Braithwaite Family Fires Back at Obasanjo Over ‘Offensive’ Remarks on Their Patriarch”

The family of the late Dr. Tunji Braithwaite has strongly condemned former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent remarks about their patriarch, calling them “offensive” and “a failed attempt to tarnish a towering legacy.”

A statement issued by the family on Monday, and signed by Olumide Braithwaite, son of the late legal icon, stated that the family will not tolerate any attack on the reputation of their father.

The controversy started during the launch of General Ibrahim Babangida’s (IBB) book on February 20, 2025, when Obasanjo, in what seemed like an offhand remark, referred to Dr. Tunji Braithwaite as “such a character,” while cautioning IBB about potential criticism of his book. Obasanjo also accused Braithwaite of harboring “bad belle” — Nigerian slang for resentment — stemming from past disagreements.

Barrister Olumide Braithwaite vehemently rejected Obasanjo’s comments, asserting: “It is not, and never will be, in Obasanjo’s place to use Tunji Braithwaite’s name as a punching bag. While he was alive, it never happened. In the animal world, the prancing gazelle knows that a lion lying dead does not lose its lioness. The name Tunji Braithwaite still has its bite.”

The Braithwaite family accused Obasanjo of using the book launch as a platform to rewrite history and downplay Dr. Braithwaite’s lifelong commitment to fighting military rule and promoting democratic values.

Olumide emphasized, “Tunji Braithwaite was a fierce critic of all military juntas in Nigeria, not just Obasanjo’s regime.”

Olumide recounted key moments from Dr. Braithwaite’s storied career, including his legal defense of Fela Anikulapo Kuti against Obasanjo’s military regime in 1978 and his founding of the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP) that same year, which faced roadblocks from the military establishment.

“Despite meeting all constitutional criteria, the Obasanjo junta denied NAP registration. Yet, my father persisted and even contested the 1983 general elections,” Olumide noted.

He further highlighted Dr. Braithwaite’s steadfast stance against successive military dictatorships, including those led by Babangida and Sani Abacha. Olumide spoke of his father’s personal sacrifices, including wrongful imprisonment, the destruction of his businesses, and threats to his life. “He stood tall, unwavering, when others fled into exile,” he added.

Barrister Olumide also criticized Obasanjo’s legacy, questioning his moral authority to comment on Dr. Braithwaite.

“This is the same man still battling allegations of corruption from his time in office, including the unresolved NEPA billions scandal,” he asserted.

The Braithwaite family also took the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his candid remarks at the IBB book launch, where he criticized IBB for failing to deepen democracy during his rule. Olumide revealed that President Tinubu himself had acknowledged Dr. Braithwaite’s influence on his political philosophy.

Barrister Olumide reaffirmed the Braithwaite family’s commitment to defending their father’s legacy, stating, “Dr. Tunji Braithwaite was a man of immense integrity who inspired generations without ever holding public office. His life’s work transcends politics — it’s a symbol of courage, justice, and patriotism.”

He warned “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.”