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Ede Asenoguan who was in attendance at the 18th Chief Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture had the best of terms in extolling the legal legend and congratulating the Ikeja branch for sustaining his unmatched legacies. His words.


“I must commend and congratulate the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA ) Ikeja Branch for sustaining the annual lecture in memory of the great legal icon, social crusader, a real human rights activist, a dogged fighter for the oppressed and the degraded, a social critique of impeccable integrity, a philanthropist of great compassion, a revolutionist extraordinaire and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria after being a Senior Advocate of the Masses for many years even till death.

This year’s topic is most apposite as usual looking at the present state of our country. I commend the guest lecturer for the well researched and brilliantly delivered paper as well as the the discussants who did no less in analysing the paper. It was indeed and enriching exercise for me and I believe all those who took time out to be part of the event have similar tales to tell.

Chief Gani as he was popularly called was a being in a class of his own. People like him are gifted to humanity one in a thousand years. Nigeria was privileged to have had such a man as Gani as a citizen. I cannot imagine what Nigeria and the legal profession would have been if a man like Gani had not graced this country.

Nigeria is missing this great icon at this time of our social- political evolution. If the events pervading our country today were to be in the days of Chief Gani, I am certain that he would have been on the streets and in the courts pushing and struggling to change things for the better. If the dead can see, I can only imagine what and how the great chief would be feeling now seeing how Nigeria has become.
Gani meant different things to different persons and groups.

To the legal profession, his contributions are legendary and indelible. He was fearless and courageous. He spoke truth to power and strove seriously for good governance and the observance of the Rule of Law.
I believe that Gani is a man that ought to be celebrated by the entire country for his tireless efforts to see to a better Nigeria. I must appreciate the NBA Ikeja branch for using this annual lecture to remind us of the legacies this great Nigerian stood for till he breathed his last.

I am excited that the president of the Nigerian Bar Association has promised to seek NEC’s approval to make this annual lecture a national NBA event hosted by the Ikeja Branch with the full compliments of national support. Chief Gani Fawehinmi deserves nothing less.

Rest on the great legal luminary, social crusader and unrivalled human rights activist. We will continue to miss you as the vacuum you left have remained unfilled.

God bless Gani Fawehinmi
God bless the Nigerian Bar Association
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed: Ede Asenoguan, Esq (Past Chairman NBA Benin Branch)