 Fawehinmi, popularly called Gani, was born on 22 April 1938, the son of Saheed and Munirat Fawehinmi of Ondo, in Ondo State.His father, Chief Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi, the Seriki Musulumi of Ondo, was a successful timber trader, philanthropist, civic activist and muslim chieftain of the Yoruba people.He was reported to be a follower of Ajao, who brought Islam to Ondo City ,South Western Nigeria.Chief Saheed Tugbobo Fawehinmi died on 5 February 1963 at the age of 89 years.