Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN has been unanimously endorsed by the Body of Benchers as its new Vice Chairman. The Body took the decision on Thursday, as the Body’s outgoing Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, handed over the baton to Justice Mary Odili, who was his Vice Chairman.
However, the body outrightly rejected the nomination of Mrs Funke Adekoya, SAN, who was nominated by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Its President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, had in a letter dated March 27, 2023, nominated Mrs Adekoya for the post.
Contrary to NBA’s nomination, BoB adheres strictly to the rule of seniority as to admission into the Body. It does not permit contests, lobbying, or jumping the gun. Everyone is expected to strictly wait for his or her time. The register is arranged strictly on the basis of seniority, and is not subject to change. This arrangement according to a source close to the operations of the Body, is in line with its conservative nature, and standard of orderliness, distinction, and reputation expected of every member of the Body.
At the meeting, the members unanimously endorsed Awomolo as Vice Chairman to take over from Mrs Odili on March 30, 2024. The next in line is Chief Albert Akpomudje SAN, followed by Mrs Adekoya, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and Chief J.B Daudu, SAN in that order.
A versatile and amiable gentleman, Awomolo studied Law at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, between 1974 and 1977; and attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in 1978. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1978.
In addition to his legal education, Awomolo, a devout Christian and Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, attended the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomosho, between 2003 and 2004, where he obtained a Diploma Certificate.
A Life Bencher, Church Usher, Life Member of Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship, and a Volunteer Legal Adviser to the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Awomolo has a unique and diverse work experience.
The respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria was appointed Life Member, Body of Benchers, by then Chief Justice of the Federation, the Hon. Justice Mohammed Bello. He has been Member, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria since 1992. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of Nigeria, and Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Ilorin Branch of the NBA, in 2016, appointed Awomolo Member, Board of Trustees, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, a position he holds to date.
