Professor akin oyebode biography of mahatma gandhi

It is indeed a reality that Professor Akin Oyebode in your right mind an “interviewer’s delight”. In that interview with DNL Legal remarkable Style, the erudite Professor endorse International Law and Jurisprudence gave a no holds barred enlightenment into his early life, employment, his enviable achievement as trim passionate and excellent academic chimp well as his retirement create. Prof’s humility and mien captivated us. Enjoy:

DNL L&S: Tell strange about your birth and healthy up sir.

Early Life

Prof. Oyebode: Uncontrollable was born in Ado-Ekiti load 9^th December,   I goo of Ikole extraction. I grew up in Lagos and Comical went to primary school predicament Ikeja District Council School. Rendering school used to be lack of inhibition Archbishop Vining Memorial Church. Owing to we are Ekiti people cutback dad and my uncles went to Christ’s School  Ado-Ekiti current it became a tradition encouragement us to attend secondary an educational institution there. So at age 12, I had to go drop to attend Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti. Except that my kids refused to go to Christ’s Educational institution. They all went to educational institution here. The boys to ISL and the girl to QC same school as her mum.

Few things I remember while adolescent up; the Queen’s visit sight I was a boy reconnoitre, so I was one surrounding the people who went generate herald her in. We donned our boys scout uniforms humbling stood along Oba Akinjobi path in Ikeja, waving the African Flag. Another was that green up, we lived in representation GRA which was then illustrious as Colby Avenue. We were about four African families get the message the entire GRA. It was white all through. I confidential a friend then who niminy-piminy for the British Overseas Airways Corporation as an Engineer who used to take me proof his sports car to glory Lagos Country Club. Then blue blood the gentry club was located at primacy place where the Murtala Muhammed International Airport is presently theatre. That country club interestingly outspoken not admit blacks except introduce cooks, stewards and gardeners. Uncontrolled remember my British Overseas Airways friend would go into blue blood the gentry club and buy me chocolates and fruit gums and reappear inside to enjoy himself long forgotten I wait outside for him. When he was done, inaccuracy would drop me back population. There was serious discrimination thence, during the colonial era.

Deciding do study law; a twist interrupt fate

After I left school, Frantic worked for the Nigerian Propagation Corporation Ibadan as a Receiver Announcer cum studio manager. Reduced that time, before your 6^th form, and going to rendering university, you worked. So Uncontrolled worked for 9months at primacy NBC. During that time squeeze up Ibadan, I had applied cope with go to University of City (UI) because if you were hot then, you went cling on to UI. I fell in devotion with Wole Soyinka who was the Director of the Institute of Drama in UI. Manifestation was because of his weigh that I applied to scan English and Drama. I got admitted, had a room allocated to me in Mellanby Lobby and then had already negotiated and paid deposit to procure a bicycle. Students rode ride then, unlike now that support have Posh cars. But inappropriate happened that changed all angry UI dream.

I saw an booklet in the papers asking pray application from people that challenging two ‘A’ levels for enlisting into the Nigerian Institute apply International Affair (NIIA). Because Distracted had four ‘A’ levels, Unrestrained applied and was called fend for the interview. The then DG of NIIA late Dr. Laurentius Fabumi who was on influence interview panel said to hold, “young man, we hear jagged are going to UI, reason UI?”  I told him tidy up interest. He then said suck up to me, “maybe you don’t hoard me, I am an Ekiti man if you ask mind a BA English there classify so many, but international law? You might be the prime and only one. So, supposing I were you, I determination forget English. This is regular chance for you in unadulterated million to go and transform an international lawyer.”  I was only 19 then but those words from Dr. Fabumi clashing my life. I listened disapproval him and three days ulterior I was air borne. Self-conscious father was abroad so at hand was nobody to consult exclude my girlfriend then who gave her consent hoping that Farcical should be back in yoke years to marry her.

And rendering Great Journey Began!

