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‘No woman wants to stay with my disabled condition’ + How Nigerian doctors made me unable to walk again – Gani Fawehinmi’s son, Mohammed laments

Published

8 years ago

March 3, 2018

Mohammed Fawehinmi is the first child of late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi. After a car accident in 2003, the 47-year-old lost his ability to walk. He told Eric Dumo how the incident changed his life and how he has managed to keep hope alive.

What was it like growing up under the roof of Gani Fawehinmi?

It was like growing up in a military camp. He gave the order and you must comply. You failed to do so and you got thoroughly punished. I particularly have been displaced with any sort of rod that you can imagine. Until the anger in him calmed, he would not stop punishing you. The only time you would offend my father and he let you walk away was whenever he sighted his mother. No matter your offence, he would not punish you once she was there.

Being the first child, my father made sure he disciplined me the most.

Did he groom you differently from the others being the first child and son?

Yes, he did. He’d always tell me that once he was gone, the mantle would fall on me. For the fact that I was very young then, I would always wonder what he was saying. But he never allowed me to rest; he ensured that I did more than the others in every aspect just because I was the first born. He groomed me like a man even as a boy.

What dreams did you nurse as a child?

I wanted to become an army general. I had three uncles in the army. Two of them were captains while one was a major. I loved the uniform and personality of military men, being like them was just what I wanted for myself.

When I was 14, we were given forms in school for the Nigerian Defence Academy. I hurriedly filled mine and took it to my father for him to sign; I never knew I had courted trouble. Till he died, I don’t think he had ever been that angry. He said I wanted to go and join the people that were throwing him in jail all the time. He said I wanted to join those who wanted to kill him. He said that it was better he killed me before I joined his enemies.

It took four senior lawyers to hold him down that day. One of them was OAR Ogunde, a senior advocate, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, Mike Philips and one other person. I had to run away from the scene as fast as I could and managed to jump the fence before tearing the form. I thought he had forgotten about everything but I was surprised when he woke me up with the cane at about 2:30am the next morning. He dealt with me thoroughly that day.

Later in life, I wanted to become a business administrator even though the desire to become a military man never left me. When I went to England to study law after my first degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos, I met a military general who further aroused my interest in the profession.

But immediately I finished my studies, my father was on my neck to return to Nigeria to attend law school. For a while, that interest waned in me but whenever I come across a military cantonment and I see the way the officers move, I feel like being a part of them.

You were not born with disability; at what point did this challenge occur?

I was coming from the chambers at night on the evening of September 23, 2003. The accident happened around 9:48pm. I used to stay at Ajao Estate then and I usually took the airport route to connect Ikeja. It was a Mercedes E320. By the time I got to the toll gate, I bought call card and prayed, something I had never done before because when I was at that place, I didn’t usually stop. I thereafter turned to link the express, as I approached a popular filling station on the axis, my car skidded off the road and leaped into the place. As the car landed, I tried to apply the brakes but it wasn’t responding. Eventually, the outlet where they used to check for petrol gauge stopped the vehicle. The airbag from the front came out and pinned me to the seat while the one from the side shifted me and broke my neck. After about one-and-a-half minute of struggle to burst the airbag, my entire body went numb. It was a naval officer who stopped to rescue me from the car, otherwise I could have been burnt alive in it because petrol was already spilling from it.

The first hospital I was rushed to at Ajao Estate said they could not handle my case, so I was taken to Maryland Specialist Hospital where we were advised to go to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi. It was while I was there that my parents were informed that I had been involved in an accident. I was there for about two days before my father secured a visa and moved me to England for further treatment.

I underwent several scans and examinations over there but the specialist surgeon said he didn’t see anything. I had to be operated upon. After the operation, the surgeon said I could have been walking the following week after the accident if not for the way I was handled at the hospital in Nigeria. He said the particular spot where the injury occurred should have been frozen with a special spray after the accident rather than being handled anyhow. That spray cost about N8,000 when converted to our local currency. It is so common abroad but up till now, many hospitals don’t even have it in Nigeria.

However, I was told that by 2006 I should have been walking. That year, I went for check-up in Isreal where they removed my bone marrows to go and inject in Turkey. After that procedure, my legs and hands jerked as if they wanted to detach themselves from my body. But since that time, I have not seen any sign of walking. I have been to several places since then for solution but there has been no significant luck.

So, how tough was it for you adjusting to your new situation?

I look at my ordeal as part of life’s ‘buffet’, just like it served my late father on several occasions. I feel I’m in a mini detention centre at the moment, but then, I’m positive that one day, I’ll be free.

But I’m glad that I have been able to practise as a trained lawyer despite the tragedy that I’ve encountered in life.

Are you able to access all the courts your cases are assigned following your inability to walk?

