About Me

Inspired by the late Professor Ian Kerr’s insightful distinction between formal and informal profiles on his archived website, I’ve decided to offer a more candid version of my background here—something more personal than what you’ll find on the homepage.

 

Who am I, and why law?

 

I grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, with no initial intention of pursuing law. As a child, I was the class artist, always sketching and daydreaming in my spare time. My interests in the arts were matched only by a passion for science, particularly electronics. I vividly remember creating a cardboard model of a three-bedroom duplex with miniature fans powered by electric motors from old radios and solar panels. My Physics teacher, “Presido,” was so impressed with the project that he urged me to join the science class, having just spent the first term offering combined subjects in Sciences and Humanities as a tenth grader. However, in a spirit of rebellion, I opted for Arts to prove that talented students didn’t have to follow the science route. I think that dare went well.

 

As I delved into Arts subjects like Government, Literature, and Economics, I became increasingly intrigued by the role law could play in shaping society. It was also during this time that my father shared his own story of attempting to study law (he eventually earned a diploma in law) and expressed his wish that I follow in his footsteps. Wanting to make him proud, I decided to study Law.

Over time, I came to realize that law is one of the most powerful tools for advancing humanity, ensuring justice, and regulating society. This realization solidified my decision, and I’ve never looked back.

Although my career in law is demanding, I haven’t abandoned my passion for the arts. In fact, I sat an external exam in Visual Arts during my third year at the university (hoping to pursue a degree in Fine Arts) and continue to engage with arts through gallery visits and following contemporary artists. I’m also growing interest in Art Law, emerging digital art scene, including NFTs, by leveraging on my research in Intellectual Property Law.

 

Having had my fair share of heartbreak as an Arsenal fan—thanks to my friend, Usman Emiola’s initial influence in joining the club — I now consider myself a "free agent" and support any team with good form. When I’m not practising law or reflecting on the world of art, my greatest hobby is cooking. I love experimenting with new recipes and following chef influencers on social media.

 

For a deeper dive into my background, you can read an interview with The Nation in 2019 after my call to the Nigerian Bar here.