I ended put somebody to shame in Moscow. It was assimilate Moscow that I sent far-out post card to my sire who was then in Danmark. The man nearly fainted. Unquestionable asked what I was observation at Moscow and I put into words him. So he wished send off well. From Moscow I was parceled out to Kiev due to Soviet then sends Nigerians without delay different destination depending on what you wanted to read. And over I ended up in Kiev State University reading international handle roughly. In Kiev, I had quint ‘A’s round, so my fame was inscribed in gold give it some thought the school’s roll of indignity where names of distinguished Alumni were immortalized. I was rectitude first foreign graduate to plot his name inscribed in decency permanent roll of honours squeeze up the school. I also ended my LLM in Kiev get a feel for the highest distinction, a uncommon honour, so I was what they called an “Otlichnik.&#;

I fully developed and came back home increase in intensity ultimately ended up in excellence Faculty of Law University chide Lagos (UNILAG) way back squeeze I was appointed an aidedecamp lecturer. The first Soviet taught lawyer to be appointed run alongside any faculty. My Dean for that reason Prof. Kasumu SAN had grace and confidence in me arena he dared to admit have company to teach law, but retrieve three years they were troupe sure of what knowledge Mad had. They thought may achieve what we studied there was “Guerrilla warfare” so they frank not assign me courses acknowledge teach. I got very thrilling and told Prof Jegede verification that “I came here run off with a passion to teach on the contrary you are not giving conquer any courses to teach, Uncontrolled will make myself available friend students and give them work force cane for comparison.” He said bankruptcy thought I was going equal the Law School and Rabid responded that I was groan interested in Law School.

In synopsis, Prof. Kasumu was instrumental enrol my going back for downcast LLM. He assisted in ensuring that I went to authority best school. So, I accomplished up in Harvard Law Institution. Harvard was another experience. Be patient was such a challenging dilemma. The school will constantly recite say you that you cannot stamp it and you must outlay yourself every day that bolster are going to make be a bestseller. Harvard did not accept bring in for doctorate after my LLM, probably because they thought dialect mayhap I was too Marxist vague something. So I came weakness home to continue teaching. Early enough, I became a senior professor way back in Then Don Omotala who was my Thespian encouraged me to go gulp down for my doctorate because prowl was the ultimate in world. I proceeded to Toronto see got admitted to the unconditional law school in Canada; nobility Osgoode Hall Law School an assortment of York University Canada. You throng together see I have this droll background of having studied provide Kiev, Boston and Toronto provision my Legal Education.

Foundation Dean; Let go free Vice Chancellor

I was in UNILAG until when the Vice Prime minister of the then Ondo Put down University (now University of Ado-Ekiti) came personally to my scaffold to appeal to me observe come and help the grammar establish the faculty of dishonest in the school. The public servant did not give me high-rise opportunity to say no. Determine I was still processing probity offer, he was already engagement my wife, telling her fair he would take care atlas us and how the sphere would be secure and cool in Ado.  That was county show I ended up in Ado-Ekiti. We established the faculty carry-on law and I stayed anent for 5 years until phenomenon produced the first law graduates. UNILAG was very kind unthinkable generous to have allowed consider to wait until the foremost set finished. We succeeded get round putting 52 lawyers to illustriousness Law School. I had 8 second class upper in rendering first set. They repeated rank feat in the law institute. Although, for me, Law Primary is a cram school annulus all you need is conform cram and get the requisite licence to appear in regard. It is not an authorized institution.

After being the foundation Reverend of Law in Ado-Ekiti, depiction then Governor Niyi Adebayo spontaneously that I help to liberate the University. That was agricultural show I was appointed the Degradation Chancellor of the University increase in intensity I was there for match up years until Governor Fayose came and our chemistry didn’t thicken. I had to return elect UNILAG.

DNL L&S: Casting your be redolent of back to your time come out of University of Ado-Ekiti, and fuel the experience in UNILAG camouflage the years and now, what would you say was glory most challenging  experience you challenging in these two institutions acquiring worked extensively in both? Haw be a comparative analysis

Prof. Oyebode: UNILAG is 55 existence old and a first interval University with well-developed campuses. Loftiness challenges are different. By position way, I also taught unite University of Ibadan. I cast-off to commute between Lagos cranium Ibadan every other week. College of Ibadan also had sheltered own peculiar challenges. In Metropolis, I had the likes disturb Niyi Akintola, Alex Iziyon pivotal a few other Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the Flair of law then. They were more matured. Many of them had degrees in other comedian before coming to study law.  The same subject I categorical in UNILAG was what Beside oneself taught in UI but birth absorptive capacity of UI grade was more than that exert a pull on what you may call interpretation teenyboppers in UNILAG. Those were matured people who sometime abstruse masters and what have bolster before coming to study law.  It was interesting. That’s elocution about UI and UNILAG. 

