Chief Abdul-Ganiyu "Gani" Oyesola Fawehinmi (1938-2009) was Nigeria's most prominent human rights lawyer and activist. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Fawehinmi dedicated his life to defending the oppressed and challenging government injustice. During military rule, he filed numerous lawsuits against dictators, enduring arrests, detentions, and harassment. His landmark cases established precedents in constitutional law and human rights. Fawehinmi published the Nigerian Law Reports and founded the Civil Liberties Organisation. He received the Lenin Peace Prize and was declared a "prisoner of conscience" by Amnesty International. His fearless advocacy inspired generations of activists and lawyers. Fawehinmi's legacy lives on in Nigeria's continuing struggle for justice and accountability.


PEOPLE’S LAWYER:
Chief Gani Fawehinmi dedicated his life to defending human rights, filing landmark cases that expanded freedom of expression, press liberty, and electoral accountability. He published the Nigerian Weekly Law Reports, making case law accessible to practitioners and students.

COURAGE UNDER FIRE:
Repeatedly arrested, detained, and harassed by military regimes, Gani refused to relent. He provided pro-bono legal services to activists, labour leaders, and students, earning global admiration.

SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE:
He founded the National Conscience Party to champion the poor, insisting on transparent governance. He exposed corruption scandals, pushed for FOI legislation, and fought for environmental rights in the Niger Delta.

LEGACY OF INTEGRITY:
The Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota and annual memorial lectures honour his commitment. Young lawyers emulate his meticulous case preparation and fearless courtroom presence.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 22 April 1938 in Ondo State; died 5 September 2009 in Lagos.
- Titles: Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN, 2001), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
- Publications: 30+ volumes of Nigerian Weekly Law Reports, books on constitutional law.
- Nickname: “Gani the Stormy Petrel” for relentless advocacy.