A rights campaigner, Mr Olumide Braithwaite, on Monday in Lagos, urged that the good legacies of their patriarch should not be “dragged through the mud.”
The activist, who is the son of the late legal icon, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, said this at a press conference in Lagos.
According to him, “Anyone who attempts to do otherwise may have to contend with countless Nigerians who hold these legacies dear.”
Braithwaite was reacting to a statement made by former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
Obasanjo made a passing remark about the late Braithwaite while admonishing the author at the book launch of former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd).
Babangida’s autobiography, entitled A Journey in Service, was the focus of the event.
Obasanjo allegedly referred to Braithwaite as a “bad belle” in response to the late activist’s reported criticisms of his (Obasanjo’s) own book launch.
The former president made the remark while cautioning Babangida about potential criticism of his autobiography.
Reacting to the remark, Olumide Braithwaite stated that no one had the right to use his father’s name as a punching bag.
He noted that the “bad belle” remark against the late Braithwaite was an attempt to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
According to him, no one should use the book launch as a platform to rewrite history or downplay Braithwaite’s lifelong dedication to fighting military tyranny and promoting democratic ideals.
“Tunji Braithwaite was a fiery critic of all military juntas in Nigeria, not just Obasanjo’s regime,” Olumide said.
He recounted the late Braithwaite’s career, from his legal defence of Fela Anikulapo Kuti against Obasanjo’s military regime in 1978 to his founding of the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP) same year.
He alleged that in spite of meeting all constitutional criteria, the Obasanjo junta denied NAP registration.
“Yet, my father persisted, eventually contesting the 1983 general elections,” he noted.
He, however, commended President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at the IBB book launch, acknowledging Braithwaite’s influence on his political philosophy.
Olumide reaffirmed his family’s commitment to defending their father’s legacies.
He added: “Dr Tunji Braithwaite was a man of immense integrity who inspired generations without ever holding public office.
“His life’s work transcends politics- it is a symbol of courage, justice, and patriotism.
“A more befitting reference to my late father by General Olusegun Obasanjo would have been to describe him as an exemplary nationalist.
“Indeed, Mr President – Bola Ahmed Tinubu for whom I served as spokesperson at the APC Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign in the 2023 elections, was also inspired by the great Dr Tunji Braithwaite of blessed memory.”
He described Braithwaite as an outstanding patriot, brilliant lawyer, dogged fighter “and above all, the inimitable irritant to Nigeria’s ruinous military juntas during his time.
“The name Tunji Braithwaite still has its bite. Whoever dares to tarnish Tunji Braithwaite’s name will have his children and his other mass followers to contend with.
“We only fear God, not man,” he added.
Corroborating the statement, Mrs Grace Braithwaite, the 92-year-old wife of the late political activist, said her husband endured numerous struggles and unjust persecution from leaders.
“We have fought many battles against leaders. I also suffered alongside him,” she said.
“They arrested him and kept him for three months without reason, all because of coup plotters. Nigerian leaders have not done well at all,” the widow lamented.
