Fawehinmi lost her battle with lung cancer in September 2009, following a protracted and valiant fight. His passing signaled the end of a life dedicated to the unwavering pursuit of democracy, justice, and the protection of Nigeria’s oppressed people. Even after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis in 2008, Fawehinmi persisted in his campaigning in spite of his deteriorating health. Known for taking a courageous stand for social justice and human rights, he continued to speak out despite being ill. Many were astonished to learn that he had cancer because he had never smoked.
Being an outspoken person, Fawehinmi expressed his dissatisfaction with the Nigerian healthcare system and his profound need to travel outside for treatment due to the lack of proper medical facilities in his home country.
At the age of 71, Fawehinmi passed away on September 5, 2009, after a protracted battle with the illness. On September 15, he was buried in his native Ondo City, Nigeria. Fawehinmi passed away a disillusioned man, profoundly unhappy in the situation of his country at the time of his death, despite his enormous contributions to the country.
His rejection of the greatest national accolade bestowed upon him, in a potent final act of defiance, expressed his dissatisfaction withthe administration and the country he had worked so hard to better.
