The Yoruba Nation has been thrown into mourning following the passing of a foremost Yoruba leader and staunch advocate for Yoruba self-determination, Barrister (Dr.) Janet O. Fashakin.
She passed on to glory today, Saturday September 14, 2024, at the age of 66. The sad news was announced by Pastor Joseph A. Olawale, the Regional Superintendent of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) North America, on behalf of the church’s North American Regional Office.
Dr. Fashakin was a revered figure in the Yoruba Nation Movement and the former National General Secretary of the National Council of Egbe Omo Obokun of Ijesaland North America, where she championed the causes of the Yoruba people, both locally and internationally. Her commitment to advancing the Yoruba identity, culture, and rights was unmatched, earning her a prominent place among the vanguards of the Yoruba self-determination movement.
A Distinguished Career in Law and Advocacy
Beyond her contributions to Yoruba nationalism, Dr. Fashakin was a seasoned attorney with over two decades of legal practice, primarily based in New York. She began her legal career after obtaining her Bachelor of Laws degree from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. She furthered her legal education with a Master’s degree in Law from Yeshiva University’s Cardozo School of Law in New York and pursued her doctoral studies in Criminal Justice at Walden University in Baltimore, USA. Her dissertation explored the challenges African American women face upon their release from prison, reflecting her deep commitment to social justice.
Dr. Fashakin was admitted to the bar of several courts, including the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Supreme Court of New York, the Eastern and Southern District Courts of New York, and the Supreme Court of the United States. Her practice areas encompassed immigration law, family law, criminal defense, child custody, and foreclosure matters. She was well-regarded for her compassion and dedication to clients, regardless of their race, religion, or social status.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Fashakin received numerous accolades, including recognition in the prestigious “Stratford’s Who’s Who” directory and the “Top Ten Attorneys in Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Family Law. She also served as a Guardian Ad Litem in New York, representing the interests of incapacitated individuals in probate matters, and as a Small Claims Court Arbitrator.
In addition to her legal work, Dr. Fashakin was a certified registered nurse, realtor, and public administrator, showcasing her multifaceted expertise across various fields.
Yoruba Activism and Grassroots Leadership
Dr. Fashakin was a staunch leader of the Yoruba Self-Development Movement (YSDM) and played a significant role in advocating for Yoruba autonomy. She worked closely with key Yoruba figures, including Chief Sunday Igboho, during his time of exile, and was instrumental in supporting his release. Her contributions to the Yoruba cause were not limited to politics alone; she actively worked to empower women and marginalized communities through grassroots efforts.
She founded the Ijesa Ladies Union (I.L.U) International, a nonprofit organization that focused on supporting widows and their children in Ijesaland. Additionally, as National Women Leader of the CAC in North America, she spearheaded the Macedonia Project, which provided care for poor widows and orphans in the church community.
A Life of Dedication to Family and Service
Dr. Fashakin’s commitment to her community and profession was paralleled by her dedication to her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother, who found joy in simple pleasures like walking, reading, and singing. Fluent in both Yoruba and English, she maintained a strong connection to her Yoruba roots while embracing her role as a leader in the diaspora.
Her passing marks the end of an era for many in the Yoruba Nation Movement, as well as the legal and social justice communities she impacted throughout her life. Dr. Janet Fashakin leaves behind a legacy of unwavering advocacy, professional excellence, and a heart for service. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.
