The legal profession, often perceived as a rigid bastion of tradition and precedent, increasingly embraces the transformative power of mentorship. At the forefront of this renaissance stands Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, Officer of the Order of the Niger, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the current Attorney General of Ondo State. More than just a decorated legal mind, Dr. Ajulo is a visionary, a builder of bridges, and the newly appointed Chairman of the NBA Mentorship Committee. He shares his thoughts on this and other issues with ROLAND OGBONNAYA
Dr. Olukayode Ajulo’s appointment as the Chairman of the NBA Mentorship Committee heralds a new era for young lawyers, one where academic prowess is supplemented by the practical wisdom gleaned from seasoned professionals. As Dr. Ajulo eloquently declares, “Law school makes them lawyers; our current mission is to make them leaders and successful practitioners in this noble profession.” His words resonate with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by emerging legal minds, recognising the critical need for guidance beyond textbooks.
Dr. Ajulo’s journey to becoming a legal luminary is not shrouded in myth or unattainable brilliance. With disarming humility, he confesses, “I don’t think I’m anything special. What I’ve accomplished, any other lawyer could do even better.” This refreshingly candid sentiment underscores the belief that success is not an exclusive privilege, but the product of hard work, unwavering dedication, and, crucially, the transformative influence of mentorship.
His own path, woven from ambition, circumstance, and the profound guidance of mentors, serves as a testament to this conviction. As a young law student at the University of Jos, Dr. Ajulo was drawn to the allure of entertainment law, his ambitions colou1red by the glamorous circles he frequented. However, the guiding hand of mentors, combined with his own relentless efforts, gradually steered him towards a different destiny.
The impact of mentorship on his career is palpable. “Having received so much from mentors, what more could one want than to mentor young lawyers and assist them in achieving success in life?” he asks, his eyes gleaming with genuine passion. This desire to reciprocate the kindness and guidance he received fuels his commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal eagles.
His recollections of Chief FRA Williams, a legal titan he admired even before meeting him, paint a vivid picture of the power of inspiration. As a student at the University of Jos, he devoured every legal report and article featuring Chief Williams, mesmerised by his brilliance and courtroom presence. He would even attend court sessions simply to witness the legal giant in action, absorbing lessons through observation and admiration.
Fate rewards the faithful. Dr. Ajulo, then a young State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, found himself appearing alongside Chief Williams, affectionately known as “Timi the Law,” at the Supreme Court in Abuja. That serendipitous encounter, a moment of audacious introduction and genuine admiration, blossomed into a mentorship that would irrevocably shape his legal trajectory.
Dr. Ajulo’s mantra, “If you faithfully and sincerely follow seven successful lawyers, you will become the eighth successful lawyer,” encapsulates the essence of his belief in the power of mentorship. He has been blessed with a constellation of brilliant mentors, each contributing a unique facet to his professional development.
His pantheon of influences includes the legendary Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams, SAN, the first Nigerian Senior Advocate and a foundational figure in the Nigerian legal profession; the late Chief James Ajibola Ige, SAN, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, a man of unwavering integrity and intellectual prowess; the revered Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, the visionary founder of Afe Babalola University and an unparalleled legal icon; the unassailable Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and a constitutional luminary; Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, a respected voice in legal advocacy and public interest litigation; and the ever-brilliant Dr. Tunji Abayomi, a renowned constitutional lawyer and principled human rights advocate.
He also reveres Chief G O.K Ajayi SAN, Gani Fawehinmi SAN, Kanu Agabi SAN, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, J.K. Gadzama SAN, Femi Falana SAN, Ahmed Raji SAN, Adekola Mistapha SAN. It is little wonder that he regards the current NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who served as an NYSC corps member at Chike Chigbue (SAN) & Co. where he completed his law school externship, as a mentor, too.
He also speaks glowingly of Hon. Justice Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati, Chief Justice of India, a man who shared his father’s birth year and imparted valuable lessons in meditation and yoga.
Each of these mentoring relationships, whether direct or indirect, has instilled in him values of hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Dr. Ajulo eloquently explains that one can always learn from any lawyer, not just through close interaction, but also through meticulous observation and fervent passion—a practice he refers to as the “shadow mentor technique.”
