By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos—Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday, paid glowing tribute to late activist and foremost lawyer, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, saying he was inspired by his disposition towards the masses and the people of Nigeria.

Similarly, Bishop of Lagos Anglican Diocese, Most Reverend, Dr Adebola Ademowo, said from the testimonies of people about the deceased, he lived an impactful life and Nigerians to think about the legacies they would live behind.

Governor Ambode, who made the remarks at the burial service, held in honour of late Braithwaite at Reverend Braithwaite Memorial Anglican Church, Epe, said he was a beneficiary of the kindness of the Braithwaite family, as the late nationalist fought for good causes and for Nigerians throughout his lifetime.

According to the governor: “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, on behalf of the good people of Lagos, that we must honour this very good man and to also immortalize him in a way that people can come to understand those who actually stood for true democracy and also fought for the masses but they never had the opportunity to do what it is that I have a chance to replicate.

“I just want to encourage the family because we are celebrating and we know that those yet unborn will read about what Dr. Braithwaite actually stood for. He was a foremost lawyer, statesman and an activist.

”He spent all his life fighting good causes especially for the common man. He fought for what he believed in and he had strong conviction to be the voice of the voiceless and whatever it is that we are advocating as change today has actually been manifested from all the things he had preached about.

“He was consistent and persistent in the fight to enthrone better society for all Nigerians. He was deeply religious and this church is one of his contributions. He has left good footprints on the sand of time for us, including myself to follow and his efforts will never be in vain,” the governor said.

Drawing his lessons from the book of Matthew 25: 14-21, Romans 12: 6 and 1Peter 4:10, Most Reverend Ademowo said 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, the national rebirth of the country must start with all through inculcation of virtues of selflessness, honesty, integrity,” the clergyman urged.