Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, born on October 7, 1970, in Edo State, Nigeria, is a distinguished legal practitioner with over three decades of experience in corporate and commercial law.

His rise to prominence as a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and his involvement in high-profile legal matters have earned him widespread recognition both in Nigeria and internationally.

Olumide Akpata Biography

Olumide was born into a family that valued education and hard work. His mother, Mrs. Patience Oluwafunmilayo Akpata (née Obasahon), was a respected businesswoman, while his father, Mr. Akpata, a medical doctor, initially hoped his son would pursue medicine.

However, Olumide chose a different path, opting for law after initially considering business administration. He attended King’s College, Lagos, one of the country’s most prestigious secondary schools, before heading to the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he earned his law degree in 1992.

Shortly after, Akpata attended the Nigerian Law School, where he completed his legal training, and in December 1993, at the age of 23, he was called to the Nigerian Bar. His early career began with his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service in Kano, after which he gained invaluable experience working for one of Nigeria’s leading litigators, Dr. Mudiaga Odje, SAN.

Career at Templars: A Leading Role in Corporate Law

Olumide’s legal journey took a pivotal turn when he joined Templars, a top-tier commercial law firm co-founded by his cousin, Oghogho Akpata. Moving to Lagos, he became deeply involved in the firm’s operations, quickly rising through the ranks.

Over time, Olumide established himself as a Senior Partner and head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group, focusing on areas like mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and oil and gas law.

Under Akpata’s leadership, Templars grew to be one of Nigeria’s most prominent law firms, known for its robust team of over 100 lawyers.

His expertise in handling high-stakes corporate transactions brought him into close contact with major multinational companies, such as Google, for whom he facilitated the launch of Google Street View in Nigeria.

One of his major accomplishments was advising Access Bank on its merger with Diamond Bank, a monumental deal that led to the creation of one of Africa’s largest retail banks.

He also played a crucial role in the restructuring of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), which opened the door to the privatization of Nigeria’s power sector, as well as advising on the acquisition of telecommunication towers from Airtel Networks Limited for American Tower Corporation.

His vast knowledge and contributions have made him a trusted legal advisor, not just in Nigeria but also on the international stage, where he has counseled leading global companies.

Groundbreaking NBA Presidency

In 2020, Olumide Akpata achieved a milestone in Nigerian legal history by becoming the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). His election was significant, as he was the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to hold the position in more than three decades.

Akpata’s campaign resonated with a large number of Nigerian lawyers, particularly younger members of the Bar, who were eager for change and reform within the association.

During his tenure, Akpata implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare and professional development of lawyers.

He emphasized the importance of continuous legal education, mentoring programs, and improved technology for lawyers to stay competitive in the modern era.

Akpata also made strides in advocating for human rights, with his leadership being pivotal during the #EndSARS protests, a movement that sought to end police brutality in Nigeria.

Under his guidance, the NBA called for accountability and reforms within the police force, further solidifying his role as an advocate for justice and fairness.

A Personal Life Grounded in Family and Tradition

On the personal front, Olumide Akpata’s marriage to Osayamon Ogbebor May Michelle in 2022 was a major event in Nigerian society.

Osayamon, a lawyer with a Master’s degree from Queen Mary University of London, works as a Financial Market Legal Advisor at Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, Nigeria’s central securities depository.

Their traditional wedding, held in Benin City, Edo State, was followed by a white wedding in the Republic of Mauritius in October 2022.

The high-profile events were attended by numerous dignitaries, including former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Governor Godwin Obaseki.

His marriage is seen as a union of two intellectual powerhouses, with both Olumide and Osayamon excelling in their respective legal careers.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Akpata has been open about both his personal and professional journey, which includes living with Vitiligo, a condition that results in patches of lost skin pigmentation.

However, Akpata’s story extends beyond his legal and leadership achievements—it’s also one of remarkable endurance.

In a candid speech, Akpata shared that he had faced a serious health battle more than a decade ago when he was diagnosed with stage three cancer.

Reflecting on his journey during his 51st birthday, he said: “I am a cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with stage three cancer over 10 years ago, but by the grace of God, I have been cancer-free for at least five years.”

Akpata also revealed that his recovery involved undergoing multiple surgeries.

His willingness to share such a personal and challenging experience has forged a stronger connection with the public, who now view him not only as a leader but as a person who has overcome significant obstacles.

