Tunji Braithwaite Biography, Education, Career, Controversies, And Death
Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, a prominent Nigerian lawyer, author, and politician, was born in 1933 as the youngest son in a family of eight children. He passed away at the age of 82 on March 28, 2016, at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos after a brief illness. Braithwaite was known for his fierce advocacy against corruption and dictatorship in Nigeria and founded the Nigeria Advance Party, playing a significant role in the nation’s pro-democracy movements.
Tunji Braithwaite Profile
| Name | Dr. Tunji Braithwaite |
| Real Name | Tunji Braithwaite |
| Date of Birth | 1933 |
| Date of Death | 28 March 2016 (82 years) |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Lawyer, Author, and Politician |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $600,000 |
| Copied from | contents101.com |
Educational Background
Tunji Braithwaite began his education at the prestigious C.M.S Grammar School, entering the preparatory section in 1946 and completing his studies seven years later. He pursued his A-Levels at the London University at Kennington College in 1955. Braithwaite then enrolled as a law student at the Council of Legal Education in London in 1957/58. He was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1961 and subsequently signed the Rolls of Barristers at the High Court of Justice in London before returning to Nigeria.
Career
Upon his return to Nigeria, Tunji Braithwaite established a successful corporate and civil law practice. He became renowned as a defense attorney, taking on high-profile cases and challenging corruption and military dictatorship. One of his most notable cases was in 1977 when he represented the Kuti family, securing the release of Beko and Fela Kuti from detention and seeking redress for rights abuses under the Olusegun Obasanjo-led military junta. Braithwaite led a team of distinguished lawyers, including Olu Onagoruwa and Alao Aka-Bashorun, in this landmark case.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Tunji Braithwaite was involved in various legal and political controversies due to his outspoken stance against corruption and authoritarianism. His legal battles often put him at odds with powerful figures in the Nigerian government. Additionally, a recent controversy involved his son, Olumide Braithwaite, who survived a serious motor accident in Abuja in May 2023. The family issued a statement thanking the public for their support and requesting privacy during Olumide’s recovery.
Personal Life
Tunji Braithwaite married his childhood sweetheart, Grace Falade, in 1956 while they were both undergraduates. The couple had five children and numerous grandchildren. Braithwaite’s personal life was marked by his commitment to his family and his unwavering dedication to his professional and political endeavors.
Tunji Braithwaite Net Worth
Tunji Braithwaite is estimated to be worth around $800,000 during his life time.
Death
Tunji Braithwaite passed away on March 28, 2016, at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, after a brief illness. He was 82 years old. His death marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to justice, democracy, and the betterment of his country. His passing was mourned by many who admired his contributions to Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
