Gani Fawehinmi

**Chief Abdul-Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi GCON, SAN (1938–2009): Biography** Abdul-Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi was a distinguished Nigerian author, publisher, philanthropist, social critic, human rights activist, lawyer, and politician. Widely known as Gani Fawehinmi, he became one of Nigeria’s most fearless and prominent legal figures, dedicating his life to fighting for human rights, democracy, and social justice. **Early Life and Education** Gani Fawehinmi was born on April 22, 1938, in Ondo, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now in Ondo State, Nigeria), to Chief Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi. He began his education at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Iyemaja, and later attended Victory College Ikare. After completing his secondary education, he worked briefly as a law clerk in the High Court of Lagos until 1961. Fawehinmi enrolled at the Holborn College of Law, University of London, in 1961 to study law. He faced financial difficulties following the death of his father while he was in university but managed to complete his academic degree. **Career Progression and Activism** Upon returning to Nigeria, Fawehinmi was called to the Nigerian Bar. He quickly gained national prominence not just for his legal practice but for his unrelenting stance against corruption and injustice, particularly during Nigeria’s military regimes. His dedication to public interest litigation earned him the nickname "Senior Advocate of the Masses" (SAM), contrasting with the official title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), which he was eventually awarded in 2008. Fawehinmi often provided free legal services to the poor and was a constant thorn in the side of successive governments, leading to frequent detentions and harassment. His activism led to the establishment of the Nigerian Law Publications, through which he published the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports, aimed at making legal information accessible. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Fawehinmi’s major achievements include his tireless advocacy for democracy and the rule of law. He was involved in several landmark legal cases that advanced constitutional law and human rights jurisprudence in Nigeria. Notable cases include *Adesanya v. President, Federal Republic of Nigeria* (1981), which addressed the issue of *locus standi* (the right to bring an action in court), and *Fawehinmi v. Inspector-General of Police* (2002), concerning the status and applicability of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights in Nigeria. Beyond the courtroom, he authored numerous legal texts and political commentaries. His dedication was recognized internationally with awards such as the Bernard Simmons Award and the Honour of Bruno Kreisky. In 2008, he was conferred with the rank of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) by the Nigerian government. **Current Status** Chief Gani Fawehinmi died on September 5, 2009, at the age of 71. Although deceased, his legacy as a courageous social critic and human rights activist endures, with various organizations and public institutions named in his honor across Nigeria. He remains a legendary figure in Nigerian legal and political history.