Wole Olanipekun: One of Africa’s Most Demanded Lawyers

After almost five decades of successful practice, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has built a portfolio that spans constitutional Law, pre and post-election dispute resolution, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, labour law, commercial litigation, criminal Law and general practice.

Olanipekun is a mentor and role model to hundreds of successful legal practitioners within and outside Nigeria. The legal legend is linked to several of Nigeria’s landmark cases and is in top demand internationally as an expert in Nigerian Law. Once you know the story behind this luminary, it is not hard to see why. 

Oluwole Oladapo Olanipekun attended Amoye Grammar School in his hometown Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he got his West Africa School Certificate (WASC) in 1969. He went further to the Ilesa Grammar school for another year, where he obtained the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1971. 

After obtaining his, he went to study Law at the University of Lagos. He bagged his first degree, attended the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar in July 1976. 

Wole’s career started as a junior counsel with Messrs Oniyangi & Co Ilorin between 1977 and 1979. In 1980, he moved out to found Wole Olanipekun & Co. and became the Principal Partner. He became a notary public in 1987. 

RELATED:

Ibiyemi Ajiboye is a Rising Star in Corporate Law

There is no area or field in which Wole Olanipekun & Co. has not covered cases over the years. From criminal to constitutional, labour, maritime, admiralty, banking, insurance, electoral, aviation, telecommunications, chieftaincy and intellectual property laws, as well as arbitration and dispute resolution. Whether handling its case locally or internationally, Olanipekun has proven to be a stickler for excellence. The firm is now rated to be one of the most notable in Nigeria, with a presence in all states of the country, and headquarters in Lagos State, Nigeria. 

His invaluable contributions to the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria earned him the coveted rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in July 1991, roughly 15 years after he was called to bar. This was about the same period he was appointed as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, a position he served for two years.

Read the full interview in our magazine: Buy Now!