* Defends Late Dr. Tunji Braithwaite’s Legacy
Akin Kuponiyi
The family of the late Dr Tunji Braithwaite has strongly condemned former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent comments against its Patriarch, labelling them as “offensive” and “a failed attempt to tarnish a towering legacy.”
Barrister Olumide Braithwaite, son of the late legal icon, said at a world press conference on Monday, February 24, 2925, that the Braithwaite family will not tolerate any assault on the reputation of their late patriarch.
The controversy was ignited at the IBB book launch on February 20, 2025, when former President Obasanjo, in what was seen as an offhand remark, referred to Dr. Tunji Braithwaite as “such a character” ” bad belle” while cautioning General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) about potential criticism of his new book.
Also, Obasanjo accused Braithwaite of harbouring “bad belle” — Nigerian slang for resentment — stemming from past disagreements.
But Barrister Olumide Braithwaite firmly rejected Obasanjo’s comments.
His words: “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 dead lion does not lose its lioness. The name Tunji Braithwaite still has its bite.”
The Braithwaite family accused Obasanjo of using the book launch as a platform to rewrite history and downplay the late Dr 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 emphasised.
He recounted key moments in Dr Braithwaite’s storied 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) in 1978, which faced roadblocks from the same military establishment.
“Despite meeting all constitutional criteria, the Obasanjo junta denied NAP registration. Yet, my father persisted, eventually contesting the 1983 general elections,” Olumide noted.
Furthermore, Olumide highlighted Dr Braithwaite’s bold stance against successive military dictatorships, including those led by Babangida and Sani Abacha.
He recounted personal sacrifices made by his father, including wrongful detention, the destruction of his businesses, and threats to his life. “He stood tall, unwavering, when others fled into exile,” he said.
Barrister Olumide criticized Obasanjo’s legacy, questioning his moral authority to comment on Dr. Braithwaite. “This is the same man still battling allegations of corruption from his time in office, including the unresolved NEPA billions scandal,” he asserted.
The Braithwaite family took the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his candid remarks at the IBB book launch, where he criticized 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.
Barrister Olumide reaffirmed the Braithwaite family’s commitment to defending their father’s legacy. “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,” he declared.
He concluded with a stark warning: “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.”