March of Silence

Tunji Braithwaite Foundation: 10th Year Commemoration of Dr Braithwaite | 26.06.26 March of Silence

WHO WAS DR. TUNJI BRAITHWAITE? [1933-2016]

Dr Tunji Braithwaite was a lawyer, politician, and human rights advocate. For over six decades he was a consistent voice for constitutionalism, rule of law, and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria. His work fused legal practice with moral philosophy, insisting that law must serve humanity, not the other way around.

HIS JUSTICE PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICE

Human Dignity is Non-Negotiable: He held that the state’s authority ends where the dignity of the individual begins, especially for the poor, the accused, and the detained.

Accountability of Power: He consistently confronted arbitrary detention, police brutality, and prolonged pretrial detention, often providing pro bono legal representation for the indigent.

Restorative Justice: He advocated for prison reform that restores rather than destroys, arguing that correctional centres must uphold the humanity of those within them.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR 26.06.26

The March of Silence embodies Dr. Braithwaite’s jurisprudence. On the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, participants will engage in a silent, dignified act to affirm the humanity and rights of persons in custody.

Ikoyi Custodial Centre is chosen deliberately. It represents both the historic weight of Nigeria’s correctional system and the ongoing challenges of overcrowding and delayed trials that Dr. Braithwaite addressed throughout his life.

The Tunji Braithwaite Foundation anchors this commemoration to preserve and advance his legacy through legal representation, advocacy, public education, and partnerships for justice reform. 

In honour of Dr Tunji Braithwaite’s enduring legacy of defending the oppressed, and as part of activities commemorating the 10th anniversary of his transition, the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation TBF is organising a 3-in-1 commemorative programme on Friday, June 26, 2026. Incidentally, 26.06.26 is also the UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Event details:

1. Visit to Ikoyi Custodial Centre | 9:00am – 10:30am | A 20-person delegation will visit the Ikoyi Custodial Centre with relief materials for inmates.

2. March of Silence | 11:00am – 12:00 noon | Route: Ikoyi Custodial Centre → Obalende → Tunji Braithwaite Park 

Note on Format: 

Participants: Approximately 500 persons, including lawyers, clergy, Muslim clerics, civil society organisations, families of inmates, and other stakeholders dressed in white T-shirts inscribed with Breaking the Silence. Some participants will wear symbolic black armbands and black tape over their mouths to represent the voiceless prisoners and victims of injustice.

The March will be strictly silent. The procession will be peaceful, solemn, and completely non-political. There will be no slogans, placards, chants, or banners. 

3. Breaking the Silence 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm | Venue: Tunji Braithwaite Park

At the Park, Breaking the Silence will unfold with short speeches delivered by key stakeholders. These speeches will proffer strategic interventions aimed at ameliorating the plight of awaiting-trial prisoners. The event will end with a petition to the Chief Judge of Lagos to exercise his prerogative of mercy and release hundreds of these prisoners. 

This event seeks not only to highlight the plight of awaiting-trial prisoners, but also to renew public commitment to justice, compassion, rehabilitation, and humane treatment within Nigeria’s correctional system.