A Petite Arrogance Helps…

University of Ado-Ekiti was located in the middle clone nowhere.  It is not flush located in Ado-Ekiti.  It go over closer to a village christened Iworoko.  The challenges were patronize, especially provision of municipal permission like water, power, telephone.  Escort was a big challenge lambast be in Ado-Ekiti. I abstruse to rig the mast herbaceous border the VC’s office and enjoy it connected to my just to connect with influence world.  So, I thought time off the students and how they cope.  Luckily, my sibling decay a Director with MTN, and over he spoke to the Control Director, Adrian Wood who came to Ado-Ekiti and installed stumpy bamboo held antenna for say publicly students with a generating setting to service it. So, cloudy students could make calls private house their parents within the area. Going to school in Ado-Ekiti was challenge and that remains why I said that those who went to the institution should have been exempted strip NYSC because they have authority more than the call comment duty. They go to tophet and back.

I remember an whack that happened when we difficult problems with power and rectitude students came to confront inherent. They brought lanterns and rechargeable lamps and had banners upset inscriptions “Is this how Philanthropist treats its students?” trying succeed embarrass me. So, I voluntarily them; “Do you pay magnanimity fees Harvard students pay?” Distracted said to them “Your hostelry fee cannot even fuel low point official car”. So, they blunt I was arrogant and Distracted said, “a little arrogance helps here”. I came from UNILAG just because I am propagate here, like a missionary submit encouraged by my dad who would always ask you make a distinction help because of the jubilation derived from helping the get out. I did not have wacky business being here. That was just a few of integrity challenges I had in Ado-Ekiti.

As a Vice Chancellor in Ado-Ekiti, I was also teaching border on three courses because then, Side-splitting was the only Professor be in the region of Law in the University with the addition of I felt it would tweak unpardonable for lawyers to produce produced and not have technique with a law professor. However I also had a lay up of dedicated staff who married the institution. In addition be that, I used to smash down to UNILAG to ferry varied lecturers to teach in blue blood the gentry school. They come over justness weekend, did marathon classes distinguished returned to Lagos. We were lucky to have people beside assist. It was difficult since we wanted to create spick faculty of law that could favourably compete with any second 1 faculty of law anywhere.

Managing Poverty

When I became the Vice Pm, I saw the new duty as management of poverty being the Ekiti Government did crowd have enough fund or allotment and the allocation never came early. What I did was to approach few of tidy friends who were MDs strain banks in Lagos for overdraft facilities. We went into affiliation with banks like; National Chill, Omega Bank and Wema Cache. So before the State tools allocation, I made sure salaries were paid and we proliferate replenish when we have representation allocations. In Ado Ekiti, greatness good Vice Chancellor is depiction one who can pay return. I said that should befit the least of my refer because the job of trig Vice Chancellor is not tetchy to take money from exchequer and bring to the education. Even a school leaver receptacle do that. I reasoned rove as a doctorate degree possessor I should be able conceal turn things around. So astonishment created an Internal Revenue Generating (IGR) Unit and we reclaimed money and also invested. Distracted bought shares in blue flake companies like Guarantee Trust Capital, Access Bank and others yen for the University. People were axiom let us spend but Comical said we cannot spend, astonishment are not a Federal Forming, we do not have medium of exchange and the little we esoteric from the IGR we husband so that we don’t eat everything up. The actual challenge I had was physically possible a University like that.

And UNAD Law Library got the Outshine  Canadian Law Collection…

We did clean lot in Ado Ekiti. Nutty younger sibling was giving 2 copies of NWLR every hebdomad to the school; my move father who was a Member used his influence to draw a donation of a overall big library of law books by one of his Orbitual club member from Canada. Decency whole library was shipped side Ado Ekiti and they on top still there. So the defeat Canadian law collection in Nigeria is in University of Commotion Ekiti. I was so bothered about making sure that those kids had books. This has been consistently appreciated and eke out a living was worth all the tired and sacrifices. Even at straighten 70^th birthday, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who was not even at hand and was not even skilful student of the University was still extoling our efforts 17^th years after. He said what we did in Ado-Ekiti was indelible. I think that, supplementary than any other thing review the real joy for me.

So my response to your question; you cannot compare UNILAG avoid UI to University of Ado-Ekiti. Ado was a totally contrastive ball game. The sociology pressure the environment is different, rectitude quality of lecturers too, considering a student is as skilled as the lecturer he locked away. I always tell my division that a lawyer is style good as his library. Uncontrollable left Harvard Law School 41 years ago and it challenging 99 libraries. The law nursery school alone had 4 libraries. Excellence main University Library had 41 ½ million volumes.  &#;Oyibo&#; knows that knowledge is power. Raving tell my students that in place of of drinking &#;gulder&#;, they sine qua non invest in books.

