By Bunmi Yekini
A coalition of friends and close associates of the late human rights icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), has called for the immediate demolition of a four-storey structure they claim poses a serious threat to the safety of the legal luminary’s family home in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Speaking at a press conference and protest tagged “Justice for Gani,” held on Friday, the group expressed outrage over what they described as a “brazen act of recklessness and injustice” by developers who allegedly constructed the apartment building in violation of Lagos State urban planning laws.
Human Rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), one of the signatories to the statement, said, “The purpose of this gathering is simple,” he continued. “It is to demand justice for Chief Gani Fawehinmi and the great family he left behind. This injustice must not be allowed to stand.”
According to the group, the building, which they referred to as a “so-called apartment,” was erected dangerously close to Chief Gani’s fence, ignoring repeated warnings from the family.
They allege that the construction violates mandatory setback requirements and has already caused several safety incidents.
“A 1000-litre water tank on the building has collapsed three times into Chief Gani’s compound. It is only by providence that no one has died,” the statement read. “We do not want to wait until any such catastrophe occurs before taking action.”
The gathering is coming just days after what would have been Fawehinmi’s 87th posthumous birthday. The associates say the proximity of the building endangers the lives of his family members and compromises the sanctity of the home of a man who gave his life to defending the downtrodden.
“The building must be pulled down,” said Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN). “It is not only a violation of the law but also a clear and present threat to the security and safety of lives and property in Chief Gani’s house.”
They also warned that the structure, because of its commercial nature and vantage position, could become a tool for surveillance or attacks against the Fawehinmi family.
“This is not just a matter of land or zoning,” added Edetaen Ojo, another signatory. “This is about the legacy of a national icon and the safety of his family. No one is above the law.”
The group vowed to pursue all legal and civic means to ensure the building is taken down and justice is done, declaring this the beginning of “a series of actions” to achieve that goal.
Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a fearless defender of human rights and pro-democracy activist, died on September 5, 2009, at the age of 71 after decades of confrontations with both military and civilian regimes in his fight for justice.