To Mohammed Fawehinmi

Sir: Mohammed’s late father, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and my late dad, Dr. Olu Onagoruwa were lawyers whose passion for the protection of the human rights of the ordinary Nigerian citizen culminated in their close friendship in the 1970’s. Invariably, we their children, saw each other often on family visits and there-on formed bonds of friendship that has transcended our fathers’ lives. Both Mohammed and I were the first born in both our families and age mates, so an amiable friendship easily blossomed between us.
 
As time would reveal, Mohammed a.k.a. (Mannix/ Niiggggeeeeerrrrrr), had qualities I deeply admired. He was reliable, loyal and trustworthy. Our friendship stood the test of time based on these qualities we had in common. As teenagers, we spent quality time together, catching fun and talking life; in fact, his first serious romantic relationship was with a girl, whom he met through me.
 
Later, we both moved to England in the 1990’s to study. Our friendship grew as we visited each others’ universities countless times back then. In 2002, Manix  was one of my groomsmen at my wedding. We talked about me returning the favour with him at his wedding. His unfortunate accident a year after, devastated me in many ways. Nevertheless, I was grateful to God my friend was still alive.