This is where I am not happy with government in Nigeria. In all the courts in Lagos, there is nowhere that lifts are functioning. On several occasions, my cases are assigned to courts on top floors, so I have to be carried by at least two people to be able to attend such sessions. It shouldn’t be this way.

Personally, I have written several letters to the Lagos State Government to call their attention to this but nothing has been done. I am really saddened by this because it is really affecting people like me.

Apart from not being able to move around freely, what other areas would you say the accident of 2003 has changed your life?

I am a man who was trained to work through the night. This accident has affected me in this regard because I am not able to do that now. The pain I go through at night is too severe for me to even think of doing such.

Also, the number of cases I’m able to handle in a day and week has reduced. This is a very painful restraint for me because I am somebody who loves to multi-task.

The accident has also affected my social life. I am somebody who loves to go out and have great times with friends but since this restriction occurred, I have been forced to abandon that aspect. But once in a while, I go out to eat ‘isi ewu’ and ‘nkwobi’.

You are yet to marry, what is the reason behind this? Is it that you’ve not found the right woman or your taste is high?

I certainly wish to marry and have children but then, there are so many things responsible for why I’m yet to do so.

I was around 32 when I had that accident and I already had a lady I wanted to marry. She was a very beautiful Igbo lady I met close to my father’s chambers. Even after the accident happened, she still wanted to stay with me; I was the one who advised her to move on because she may not be able to cope with the demands of my new condition. I couldn’t do anything on my own but depended on the help of others to survive. I didn’t want that huge burden on her, so I told her to move on and get herself another man. I was just being considerate. The lady went away disappointed.

I just felt that I shouldn’t bother any woman with my condition. I didn’t want anybody to marry me out of pity. Even though I always have females around me, it is not every woman that can stay with a person with disability of my kind. Most of the women I have met in recent times are not the ones that can stay with a man, they are the type who would want to attend parties and keep all sorts of friends instead of looking after me. Of course, a few have come close to what I want but the temperament is nothing to write home about.

Is there no pressure on you to marry from family members?

In fact, words can’t describe the intensity of the pressure on me right now as far as marriage is concerned. My mother and uncles disturb me about this topic almost every day. But what they don’t understand is that most women I have met hardly want to commit themselves after the initial meeting because of my condition. As it is, I am just praying that there’ll be a miracle from God in this aspect.

I am very optimistic that one day, I am going to walk again but then I’ll be glad if it will be to walk down the aisle with my soulmate. I really want to marry and have children. I think about this every day.

As successful as you are as a lawyer and even coupled with your father’s name, do people still stigmatise you?

A lot of people treat me like a leper on many occasions as a result of my condition. People say all sorts of nasty things to me and call me all sorts of names. But because I know that those words cannot limit my progress in life, I just ignore such.

What are some of the biggest barriers you’ve had to break to get to where you are today?

At every point in my journey, I’ve had to convince people with my performance that I can still achieve a lot despite my disability. Getting my chamber registered and even handling big cases have been huge barriers I’ve had to surmount to get to this point in my career.

Would you say your father’s name has opened or closed more doors against you?

It’s a balance. Some people appreciate me for being his son, while others stylishly turn me down for being his child.

Are you sometimes under pressure to fill the vacuum left behind by your father being his first child?

I am perpetually under pressure to fill the void left by my father. As a result of who my father was, there are certain things I must not be involved in. In fact, there are things I must make my own business whether I like it or not. It is a huge role to play and sometimes, I feel the heat.

How do you think government can make life better for people living with disabilities in Nigeria?

They must first of all do an in-depth study on the needs of the people in this category. It is only through this means that a comprehensive policy that would cater for the needs of people with special needs can be addressed.

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Why Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 Should Stand with Engr. Abayomi David Fasanya (FASH)

Published

3 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Sahara Weekly

By Ayodele Adeyeye

In every electoral cycle, constituents are presented with a familiar challenge: choosing not just a candidate, but a leader who embodies the values, vision and commitment required to drive meaningful development. For the people of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1, this moment calls for careful reflection and a decisive choice—one that prioritizes credibility, competence and community connection.

Among those seeking to represent the constituency, Engr. Abayomi David Fasanya (popularly known as FASH) has emerged as a compelling option, distinguished by his track record, grassroots engagement and forward-looking vision

At a time when public trust in leadership is often tested, FASH represents a refreshing alternative. He is widely regarded as a man of integrity, whose approach to leadership is rooted in service rather than self-interest. His long-standing connection with the people of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 gives him a clear understanding of the socio-economic realities facing residents—from youth unemployment and infrastructure deficits to the need for sustainable community development.

