Elder statesman, Dr.Tunji Braithwaite, is dead, aged 82. The lawyer and former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Advance Party, NAP, died at St. Nicholas hospital, Lagos on Monday, March 28. He was born in 1933. He was the youngest son of eight children. He was educated at the prestigious CMS Grammar. He would later proceed to sit for his A Levels at the London University at Kennington College in 1955 and enrolled in 1957/58 as a Law student at the Council of Legal Education, London. He was admitted into Lincoln’s Inn the same year and graduated as a barrister in 1960.

In February 1961, he was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn and thereafter signed the Rolls of Barristers at the High Court of Justice, Strand, London before returning to Nigeria. In March 1961, he was enrolled as a Barrister and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He was a very vocal voice in Nigerian politics in his early days.

Meantime, the Lagos State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has commiserated with the family of Dr. Tunji Braithwaite. In a statement signed by Mr Taofik Gani, Publicity Secretary, of the PDP, Lagos State Chapter, the party described the late Braithwaite as a patriot, fearless speaker, astute politician and an intelligent lawyer.

“May his revolutionary soul rest in peace, as we pray that the Lord should give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.

“Dr Braithwaite has done his part and his legacy is rich enough for us to emulate and improve upon.

“He has lived a fulfilled life and his contributions to nation building should win him a posthumous national award. Indeed, the Federal Government should participate in the burial of the late sage,’’ the statement said.

Dr. Kayode Ajulo, a former National Secretary of the Labour Party, also described the late Braithwaite as a great and gifted lawyer, with rare technicalities. Ajulo who is also the Chairman, Egalitarian Mission Africa, said: “I was privileged to have appeared against the senior lawyer at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

“In spite of my fierce opposition during our arguments that went personal, after the court session, he extended a hand of fellowship to me.

“He offered words of advice and heartily commended me. He was a good man”.