Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Ehinfun-Adekunle has made history as Nigeria’s youngest female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), attaining the prestigious legal rank at the age of 40.
The lawyer was among 68 legal practitioners sworn in as Senior Advocates of Nigeria by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on 12 October 2026, during the opening of the 2026/2027 legal year.
Her elevation followed the approval of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee on 23 July 2026. Four women were among the 68 practitioners selected for the prestigious rank.
Ehinfun-Adekunle’s career spans litigation, commercial dispute resolution, arbitration and other areas of legal practice. Her professional journey also reflects the importance of mentorship, continuous learning and advocacy for justice system reform.
Here are 10 facts about Nigeria’s youngest female SAN.
1. She was born in Kaduna State
Ehinfun-Adekunle was born on 25 June 1986, in Kaduna State. She is originally from Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State, in south-western Nigeria.
2. She studied law at Obafemi Awolowo University
She obtained her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, between 2003 and 2009.
She subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School from 2009 to 2010 before proceeding to the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, where she earned a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in International Trade Law between 2011 and 2012.
She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the United Kingdom.
3. She worked at established legal organisations
Before joining Afe Babalola & Co. in September 2013, Ehinfun-Adekunle worked at D. D. Dodo & Co. and the Nuhu Ribadu Campaign Organisation.
These experiences contributed to her professional development before she advanced to partnership at one of Nigeria’s established law firms.
4. She became a partner at Afe Babalola & Co. in 2013
Ehinfun-Adekunle joined Afe Babalola & Co. as a partner in September 2013.
Her areas of practice include complex litigation, commercial dispute resolution, oil and gas, arbitration, election petitions, transactional law and regulatory compliance.
She has also appeared before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
5. She attained SAN rank in 2026
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approved Ehinfun-Adekunle’s elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on 23 July 2026.
She was subsequently sworn in alongside 67 other legal practitioners on 12 October 2026.
The SAN rank is one of the highest professional distinctions in Nigeria’s legal profession, recognising practitioners who have distinguished themselves through advocacy and professional excellence.
6. Her interest in law began early
Ehinfun-Adekunle reportedly developed an interest in advocacy during her childhood.
According to accounts of her early years, her parents described her as talkative, a trait that was also reflected in her primary school reports.
Stories told by her father about politics in the old Western Region and the legal career of Chief Rotimi Williams, popularly known as “Timi the Law”, helped shape her interest in the legal profession.
7. She credits mentors for influencing her career
Ehinfun-Adekunle has identified Aare Afe Babalola, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Kehinde Ogunwumiju and Pastor R. A. Ogunwole among the people who have influenced her professional journey.
Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has also publicly celebrated her achievement. According to reports, he mentored her after they met when she was a fresh law graduate around 2010 or 2011.
Their relationship highlights the role mentorship can play in supporting young professionals as they navigate demanding careers.
8. She advocates reforms to improve the justice system
Following her elevation, Ehinfun-Adekunle identified delays in the administration of justice as a major challenge facing Nigeria’s legal system.
She noted that prolonged litigation imposes financial burdens on litigants and called for reforms to improve the efficiency of the courts.
Among the measures she advocated were judicial financial autonomy, compliance with court orders, specialised commercial courts and steps to reduce the Supreme Court’s caseload.
Her position underscores the need for a justice system that delivers timely and accessible outcomes.
9. She supports mentoring young lawyers
Ehinfun-Adekunle has emphasised the importance of mentoring young legal practitioners, particularly women entering the profession.
She has also highlighted the need to maintain high standards of advocacy and professional conduct.
Her career progression offers an example of how academic preparation, practical experience and guidance from established professionals can contribute to advancement in the legal profession.
10. Her elevation marks a major career milestone
Attaining the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria at 40 represents a significant achievement in Ehinfun-Adekunle’s legal career.
Beyond the personal recognition, her elevation places her among practitioners distinguished for their contributions to legal practice and advocacy.
Her professional journey also draws attention to the importance of developing young legal talent, strengthening mentorship opportunities and addressing structural challenges within Nigeria’s justice system.
As she advances in her career, her experience may serve as a source of encouragement for aspiring lawyers, particularly women seeking to build careers in litigation and other specialised areas of legal practice.
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