One of the defining attributes of FASH’s candidacy is his strong grassroots appeal. Unlike many who approach leadership from a distance, he has remained closely connected to the community, engaging with residents, listening to their concerns and participating in initiatives aimed at improving their welfare. This familiarity positions him not just as a representative, but as a true voice of the people.

Equally important is his emphasis on service-driven leadership. In a political climate often dominated by rhetoric, FASH’s message is centered on tangible impact. His agenda reflects a commitment to delivering practical solutions—policies and programs that directly address the needs of the constituency while creating opportunities for growth and empowerment.

Furthermore, FASH has consistently advocated for unity and collective progress. He recognizes that the development of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 depends on collaboration across diverse groups and interests. By promoting inclusiveness, peace and shared purpose, he aims to foster an environment where progress is not only achievable but sustainable.

Central to his campaign is a clear and actionable vision for development. This includes prioritizing youth empowerment through skills acquisition and job creation, supporting small and medium-scale enterprises and advocating for improved infrastructure and social services. His professional background as an engineer further strengthens his capacity to approach development with structure, innovation and efficiency.

As the constituency prepares to make a critical decision about its future, the need for leadership that inspires confidence and delivers results cannot be overstated. Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 deserves a representative who will illuminate pathways to progress, restore hope in governance and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the community.

Engr. Abayomi David Fasanya (FASH) presents himself as that candidate—one ready to serve with dedication, guided by a vision of light, growth and inclusive development.

The choice ultimately rests with the people. But in FASH, many see not just a contender, but a leader prepared to translate aspiration into action and promise into progress.

Asoludero fun ilu Oshodi.

Ayodele Adeyeye writes from, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos State

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Court Strikes Out Case Against Adedipe Ewenla, Alleges Political Persecution

Published

4 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Sahara Weekly

A former aspirant for the Lagos State House of Representatives and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla, has announced that the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi has struck out a case instituted against him, citing lack of merit and absence of credible evidence.

Describing the judgment as a clear vindication, Ewenla attributed the outcome to divine intervention, maintaining that the allegations brought against him were false, malicious, and politically motivated.

Allegation of Unlawful Detention

In a statement made available to the public, Ewenla recounted his alleged unlawful detention for 37 days in 2019 during his political aspiration. He claimed the incident occurred under the tenure of the then Commissioner of Police and was orchestrated by political opponents seeking to frustrate his ambition.

He emphasized that participation in politics is a constitutional right of every Nigerian and expressed concern that his experience reflected a troubling reality for opposition members in Lagos State.

Declared Wanted Without Due Process

Ewenla further alleged that he was declared wanted without prior invitation or formal communication from security agencies. He maintained that he did not evade arrest but voluntarily presented himself at the OC SARS, Ikeja Police Command upon learning of the allegations.

According to him, due process was not followed, as he was detained for 37 days, while his wife was held for nine days, alongside several members of his campaign team who were also detained for varying periods.

Alleged Political Influence

He also alleged that during his detention, an Investigating Police Officer questioned his involvement in opposition politics, suggesting that his release was subject to directives “from above.” Ewenla described this as evidence of political interference in the matter.

He stated that his eventual arraignment and release on bail came only after sustained legal intervention and the invocation of his fundamental human rights.

Pipeline Vandalization Allegation

Addressing claims linking him to a pipeline vandalization incident in Abule-Egba in December 2018, Ewenla denied any involvement. He noted that statements from actual suspects reportedly absolved him, yet he was still declared wanted and publicly associated with the crime.

He added that he was never paraded alongside the suspects, which, according to him, further indicates an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

Claims of Political Intimidation

Ewenla alleged continued political intimidation following his refusal to defect to the ruling party. He claimed that after emerging victorious in a House of Representatives primary election in 2022, a previously dismissed case was revived amid internal party disputes.

He noted that the matter was eventually dismissed again, leading to his discharge and acquittal.

Call for Professionalism by Security Agencies

Ewenla called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army, to remain neutral, professional, and free from political influence, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.

He also urged media organizations and journalists to prioritize verification and accuracy in their reporting to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Commitment to Political Participation

Despite the challenges, Ewenla reaffirmed his commitment to active political participation, stating that he remains undeterred and will continue to contribute to democratic processes.

When asked about his plans for the 2027 general elections, he stated that his decision would be guided by the direction of the party leadership and relevant legal outcomes affecting the PDP.

Appreciation

He expressed gratitude to his legal team, associates, and supporters, including Barrister Ejide Lawal, Omolola Oyetoro, Adedipe Modupe Oyinlola, Omolola Salami, the late Babatunde Kode, Adedipe Nuren, Adekunle, and Shodiya Abraham Adebayo, among others, for their steadfast support.

Background

Hon. Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla is the MD/CEO of Adedas Development Foundation. He holds multiple academic and professional qualifications, including BSc, B-Tech, MSc, and certifications in surveying, real estate, and security studies. He currently serves as PDP Southwest Ex-Officio.