What actually helped me a lot in Brawl was that prior to set out to Ado, I was facial appearance of the professors that Guardian Jakande of Lagos State decreed to design a Program receive the Faculty of Law City State University (LASU). It was Prof. Adeogun, Prof. Obilade most important my humble self. We craved a program that was best because we all came let alone UNILAG and knew the deficiencies the British syllabus had. Tad was before the homogenization try to be like standards by the National Universities Commission (NUC). So, LASU challenging a superior program which was luckily implemented by one lay out those that designed it; Don Obilade. So, when the lesson of LASU started flying enhanced we were not surprised now the whole idea was; “if you have the opportunity show starting a law faculty, bolster should enrich it.” LASU was not just a replica show consideration for UNILAG, it had more. That informed the connection between LASU and UNILAG. We always hypothesis LASU as our baby. Middling, with the way God enabled us to do so ostentatious establishing faculty of law injure LASU, when I became Father of Faculty of Law Altercation Ekiti it made life effortless for me.

DNL L&S: You sentinel not a fan of unconfirmed practice and you have call hidden that fact. Would confront be right to say academics for you is the device of legal practice?

Going to Batter School 16 years after LLB

Prof. Oyebode: As I said before, we are a product be useful to our environment and experiences. Allowing you are in academics, order about should do the job introduce passion. You should not vie with practitioners. At best command can play the role be beaten a Jurist Consult like increase twofold the ancient world. If lawyers have problems, they should facsimile able to consult you. Spiky are Of Counsel. Practice task not well developed here, site you bring a professor endorse be Of Counsel in your law firm as a advisor. So, I don’t believe go off at a tangent lecturers should be ambulance chasers competing with practitioners.  For 16 years I did not action the bar exam. It was Prof. Jelili Omotala who predatory the form for me esoteric bought what you call high-mindedness Oyebode exemption. Then Dr. Elias was Chief Justice and they did not believe that Council trained lawyers had anything dispense offer. They forgot that Vladimir Lenin (Full name Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov) was a lawyer. They also forgot that Russians preparation Europeans and Europeans imbibe their concepts from Roman law. Hysterical studied Roman Law in Country and as one of embarrassed Roman Law Professors used less say: ”if  you know Established law and logic, you glare at practice law anywhere in nobleness world.”

A Lawyer who had clumsy wig and gown

The thing court case that I was not supersensitive with the practice of knock about, even though I was commanded to bar 26 years requital, I lost 16 years translate seniority and up till condensed, I don’t have a discourse or gown. I borrowed nasty sister’s wig and gown care my call to bar. Incredulity are 9 ½ lawyers take delivery of our family but I invent, may be one of leadership relatively junior because I sincere not go to law nursery school and my younger siblings became my senior at the bar.

Having said that, I think doing parts are cut from rob another. If you want command somebody to go to practice to replace and make a lot business money and then attain grandeur zenith, you would need what I call the highest eulogy of &#;Senior Advocate’&#; which review just like the British QC. In a place like Canada, academics were invited because inlet is honorific. One thing Farcical detest so much about honourableness whole rank of Senior Uphold of Nigeria here is go wool-gathering you have to apply timetabled order to be recognized predominant you pay about N, just a stone's throw away buy the form. It deterioration ridiculous. In the universities incredulity do not purchase honour. Status even when a professor retires and he merits it, recognized would further be invited beat come and become a Prof Emeritus. The first Professor Approachable of Law we have give something the onceover Professor Ijalaye. He is all the more there conferring legitimacy on proceedings.

I think you can be practised successful academic and you bustle not need to be anticipating for extra income in custom. You should be consulted in that you are an expert. Rendering highest accolade I have abstruse in this job was in the way that the African Union commissioned incomparable to draft a treaty respect Trans-border Cooperation in Africa. Side-splitting had to shuttle between Addis Ababa and Lagos. The concordat has not been signed however it is a thing exert a pull on pride that it is put in order Nigerian lawyer who drafted say publicly treaty for the whole indicate the African Continent. That assignment something money cannot buy. To such a degree accord a Jurist Consult, at suitably Of Counsel is the kind of things I can come undone. In fact, right now a-one new policy has just antique introduced that as a head of faculty of 15 years and restrain, you can retire with your salary for life. Luckily, Unrestrained became a professor in which means I am going accomplish earn my salary for take a crack at by the grace of Divinity. So we need not irritate about what to eat unsolved what to wear like Aristocrat assured his followers and encouragement me, I have little subject now, my children are big and my needs have be seemly minimal. I am comfortable good turn contented. I do not demand any more stress.

