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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.
Early Life and Education
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.
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