His survival and resilience have further solidified his image as someone capable of navigating both personal and collective struggles, qualities that resonate strongly with his supporters and those he hopes to lead.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Olumide Akpata’s career has been marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence, both as a corporate lawyer and as a reformer within the legal profession.

His contributions to corporate law, his transformative leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, and his foray into politics highlight his commitment to making a lasting impact on Nigerian society.

Olumide Akpata Controversy

His emergence as Labour Party Governorship election in Edo state has not been short of controversy. A suit was filed by Kenneth Imasuangbon, who alleged a breach of the electoral guidelines in the primary election that produced Akpata as the LP governorship candidate.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday declared support for the Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo as the preferred candidate for the job.

Makinde made this declaration at the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, to international standards.

He particularly called on all members of the PDP to rally around the party’s candidate in Saturday’s governorship election.

“Tongues have been wagging about my absence at the campaign grand finale, let me declare that Seyi Makinde is 100 per cent with our candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo and if Edo people want to know the difference between delicious and nutritious, they should vote for Asue Ighodalo for them to get what is nutritious,” he stated.

The governor also backed the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum amid threat to his continued stay as the party’s head.

He also declared his total support for the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Damagum and urged other stakeholders to work with him for the success of the party.

“And I am glad that our acting national chairman and members of his National Working Committee (NWC) are here. I read yesterday that there is another meeting in Bauchi by some NWC members, let me say clearly, I have been discussing with my brother on our way here, that we are 100 per cent in support of the Iliya Damagum-led NWC. Whatever decision you take, we will support you, to reposition our party.

“Let me also say I don’t think this is the right time, even if we have issues with ourselves, we have an important election on Saturday, so we should all rally around and deliver our candidate,” Makinde stated.

By Mario Deepromoter

There is a new move to dethrone Muhammad Sanusi II as the emir of Kano State.

According to sources within the Kofar Kudu Palace, powerful individuals in Kano, allegedly led by All Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are orchestrating the removal of the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor as the 16th Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano Council of Chiefs.

A well-placed source revealed that Ganduje’s primary objective is to secure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s backing to oust Emir Sanusi, while also pressuring former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to step down. This move is disguised as an attempt to resolve the state’s leadership disputes.

Ganduje, who previously clashed with Emir Sanusi, is said to have assembled a loyal coalition of Kano APC members, comprising influential politicians, business moguls, traders, and key stakeholders. Their ultimate goal is to persuade President Tinubu to intervene, allowing Ganduje to complete his long-standing mission to unseat Emir Sanusi.

This development is the latest in a series of attempts by Ganduje to undermine Emir Sanusi, dating back to 2020 when he played a pivotal role in the emir’s contentious deposition.

Ganduje’s strategy now involves leveraging presidential power to ensure Sanusi’s permanent removal and, surprisingly, urging Aminu Ado Bayero to step down as well, purportedly to pave the way for peace.

The Kano State Government has consistently recognized Emir Sanusi as the legitimate Emir, while powerful politicians and businessmen loyal to the APC and presidency have continued to acknowledge Aminu Ado Bayero as the Emir.

The source alleged that “Ganduje, alongside a coalition of Kano APC loyalists, has orchestrated this plan to assert full control over the emirate, a traditional institution that has long resisted his influence.

“The delegation, carefully selected for their loyalty to Ganduje, includes a prominent Kano business mogul, influential politicians, traders, and key stakeholders in the state’s political and business landscape.

“These individuals, all closely aligned with Ganduje, have rallied around his cause, advocating for the removal of both emirs under the guise of settling leadership tensions within the Kano Emirate.

“Their objective is bold and clear: to persuade President Tinubu to intervene, enabling Ganduje to complete his long-standing mission to unseat Emir Sanusi.

“While cloaked in the rhetoric of “restoring peace,” Ganduje’s true agenda is becoming increasingly evident—he seeks to leverage presidential power to oust Emir Sanusi, a figure he has repeatedly clashed with.

“This latest move is a continuation of Ganduje’s efforts to undermine Emir Sanusi, dating back to 2020 when he played a central role in the emir’s controversial deposition.

“Now, Ganduje is intent on using his political influence to finish what he started. His strategy involves seeking President Tinubu’s support to ensure Sanusi’s permanent removal and, in a surprising twist, urging the more compliant Aminu Ado Bayero to step down as well, supposedly to pave way for peace.