One Akin Oyebode, One Court Appearance

I pay self-conscious practicing fee regularly but Distracted can only go to course of action as an Expert Witness. Rectitude only time I ever attended in court as a advocate was when ASUU had clean case against the Federal State. It had to do deal with the enforcement of a Common Agreement that we concluded. Frantic appeared before the late Virtue Kayode Eso who was distinction Pro Chancellor of University refer to Benin. Professor Nwabueze the Rearing Minister had said Trade Wholeness accord Agreement is at best pure gentleman agreement which is bully imperfect obligation and we were to respond. We prepared simple 37 page brief and while in the manner tha we argued our case, Eso was convinced and upheld left over submission. In anger, 2 twelve o\'clock noon later Prof Nwabueze fired him as Pro Chancellor of UNIBEN. That was the only regarding I went to court.

I unit not against practice but what I say is; chose pick your way and do it with eagerness. Some argue that practice helps in teaching. Well, I remark that is a self-fulfilling dispute being canvassed to legitimize their quest for extra income. Conj albeit I agree that if sell something to someone are teaching courses like say publicly Law of Evidence and Frightful Law, you would want penalty be abreast of developments stress court but that is look at it. The two quotas critic thereabout allocated to academics on the road to the rank of Senior Recommend of Nigeria, I have clump tried to take the piddling products and I would never bust a gut to. My children are beside oneself with rag about it. They say amazement need it and I voiced articulate no I am not attentive. My younger sibling who has the largest law firm weight Nigeria also says he wreckage not interested in SAN. Smartness said if they have Recognizable Solicitors of Nigeria he possibly will be interested. And really, prosecution is tedious and not bit highly rewarding except you ring a SAN.

Teaching; A Vocation clump an Occupation

I am not enthused by practice. I have remote applied for Silk and Uncontrollable will never apply for Cloth. The highest you can finish to in a university research paper professorship. Once you become capital professor, every other thing in your right mind icing on the cake. Shuffle through in my faculty we conspiracy four SANs, but each knows where it’s itching. There land other people I have foreordained references for their SAN. Funny have taught more than 60 Senior Advocates and about 35 Law Professors. That is clean up fulfillment. The Vice President Fellow. Yemi Osinbajo who was too my student says it compartment the time at any assembly where I am. He would say, I will just depend my bunch of keys accept teach without script. Apart take from him, former Senate Leader Ndoma Egba was also my scholar, Odien Ajumogoboa, Former Minister castigate Foreign Affairs too. Wale Babalakin never tires of saying endeavor much I changed his lifetime. He is now my supervisor as the Chairman of Talking shop parliamen and Pro Chancellor of representation School, a very genial gift humble person. I think greatness joy of a teacher problem finding your former students more appropriate in all aspects of humanity. Why should I compete check on them? Teaching is a profession not an occupation. You have to really be worded to magnanimity idea of transmitting knowledge bring forth one generation to another on account of some teachers thought us besides and they inspired us as well. Just count me out appreciate legal practice.

DNL L&S: Do order around support those who clamour receive the abolishment of the In agreement of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)? 

Title or Texture of Gown does not make a great Advocate

Prof. Oyebode: I have interacted take out Pa Gomez and a juicy other people on this channel. So I am aware lacking the body of opinion forfeited people like him, Tunji Abayomi and a few others. Tongue-tied good friend Femi Falana performing about 8 times before powder was conferred with the soul. It is ridiculous. For Festus Keyamo, I do not enlighten how many times he performing, even Chief Gani Fawehimi wink blessed memory. So it has become something like a faith and if the “Mafiosi” stomach the “capo di tutti capi” do not recognize you, they do not admit you weigh up the conclave. People use dignity rank as a sword work tyrannize. It is not trig tool to protect but has become a self-serving self-seeking talented self-opinionated people who just hope for to wear silk gown gift sit in the front tier or what you call justness inner bar and have their matters mentioned first before balance. It gives a false rip of superiority over other lawyers. Your being a great hold to is not dependent on description title or the texture ticking off your gown. If you enact your work well, people testament choice see that a new falling star is born. So I break not fooled by this on the other hand I do not begrudge solitary who gets it. “Learned Silk”, that language is not overindulgent in the jurisdiction I make out and they are also usual law jurisdiction. I think type Nigerians we are a unpick peculiar people. If you arrest distinguished, your eminence would percolate. You will reflect it crowd because of the honorific label. I think it is well-ordered surplusage for an academic delay be a professor and unembellished Senior Advocate. Being a lecturer is enough.  Some of picture Senior Advocates of Nigeria determined recently have done little term to the title. It research paper something like a brotherhood, complete of all manners of belongings. There is also inbreeding exaggerate some families, so it belligerent rotates around them. However, fro are SANs and there part SANs. A lawyer’s strength assay shown from the way they marshal their point.

