By Kolawole Ojebisi
The family of late lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, has berated former President Olusegun Obasanjo for casting aspersions on the personality of the departed legal luminary under the guise of launching the memoir of former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida.
Braithwaite’s family condemned former Obasanjo’s remarks on their patriarch, describing them as “offensive” and a “failed attempt to tarnish a towering legacy.”
At a press conference held at the family’s residence on Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, Olumide Braithwaite, son of the late Dr. Braithwaite, rejected Obasanjo’s remarks, saying they were an attempt to rewrite history and diminish his father’s lifelong commitment to opposing military rule and championing democratic values.
The controversy stemmed from General Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography launched on February 20, 2025.
Obasanjo, who co-chaired the public presentation of the autobiography in Abuja, had advised Babangida not to be worried by people who would criticise him.
Obasanjo said he recalled that when he published and presented his own book, the late Tunji Braithwaite, whom he described as his chronic critic, condemned the book even without reading it.
“You have not only contributed to history; you have contributed to documenting history,” Obasanjo told Babangida. “It is an important part of our nation-building to keep accurate records. Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and put-him-down syndrome.
“It may even be an indication of success but take note of objective criticism. A chronic critic of mine, the late Tunji Braithwaite, may his soul rest in perfect peace, condemned my book.
“And when asked if he had read it, he answered in the negative. He said he had not read it, saying once the writer is Obasanjo it must be condemned.”
But responding on Monday, Braithwaithe’s son, Olumide rejected the remarks, saying “It is not, and never will be, in Obasanjo’s place to use Tunji Braithwaite’s name as a punching bag.
“While he was alive, it never happened. In the animal world, the prancing gazelle knows that a lion lying dead does not lose its lioness. The name Tunji Braithwaite still has its bite.”
The Braithwaite family further accused Obasanjo of attempting to rewrite history and diminish Dr. Braithwaite’s lifelong commitment to opposing military rule and championing democratic values.
“Tunji Braithwaite was a fierce critic of all military juntas in Nigeria, not just Obasanjo’s regime,” Olumide said.
He recounted notable moments from his father’s career, including his defence of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti in 1978 against charges brought by the military government under Obasanjo.
Olumide also stated that Dr. Braithwaite founded the Nigeria Advance Party in 1978, which was denied registration by the same military government.
“Despite meeting all constitutional criteria, the Obasanjo junta denied NAP registration. Yet, my father persisted, eventually contesting the 1983 general elections,” he added.
He also highlighted Braithwaite’s strong opposition to successive military dictatorships, including those of Babangida and Sani Abacha.
Olumide recalled the personal sacrifices his father made in standing against these regimes, including wrongful detention, the destruction of his businesses, and threats to his life.
“He stood tall, unwavering, when others fled into exile,” he said.
The Braithwaite family also took the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu for his candid remarks at the IBB book launch, where he criticised IBB for failing to deepen democracy during his rule.
Olumide revealed that President Tinubu himself had acknowledged Dr. Braithwaite’s influence on his political philosophy.
“Dr. Tunji Braithwaite was a man of immense integrity who inspired generations without ever holding public office. His life’s work transcends politics it’s a symbol of courage, justice, and patriotism.
“Anyone who attempts to tarnish the name of Tunji Braithwaite will have to contend with his family and the countless Nigerians who hold his legacy dear,” he said.
