Gani Fawehinmi “I value friendships. I hope that politics won’t force me to break up with old pals. They were the closest of friends until Abacha tore them apart. Dr. Olu Onagoruwa and Gani Fawehinmi. They had the same tag team vibe. During the Babangida dictatorship, GSM phones were nonexistent. However, the two buddies made it their mission to speak on the land phone at around midnight, talking about the Babangida junta. Later, Gani clarified that he knew their phones were bugged and that the security personnel ought to be aware of the abuses, therefore it was intentional. Olu, as he affectionately called him, was often Gani’s attorney in court each time he was arrested and vice versa.
After starting this legal struggle with the government over Dele Giwa’s murder in 1986, Gani included Onagoruwa as one of his executors in his Will. Next came Abacha in November 1993, and Onagoruwa’s offer to become the Federation’s Attorney-General.
Gani cautioned him against accepting, saying it was risky for him and that the administration was only seeking credibility by selecting someone of his caliber. Onagoruwa’s Odogbolu kinsman, Lt-General Oladipo Diya, who served as the Chief of Staff during the Abacha administration, convinced him to agree.
That was the last time the two lifelong friends would interact. Onagoruwa was taken out of Gani’s Will’s executorship. Their communication had ceased. The gulag still housed Abiola. The abuse of human rights peaked. AGF was unaware of several horrible Decrees that were drafted a few years later.
Feeling betrayed and humiliated, he considered leaving the administration, which he eventually did. Based on other allegations, he was taken down. However, the establishment hinted to him inadvertently that he was unable to abandon the ship. Toyin, his lawyer and son, was killed by them. Onagoruwa experienced a stroke and depression.
Gani and his spouse visited the Onagoruwas to offer their condolences even after they parted ways.