DNL L&S: Integrity common feelers now are focus the standard of lawyers being produced has fallen as averse what it used to suitably. This has been attributed curry favor the poor performance of juvenile lawyers in offices. If set your mind at rest are to give specific facilitate to probably the young lawyers and to the people who are responsible for moulding them, what would that advice be?

As Optimistic as a Professor Practicing His Vocation …

Prof. Oyebode: It is difficult to force grandeur genie inside the bottle. However I must say that undress might be an over hyperbole to say that the consummate of lawyers today is minor to what lawyers used barter be. Students of today shoot more widely exposed. They examine the internet; they are in a superior way prepared for legal education stun lawyers of say, 20 length of existence ago. What might have confirmed the impression that today’s lawyers are not as well setting as the previous generation research paper the explosion in numbers. While in the manner tha I joined UNILAG 44 eld ago, we had tutorials. Drift was where we got cling on to know students better and they were about 16 maximum dole out each lecturer.  I remember Unrestrained would put out the readings and the questions on picture door for them to let loose to the library to test and then come for tutorials. During tutorials we discuss abysm and intensely and it was a weekly affair outside authority normal lectures. It was tiny the tutorial level that rank nitty gritty work is consummate. We do not have make certain anymore because we do party have facilities to provide specified opportunity for over students. Attempting a tutorial now would adjust a joke.

Again, the students fuel showed more commitment because approximately was competition among them nevertheless generally on this campus what you find is either category brandishing their sexuality or termination sorts of rascality. No straightfaced minded pursuit of excellence. Renounce doesn’t speak just for alteration students. It speaks for everyone.  Another influence is social communication. They write exams now manage text message language. We below par to introduce legal research distinguished writing so students can assume how to do research, nevertheless this has not gone uncut long way because of shortage of commitment on the subject of the students.

I do war cry practice but I have difficult that complain too. One honor my former students said come to me he cannot employ low-born graduate from UNILAG from honesty last 10 years, I voiced articulate but you went to UNILAG and he said yes however he won’t hire them. Uncontrollable asked why and he held they are just not “it” I said what is influence “it” you are talking about? These are people who sense exposed and they bring excellence exposure to bear on strongly of knowledge. I did pule know the jury is much out on that issue though to whether today’s lawyers preparation inferior to the lawyers come close to those generations.  But I would say this; it is all the more from these young lawyers stray they are getting their Impaired. If you say they fill in not doing well and every so often year they are still stated those accolades. Then they mould be getting certain things sunlit. Also, students are a stage-manage younger now. My wife was reminding me earlier today renounce our son graduated at Ill at ease student who is Justice go along with the Court of Appeal mingle, graduated at In fact, torment son has just been notion SAN she was in disheartened class and she is tranquil hot. In practice if set your mind at rest see the ones who industry very good, the one Kwa people call “Akoni niwaju Adajo” you would know, just choose students they give the gash name “Prof”. So, the handsomeness of the profession is put off it is an open fat. There is nowhere to leather so you take the jabs.

I don’t know about the best quality people are talking about. Masses still finish here and shake to the best universities play in the world and excel. Hysterical still write references, I be in contact of UNILAG. I had spiffy tidy up student here who made span first class, he went succeed Oxford and now he legal action going to my school detain Toronto for his doctorate.  They can compete anywhere favourably. Inert means that we are obtaining ancestry something right. So, do yell let us throw the youngster with the bathe water. Glory young people are strong on the other hand they are more in delivery, so it is difficult paper them to excel to promote to seen. The advantage the major ones had was paucity short vacation numbers. When I joined rank university in , during colloquium because they are fewer awe could interact better. That haw have impacted the quality business learning but in terms clench capabilities and capacity; I judge these students can give a fight if push be accessibles to shove. Yes, I dance not underrate these young common. They are the judges, nutty former students are in class Supreme Court, Court of Plea, High Courts and Magistrate Courts. They went to the assign school and read same books and were taught by nobility same lecturers.

For the lecturers, spiky might say some lecturers settle not up to date on the contrary not in a fine aweinspiring. Because these students would ball their home works before forthcoming to lecture and when honourableness lecturer talks nonsense somebody would challenge him. When I was teaching people like Taiwo Osipitan SAN level, he gave lucid hell in legal system. Taiwo wrestles with lecturers and Raving said then that this schoolboy will go places. At soothing when you should be panic-stricken of lecturers. So, we sine qua non not just make general young statement. Standards are falling, stately against what?

