Olamide Ehinfun Mojigbotoluwa Adekunle, a senior partner at Afe Babalola & Co., has made history after being elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), reportedly becoming the youngest woman to attain the distinction at the age of 40, reports thegazellenews.com
Adekunle was sworn in on October 12, 2026, by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, alongside 67 other legal practitioners elevated to the rank.
Women accounted for only four of the 68 newly conferred SANs, highlighting the significance of Adekunle’s achievement in a profession where women remain underrepresented at the highest levels.
An alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree, Adekunle also holds a Master of Laws degree in International Trade Law from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
With more than 15 years of legal practice, she has built a career spanning commercial litigation, arbitration, election petition matters and transactional law.
Her professional experience includes appearances before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
At Afe Babalola & Co., where she serves as a senior partner, Adekunle specialises in oil and gas litigation, arbitration, election petition matters, commercial and transactional law, as well as consultancy and regulatory compliance.
Her elevation to the rank of SAN marks a significant milestone in her legal career and places her among Nigeria’s most distinguished legal practitioners.
The achievement is also expected to inspire aspiring female lawyers, particularly young women seeking to advance in litigation, arbitration and other areas of legal practice.
Adekunle’s recognition adds to the growing visibility of women attaining senior positions in Nigeria’s legal profession, demonstrating the possibilities for professional growth through experience, expertise, and dedication.
