At 70, My Ambition Is to Be Closer to Allah – Adelodun, SAN
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adebayo Oba Adelodun, has said his foremost ambition at this stage of life is to deepen his spiritual commitment and draw closer to God. Adelodun spoke in Ilorin during the public presentation of a book titled “Adebayo Oba Adelodun: A Life of Advocacy and Leadership at the Bar”, an event […]
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adebayo Oba Adelodun, has said his foremost ambition at this stage of life is to deepen his spiritual commitment and draw closer to God.
Adelodun spoke in Ilorin during the public presentation of a book titled “Adebayo Oba Adelodun: A Life of Advocacy and Leadership at the Bar”, an event organised to mark his 20 years at the Inner Bar.
Reflecting on his journey, the legal practitioner said his priorities have shifted from professional pursuits to spiritual devotion.
“I am above 70 years old. My further ambition is to be closer to Almighty Allah my creator,” he said.
He described Nigeria’s legal system as one that has significantly improved over time, but stressed that further reforms are still necessary to strengthen its efficiency and global relevance.
He noted that the country’s legal framework has moved away from heavy dependence on foreign jurisprudence, describing the shift as a major milestone in the development of indigenous legal practice.
“Our legal system has evolved over the years. Gone are the days when we relied on foreign cases and laws to survive legal hurdles,” he said.
Adelodun, however, cautioned that progress should not breed complacency, insisting that improvement must remain continuous in any functioning legal system.
“Though we are good, there is always room for improvement because nothing is permanent,” he added.
The event drew prominent figures from the legal and political circles, including Prof Yusuf Ali (SAN).
They paid tribute to his decades-long contribution to advocacy and leadership within Nigeria’s legal system.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described Adelodun as a respected figure whose impact on the legal profession remains significant.
Represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Sulyman, the governor said the state takes pride in his accomplishments.
“Barrister Adelodun has been and remains a foremost legal icon in Kwara State and we are proud to be associated with him,” he said.
The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, also commended Adelodun, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the emirate whose life continues to inspire younger generations.
The monarch’s message, delivered by Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), praised his integrity and enduring influence.
“You have always been a good mirror for many others,” he said.
Earlier, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, applauded Adelodun’s professional legacy, noting that he represents the finest ideals of his generation at the Bar.
Chairman of the occasion, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), also described him as a dependable and accomplished lawyer whose career has earned him respect across the profession.