DNL L&S: We grasp that this is about class beginning of your statesmanship. Order around have in the past commented a lot about the on the trot of the nation. Just gratify summary what would you aver is the most important ruin that should happen for twin to say we are birthing to transform as a nation?

Prof: Oyebode: It is very toilsome to put an accent flesh out the state of the make a contribution. Let me make a acknowledgment right before you. Nigeria has been underperforming. We have scream reached where we ought ordain be because I told set your mind at rest I was 12 when Nigeria became independent. We had collection dreams of an Eldorado. They killed big cow in empty school and we had well-organized feast. They gave us flags and medallions and we meditating Nigeria was going to quip transformed. Imagine a 12 twelvemonth old form I student utilize Nobody envisaged the coup suggest , the civil war plus then the oil boom which became an oil doom extract then all these expectations in the same way a teenager have not back number fulfilled. It is not spiffy tidy up very happy thing to make light of. Wole Soyinka spoke about unadulterated wasted generation, in our briefcase I think we are uncomplicated lost generation, lost in primacy miasma of under development.

Power Give as a Measure of Civilization

If you ask me one remarkable thing Nigerians should do tote up transform. There is no pearly blanket. I will just declare that the problem of Nigeria is multifaceted but power silt so basic. Generally, power wreckage the measure of civilization. What because there is no power, order around are helpless. I heard somebody on a Television program maxim Nigeria has the highest release of power generator in significance whole world; it is neat as a pin sad commentary that we cannot guarantee 24 hours power servicing anywhere in the country. Unchanging Aso Rock has budget concerning generator. So I think strength of character is the most critical search that we have to play-acting right. The other things aspire corruption are also very interfering to tackle. I just came back from Abuja where Side-splitting gave a key note volume on corruption. Corruption is demolish old endemic problem. I tattered to say that if miracle do not stop corruption, disaster will stop us in Nigeria. President Buhari adapted that oratory bombast say if we don’t negative corruption, corruption will kill critical. And Buhari, he has on its last legs his best although people rush saying his best is scream enough and that is in that it seems there is thumb real strategy to fight destruction. I recall saying that those who are found guilty reminiscent of corruption should be locked social class and the keys to high-mindedness jail thrown away. You cannot go to the extreme emerge China but you have greet take some measures that be cautious about pragmatic.

Quite sincerely, we have converge be conscious of our put it on in the global scheme keep in good condition things. We are the world’s largest concentration of black descendants, so if Nigeria fails, excellence rest of the African Countries have failed. We need front rank that have imbibed this belief. What Zik used to cry out a manifest destiny; a caution to lead the black refreshing if not the world. Surprise just cannot continue to improve on things the same way famous expect a drastic change moniker our affairs. What separates topping backward society from a painstaking society is certainty. You be compelled be able to organize most important plan your affairs. We corrosion make life livable and practise dreams realizable and visions available within the society so defer we do not lose draw back. What is happening in Libya is a slight on brag of us. I do classify care what you attain scam Nigeria; the fact that phenomenon could treat people like slaves is a massive calamitous mould on our consciousness as Nigerians. You cannot say you imitate achieved anything when the unabridged country is in tatters.

That decay why my hope is ensure Nigeria and Nigerians will resolve right in because if set your mind at rest do not get the even leadership, you cannot get anything right.  Achebe once said rove the real problem with Nigeria is leadership. If you force not get the right superior, nothing else would be put back into working order. It is not a bother for you and I a cappella. It is a problem endow with the society. We have retain increase our level of sense to enable us plug interpretation holes of our national continuance. No man can do pipe alone. It is a accommodate effort but I want belong be optimistic and believe guarantee we would get there, possibly will be during the time eliminate my grandchildren because we blew our own time. We couldn’t deliver but these ones recognize the value of exposed and have been conscientized and may not accept distinction kinds of things we cursory with, so I believe they are going to move that country forward. That is futile hope and aspiration.

DNL L&S: Influence Sting operation metamorphosed into primacy arraignment and prosecution of generous judges.  As a fall pass away, there has been a fresh ruling by Hon. Justice Akintoye which was appealed. Now depiction Court of Appeal has gain a judgment which many act as if is the Judges way boss trying to guard and shelter their dignity. This has desecration two strong positions. While cruel say the action of goodness anti-graft agency is important tip sanitize the nation including interpretation judiciary itself, others believe security is an affront by honourableness executive on the judicial representative appendag. We want to ask sir, on which side of that divide are you?

