12 surprising things to know about Nigeria’s youngest female SAN

Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Ehinfun-Adekunle made history when she attained the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) at 40, becoming widely recognised as the country’s youngest female lawyer to receive the prestigious distinction.

She was among 68 legal practitioners sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on October 12, 2026.

Beyond the headline achievement, her story includes an early interest in law, years of professional development and ideas for improving access to justice.

Here are 12 things to know about her:

1. Her parents once described her as a ‘noise-maker’

Ehinfun-Adekunle’s childhood report cards reportedly described her as talkative. She also recalled being disciplined for standing up for other pupils at school. These early experiences formed part of the story behind her eventual interest in law.

2. She was born in Kaduna but hails from Ekiti

She was born on June 25, 1986 in Kaduna State but her family roots are in Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

3. She held two leadership positions at OAU

While studying law at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, she served as president of the university’s Liberation Chambers and vice-president of the OAU Law Students’ Society. She obtained her law degree in 2009.

4. She earned a Master’s degree in the UK

She obtained a Master of Laws degree in International Trade Law from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, between 2011 and 2012, following her professional training at the Nigerian Law School.

5. She worked at Nuhu Ribadu Campaign Organisation

Before joining Afe Babalola & Co., Ehinfun-Adekunle worked at D. D. Dodo & Co. and the Nuhu Ribadu Campaign Organisation. She joined Afe Babalola & Co. in September 2013.

6. Former Ekiti Gov Fayemi is one of her mentors

Fayemi has publicly celebrated her professional achievement and recalled meeting her around 2010 or 2011 when she was fresh out of law school. He said he had followed her progress in the legal profession over the years.

7. She works across several areas of legal practice

Her professional experience spans 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.

8. She became a SAN at 40 but describes the rank as a responsibility

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee approved her elevation in July 2026 and she was formally admitted to the Inner Bar in October. She has described the achievement as a reward for years of sacrifice and hard work, as well as a call to greater responsibility.

9. She wants the Supreme Court to handle fewer cases

One of her proposed justice reforms is to make decisions of the Court of Appeal final in a wider category of cases. She believes this could reduce the Supreme Court’s caseload and allow it to focus on matters requiring its attention.

10. She believes more Nigerians need to know about free legal assistance

Ehinfun-Adekunle has pointed out that many citizens are unaware of existing legal-aid and pro bono services. She believes greater public awareness of these options could help more people obtain legal representation, especially those unable to afford private counsel.

11. She wants to help shape the next generation of lawyers

She has emphasised the importance of mentoring younger practitioners, particularly women, and encouraging them to pursue their professional goals.

12. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UK

Beyond her legal qualifications, Ehinfun-Adekunle is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the UK, a professional body focused on arbitration and dispute resolution. This complements her work in litigation and commercial disputes.