I LEARNED FROM THE BEST, FROM THE GRAND MASTERS OF THE GAME
-Kayode Ajulo, OON, SAN
My elevation to the prestigious rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, holds a certain sense of magnificence for me as I find myself in a contemplative state, reflecting on how everything began.
For me it all started from when I began to recognize my surroundings while living with my parents in Ibadan, Oyo State. I received my basic education in various cities such as Ibadan, Ilesha, and Akure. Lagos like my home town, Ifira-Akoko is for holidays.
I had the privilege of accompanying my parents on their journeys as they were booksellers. My mother, who is now 89 years old, was an entrepreneur. I distinctly remember her textile stall at Dugbe Market and later her bookshop opposite WATECO in Oke-Bola, Ibadan. The shop was close to Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s residence in Oke-Bola. I enjoyed going to my mother’s shop, not only to count the visitors to Baba’s house but also with the hope of being among them. I also recall Chief Adewale, whom I hope is his name, known as King of Boys, with his impressive vehicles, driving around and acknowledging people who hailed him. Interestingly, then my only wishes is to become King of Boys and eventually, we became friends. He would stop at my mother’s place to give me gifts.
Furthermore, my late father, may his soul continue to rest in peace, was a manager at CSS Bookshop in Aminigun, Ibadan and other places. His clientele consisted of prominent and wealthy individuals and corporations surpassing those of my mother’s shop.
Whenever these influential figures visited the shop, my father made sure that we were present, giving us the opportunity to be introduced to these great men and women. I became familiar with most of the movers and shakers in Ibadan during that time. One particular day, a well-dressed man wearing a bow tie visited the bookshop, and something surprising happened.
My father, who meant the world to me, showed an unprecedented level of deference to this man. It surprised me because my father had never gone to such lengths for even Chief Awolowo. I became deeply interested in this man. During the introductions, my father informed me that he was a renowned lawyer and judge. That’s how I met my Lord, the honorable Justice Kayode Esho, and in that instant, I decided that I wanted to become a lawyer. It was due to the way my father praised him, combined with the man’s impressive appearance and the fact that he shared my first name, Kayode.
And so, my journey to becoming a lawyer began when I was around 6 or 7 years old. Later on, during the Governor Ajasin and Omoboriowo’s petition in Akure, one of my dad’s friend a lawyer, Hon. Smart Omodunbi will come to our house in the evening to regaled us what transpired in Court, with such gusto that all will be well, and this came to pass. I also had the opportunity to meet Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, SAN, who served as Ajasin’s lead counsel during the election petition. He was also the Chancellor of the Anglican Communion. He visited St. David Cathedral in Ijomu-Akure with Chief Ajasin, and the entire congregation went Gaga as they were delighted with him for restoring Baba Ajasin’s mandate.
On that day, I made a final and firm resolution to pursue a career in law. However, it wasn’t an easy journey. I was called to the bar in 2001 and began my career as a Federal Attorney/State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja. I had the rare privilege of working under Chief Bola Ige, SAN, and Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, both of whom served as Attorneys General of the Federation. My immediate boss was Chief Kumuyi, who later became and retired as the Chief Judge of Ondo State. He was a brilliant and compassionate advocate who introduced me to Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, where I worked briefly in his chambers.
During my time at Afe Babalola’s chambers, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Olumide Ayeni, SAN, who headed the Abuja office. He was an exceptionally cerebral lawyer and a workaholic. I never saw him leave the office during my stint at Afe Babalola’s chambers. He was always there, meticulously attending to his work. He taught me about advocacy and how to conduct thorough research. After some time, I crossed paths with Dr. Tunji Abayomi, who appointed me as the Head of Chambers in his Abuja office. I had only been at the bar for a year and half then.
From there, I joined Prince Wole Adebayo at his House of Law. Prince Adebayo, who was a presidential candidate of SDP in the recent general election, possessed remarkable wit, generosity, and an extraordinary approach to practicing law.
Eventually, I established my law firm, Kayode Ajulo & Castle of Law, and despite having lawyers working under me, I never ceased to seek guidance from and serve under other lawyers as mentors. This led me to encounters with Late Chief FRA Williams, SAN, Late Miskom Peupet, Late Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, SAN, Chief Ebun Sofunde, SAN, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and others.
I think this should serve as a lesson for young lawyers, seeking out mentors in the legal field. In my experience, mentorship has been the key to success in law. For me, I went all out to find the best mentors and pursued them relentlessly. Some may reject you initially, but once they see your determination, they may accept you. They may not offer you direct employment, but they can mentor you and guide you. Offer them your services, even if it means accompanying them to court without pay. Just do it, because you’re learning. I’m proud to say that I learned from the best, from the grand masters in the profession. Success, to me, is about seeing opportunities given by the Almighty and being ready to grasp them. As I mentioned earlier, I feel a sense of greatness and challenge as I see this elevation not as the end but as a new beginning of even greater things to come.