Today, Dr. Ajulo stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of mentorship. He has risen to become one of the most prominent and respected lawyers in Nigeria, representing a remarkable array of clients, from heads of government to international organisations and individuals from all walks of life.
His guiding principle, prominently displayed on his company’s stationery, is a powerful quote from Proverbs 22:29: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” This verse, highlighting the value of diligence and skill, serves as a constant reminder of the power of dedication and excellence in achieving success.
His accolades, awards, and recognitions, earned from around the globe, are a testament to his unwavering dedication. As the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice for Ondo State, he holds positions on various statutory and ad-hoc bodies, including the distinguished Body of Benchers, Council of Legal Education, and the Judicial Service Commission.
He also chairs the Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force and serves as the State Security Adviser on World Bank operations. Before these roles, he was the National Secretary for Nigeria’s third-largest political party, the Labour Party.
Long before online services became commonplace, Dr. Ajulo boldly launched Nigeria’s first online law firm, Kayode Ajulo & Castle of Law. This groundbreaking initiative stemmed from a desire to create a global network of lawyers capable of providing swift and efficient legal representation anywhere in the world, transcending geographical limitations through technology and collaboration.
Today, Dr. Ajulo’s innovative spirit continues to yield impressive results. His law firm now boasts hundreds of in-house lawyers, supported by a vast network of thousands of online legal professionals, a testament to his forward-thinking vision and his unwavering commitment to expanding the horizons of legal practice.
The Castle of Law, now led by Bukola Akinola, a Professor of Law and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at Redeemer’s University, as Head of Chambers and Senior Partner, has expanded to multiple offices in Abuja and other parts of the world, a feat unmatched by any other law firm in Nigeria. Dr. Ajulo envisions franchising his law firm brand, creating opportunities for aspiring lawyers to benefit from his expertise and reputation—a visionary approach that will democratise access to legal services and empower a new generation of legal professionals.
His appointment of 273 Honorary Legal Advisers and Assistants upon becoming Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Ondo State initially caused quite a stir. However, it soon became clear that these individuals were his mentors and mentees, working pro bono for the state, many of whom were associated with The Castle of Law.
Their collective impact is now evident in the exceptional quality of transformative work being carried out by the State Ministry of Justice.
Dr. Ajulo and the Mentorship Committee are committed to their mission. They will assemble the finest Nigerian lawyers for an inaugural mentorship seminar, a renaissance aimed at shaping nation builders, global advocates, and custodians of justice. Before the year concludes, this initiative will extend beyond Nigeria’s borders, starting with Canada, where discussions are underway to institutionalise international mentorship exchanges.
Dr. Ajulo emphasises, “Mentorship is the bridge between knowledge and wisdom, between theory and practice, between ambition and actualisation. It is the guiding light that prevents missteps and accelerates progress. In the legal profession, where tradition, ethics, and precision shape our identity, mentorship is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It helps young lawyers find clarity amidst complexity, courage in the face of challenges, and character amid the clamour.”
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Ajulo remains adamant that failure is not an option. With the right mentorship, guidance, and dedication, anyone can achieve greatness. His story is a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation of lawyers and professionals to seek out mentors, learn from their experiences, and pursue excellence with purpose.
In reflecting upon Dr. Ajulo’s journey, we’re left with a deep appreciation for the transformative power of mentorship. He humbly describes himself as a “dwarf who stood on the shoulders of giants and became one,” a poignant metaphor encapsulating the essence of his remarkable journey.
Mentorship allows us to see farther and achieve more than we ever thought possible, a timeless principle that has shaped Dr. Ajulo’s life. It is a testament to the boundless potential within each of us, waiting to be unleashed through guidance, support, and empowerment.
Dr. Olukayode Ajulo’s journey is an inspiration for generations to come, a reminder that success is not solely a product of individual effort, but the culmination of the wisdom, experience, and encouragement we receive from others. He stands as a shining example of the impact one person can make by harnessing the power of mentorship.
Dr. Ajulo believes that every lawyer has the potential to become a giant, standing on the shoulders of those who have come before them and lifting others to achieve greatness. His words are not just inspiring; they are a call to action, urging us all to embrace the transformative power of mentorship and build a brighter future for the legal profession.
