IBB Book: Don’t Tarnish Braithwaite’s Hard-earned Reputation, Family Tells Obasanjo

The family of late legal luminary and political stalwart, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, says the hard-earned legacies and reputation of their patriarch cannot be tarnished by anyone.

“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,” the son of the late human rights advocate , Mr Olumide Braithwaite, said on Monday.

He made this remark while reacting ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s alleged offensive phrases and snide remark against the late Braithwaite at a book launch on Thursday.

TObasanjo, at a Book Launch of a former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) made a passing remark against Braithwaite while admonishing the author, Babangida.

Obasanjo allegedly referred to Braithwaite as a bad belle character over the late activist’s criticism against him when he (Obasanjo) launched a book some years ago.

The former president made the remark while cautioning Babangida against potential imminent criticisms of his autobiography,” The Journey in Service”.

Reacting, Mr Braithwaite, son of the late legal luminary and politician, said that no one would be permitted to use Braithwaite’s name as a punching bag.

He said that ‘’Bad belle’’ charge against late Tunji Braithwaite tarnished his hard-earned reputation.

According to him, no one should use the book launch as a platform to rewrite history and 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,” the young Braithwaite said.

He recounted Braithwaite’s career, from his legal defense of Fela Anikulapo Kuti against Obasanjo’s military regime in 1978 to his founding of the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP) in 1978.

He alleged that despite meeting all constitutional criteria, the Obasanjo junta denied NAP registration.

“Yet, my father persisted, eventually contesting the 1983 general elections,” he noted.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s remarks at the IBB book launch, acknowledging Braithwaite’s influence on his political philosophy.

Braithwaite reaffirmed the Braithwaite family’s commitment to defending their father’s legacy.

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 Obasajno 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 92-year-old wife of the late political activitist, Dr Grace Braithwaite said that her husband fought a lot of battles for no reason.

Braithwaite said: “We have fought a lot of battles from leaders. I also suffered too.

“They arrested him and kept for three months for no reason by coup plotters. Nigerian leaders have not done well at all,” the widow said.