Tunji Braithwaite used his talents to fight injustice, says Ademowo

• Ademowo calls for national rebirth at funeral
• Ambode, others eulogise Braithwaite’s legacies

The body of the founder of National Advance Party (NAP) and renowned human rights lawyer, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, who passed on March 26 at age 82, was yesterday laid to rest inside Reverend Braithwaite Memorial Church, Papa Epe division of Lagos State.

He was the first person to be buried inside the church founded in 1990 by the Anglican Diocese of Lagos in memory of Isaac A. Braithwaite, the first Christian missionary to Epe in the late 19th century, who was the deceased’s grandfather.

Ademowo, in his sermon, advocated for national rebirth to solve the nation’s myriads of problem. The clergy said testimonies from people about the late politician demonstrated that he led an impactful life.

“Dr. Braithwaite never buried his talent but used it to fight against corruption, injustice and a system promoting mediocrity and criminal wealth. Nigeria is a complex country with myriads of bad users of talents, and therefore needs national rebirth, which must start with all through inculcation of virtues of selflessness, honesty, integrity, among others.”

In attendance at the burial were governors of Lagos and Ondo states, Akinwunmi Ambode and Segun Mimiko, who both extolled Braithwaite’s virtues as one that is worthy of emulating. Ambode said he was a beneficiary of the kindness of the Braithwaite family, saying the late nationalist fought for good causes and for Nigerians throughout his lifetime.

“I never thought I would ever be a politician but I have always been very excited about the things Dr. Braithwaite used to propagate and it appears that I have a personal connect around the issues that relate to people and to the masses and that is why we decided to immortalize him in a way that people can come to understand those who actually stood for true democracy and also fought for the masses.”

Mimiko in like manner said he has been in love with the characters and philosophy of the human rights lawyer right from his (Mimiko’s) school days. “He really left a good legacy that should be followed.”

Braithwaite, who was committed to the earth under the staircase inside the church at exactly 1.05p.m., was honoured with the presence of several dignitaries. Among them were the former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mr. Femi Pedro, who represented his former boss, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, who represented the governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; and Publisher, Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Ibru, among many others.