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CSO gives IGP 24-hour ultimatum to release Hammed Akanbi

Published

2 days ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Civil society Organisation has raised concern over a disturbing sequence of events that point to an alleged high-level conspiracy within the Nigeria Police Force led by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare (AIG Zone 2), targeted at Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.

The CSO in a press conference addressed by its leader Com Kolawole Emmanuel , gave the Inspector General of Police a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit and unrestricted access to his legal representatives and family members.

It said: “Our findings reveal that this matter is not isolated but deeply rooted in the long-standing crisis within the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State; a crisis that predates the tenure of Jimoh Moshood Olorundare as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

“At the core of this crisis is the control and allocation of vast ancestral lands spanning over 22 communities. This dispute has polarised the community into factions: those aligned with the Kabiesi and those loyal to Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who serves as Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Ojomu Royal Family.

“A troubling dimension emerged with the alleged ambition of Bashir Fakorede to ascend the Ojomu stool while the current monarch remains alive. Credible allegations indicate that Bashir Fakorede identified Mr. Akanbi as the principal obstacle to this ambition and openly declared his intention to “crush” him.

“It is further alleged that Bashir Fakorede enlisted the support of Muiz Banire (SAN), who purportedly assured him of leveraging institutional connections, including the office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, to ensure the prosecution and conviction of Mr. Akanbi.

“In furtherance of this alleged scheme, Bashir Fakorede reportedly conspired with Jimoh Moshood Olorundare who was then the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, now Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 2.

“It is alleged that inducements, including four plots of land at Chevron Drive valued at about ₦1.2 billion, were offered to Jimoh Moshood to secure cooperation in orchestrating Mr. Akanbi’s arrest and eventual elimination.

“Subsequently, a previously investigated and resolved murder allegation was resurrected under questionable circumstances. Individuals were allegedly arrested at random and coerced into making incriminating statements falsely linking Mr. Akanbi to the death of one Sheriff Salami.

“Despite Mr. Akanbi being outside Nigeria on medical grounds, he was declared wanted on 19th February 2026 by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, a move widely regarded as procedurally defective. This declaration allegedly triggered sponsored acts of violence, including the destruction of his property in Ajiran.

“Legal proceedings initiated by Mr. Akanbi at the Ikeja High Court (Suit No: ID/21447MFHR/2026) challenged this action. Notably, an earlier arrest and remand order obtained through Charge No: Misc/60A/2026 was set aside by the same court due to misrepresentation and concealment of material facts.

“A subsequent application (Charge No: MISC/126/2026) was also refused, with the court directing proper procedure upon his return.

“Following a petition dated 23rd February 2026, the Inspector General of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the X-Squad, FCID, Alagbon. However, in a controversial turn of events, Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, now AIG Zone 2, allegedly insisted on retaining control over the matter.

“Following the clear directive of Court in charge no: MISC/126/2026 that proper procedure be followed by inviting Mr. Akanbi, he was enroute Nigeria from France through Benin Republic when he was eventually arrested in the Benin Republic but the Police on the claim that they have information that he was declared wanted by Jimoh Moshood.

“He was thereafter transferred to Nigeria on 17th April 2026. Since then, he has allegedly been subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment, including:

“Being publicly exposed in handcuffs by associates linked to Bashir Fakorede, particularly one Rukayat Omolara who is alleged to have over the internet with the photographs and video of Akanbi in hand and leg chain, a recording she made while he was in custody of Jimoh Moshood; denial of access to legal counsel and family; interrogation in the presence of individuals allegedly linked to the law firms of Muiz Banire (SAN) and Olumide Fusika (SAN), who are not law enforcement officers; personal supervision of his detention by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, including signing detention orders and placing him in a private cell at SCID Panti; continuous use of hand and leg restraints while in custody.

“Most alarming are intelligence reports suggesting a deliberate plot to poison Mr. Akanbi with substances designed to cause delayed fatal consequences after release.

“These actions, if proven, constitute egregious violations of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and fundamental human rights protections.

“In light of the foregoing, we hereby issue a 24-HOUR ULTIMATUM to the Inspector General of Police demanding: the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit; unrestricted access to his legal representatives, family members, and medical professionals; a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the roles of all officers and individuals implicated, particularly Jimoh Moshood Olorundare; full compliance with subsisting court rulings and strict adherence to due process.

“Failure to comply within 24 hours will compel us to escalate this matter through all lawful protest and institutional mechanisms, including judicial actions, petitions to oversight bodies, and coordinated civil advocacy at both national and international levels.

“This is a defining moment for the rule of law in Nigeria. We call on the Inspector General of Police to act decisively and restore public confidence in the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.”