged in the society through charity works.
He said:’It is worthy of note that Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi and the members of his family continued to uphold Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s legacy of genuine commitment to the vulnerable and less privileged. Until his death, Barrister Mohammed Fawehinmi became the rallying pillar for the family and estate of Chief Mohammed Fawehinmi.
He was a shining success in maintaining unity and solidarity within the Fawehinmi family since the death of the patriarch of the family. There is no doubt that Mr. Mohammed Fawehinmi will be sorely missed.
The Centre for Human and Socioeconomic Rights, says demise of Mohammed Fawehinmi, eldest son of late legal icon and activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, is a terrible loss.
Mr Alex Omotehinse, National President of the group, stated this in an interview while reacting to the death of the lawyer, on Wednesday.
He said:“The fact remains that among the children of the late legal icon, Mohammed was the only one who identified with us and remained with us, despite the challenges he faced.
“Mohammed stood with us in the struggle to defend the masses.Now that he has again dropped the baton, a very big vacuum has been created,” he said.
According to him, the death of Mohammed Fawehinmi, implies that Gani Fawehinmi’s household may be finally missed in the activism circle.
He added: “It is only Mohammed that carried the mantle, despite his health challenges.When some of us see him, we believe Gani was still alive, because he was bold, spoke like his father, he was courageous and never looked at his challenges.
The rights activist recalled how civil society groups, alongside Mohammed, attended the burial of late Mr Yinka Odumakin, another activist, who died recently.
He added that the late younger Fawehinmi, also joined them recently, during a courtesy visit to the residence of another late activist, Mr Innocent Chukwuma.
Omotehinse said the death was a huge loss and very sad one, praying God to console the late Mohammed’s mother and family.
Mohammed, died on Wednesday in Lagos at the age of 52.
Mohammed complained of breathing difficulties and was taken to a hospital where he died.He had a law degree from the University of Buckingham, England and was called to the Nigerian bar in 1998.
In 2003, he had an accident in Lagos, which affected his spinal cord and confined him to a wheelchair
