Tunji Braitwaite, 83, a foremost politician, lawyer and activist, is dead. According to information gathered, the former presidential aspirant and founder of Nigerian Advance Party (NAP) died Easter Monday morning at the St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos Island after a brief sickness.
Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun describes as “a great loss,” the death of Tunji Braithwaite, while reacting to news of the death, saying, “he will be remembered, not just for his contributions to the legal profession, but also to the development of democratic ethos in Nigeria.”
Amosun recalled how Braithwaite founded the NAP in 1983, and had over the years remained faithful to the Nigerian cause through his words and deeds.
Also, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode expressed shock and sadness over the demise of Braithwaite.
Ambode in a statement by Habib Aruna, his chief press secretary, observed that Braithwaite’s passage was a great loss to both the state and the nation, describing the deceased as a detribalised individual whose example was worthy of emulation.
According to Ambode, Braithwaite was a man of the people, a typical Nigerian who was consistent in saying things the way they were, not caring whose ox was gored.
He recalled that during the military era, especially that of the late General Sanni Abacha administration, when politicians were afraid to come out and contest, Braithwaite dared the odds and came out to contest against the late General at the risk of his life.
“He was very consistent in fighting for what he believed was right and fair to every human regardless of their ethnic leaning or creed, he was not one to shy away from taking a position that he strongly believed in.
“He was always consistent in creating independent platforms to fight for the interest of the common man.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Lagos State, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Dr. Tunji Braithwaite on this great and irreparable loss. He was a pride to all Lagosians and we will surely miss him,” Ambode said.