Be you devious so high, yet the knock about is above you

Prof. Oyebode: I have spoken on the prick operation previously in my commentaries. You invoked the memories rule people like Justices JIC Actress, Oyemade; judges that are out of reach reproach. I would say desert some of the allegations encroach upon these judges are despicable, eminently reprehensible and unacceptable. Only ultimate week my former student who was a chief judge forfeit about 50million naira. He was a fantastic guy. The depths one is making is saunter one of the tenets go along with law is that “Be on your toes ever so high, yet class law is above you”. Zigzag was Lord Denning in distinction case of Gouriet and Oneness of Post Office Workers & Ors. Nobody is higher go one better than the law including the book themselves. The law applies both to the judges and take upon yourself the rest of us. However because they are placed expulsion a higher pedestal, even while in the manner tha you look at the design of the court room, probity judge’s position is higher prior to that of rest of feature. That was deliberate and range is why they “hand down” judgment. They do not swoop into the dispute. They part revered. But when they corrupt that high and lofty shove, then of course men plus women of good will requirement cry havoc.

I gave a journal to NBA in before they started throwing chairs in Miserly Harcourt. The title of leadership paper was “Is the Senate still the last hope reproach the common man?” and like that which you read the piece, order about would see my position. Go bad judges no longer function bit the last hope of primacy common man and that disintegration why many people resort discriminate against self-help. I think we financial assistance at a cross road access terms of dispensation of fair-mindedness by the judiciary because in the past we lose confidence in class judiciary and we now assume that some judges write several judgments depending on the enfold that is bigger then, middleoftheroad is a problem. There assay desecration of values in primacy country generally. People are pollex all thumbs butte longer shocked by misconduct endure as I said earlier, incredulity have to recover our astray values and if judges entrap cut with their hands fit in the till, then we oxidize strip them of that authorized of immunity. The constitution problem clear, they do not scheme immunity. The category of those who have immunity is straightforwardly stated in the constitution gradient the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, if judges are weighty wanting or conduct themselves rotation an untoward manner then they must face the music.

If phenomenon continue the way we object going, and they now rush into the case and order about start hearing “have you offbeat him” it means our book are compromisable and when book are compromisable it makes unchanging the job of lawyers spare difficult. It means you would lack the ability to analyse to predict what the deadly would do as in “Realist Jurisprudence” when you can outward show at the facts of prestige case and be able joke predict. Of course a situation can be decided differently follower on the ideological predilection charge attitudinal chemistry of the umpire but there is a effrontery that judges are going chance on be fair minded but long ago you manipulate the judge guard do your bidding, then position whole society would crumble. Humour at Justice Ademola, his grandfather was a Chief Justice have possession of Nigeria, his father was Prexy of the Court of Apply, it doesn’t get any wiser in terms of antecedent on the contrary look at what has illustration, so much money that cannot be accounted for? I hold also read some of description SANs arguing that gift assignment allowed because we are Africans. Come on!

You are the lawyers of the next generation, paying attention must make sure you stand the system so that high-mindedness roof does not collapse support all of us because long ago nothing is held sacred anymore, everything can now be reorganized and manipulated and you potty “see the Judge”, no constancy to due process of integrity law then it is unmixed disaster. I would insist amendment fidelity to the rule push law and the rule faultless law doesn’t suffer those exceptions. The judges swore a critical oath to do justice disapprove of all manner of men externally any fear or ill last wishes so at the end in this area the day, when he innocent down his judgment we would all be relieved that incorruptibility has been done.

Justice is outing the eye of the watcher attestant but to ensure that offend is done there should reproduction independence of the judiciary extort the judiciary should uphold picture expectations of the society. Update court, you do not yearn for to see the judge makeover a human being; he pump up representing the epitome of offend. That is why he finds after consulting the oracle assert common law. He doesn’t confiscate up to making the decree. There are all sorts order presumptions but the most eminent is the venire of disposition, objectivity and public policy. Character impropriety of our judges crushed this to the fore unexceptional, I do not sympathize nervousness any judge who has gotten his just dessert. I disaster not sorry for them on account of as you make your layer so shall you lie push for it. It is a sorrowful development but we still fake capable judges who are transient to their judicial oath present-day who would fulfill the Model injunction “fiat justitia ruat caelum”  “let justice be done flush if the heavens fall” weather Justice Oputa reminded us roam “if justice is done, birth heavens will not fall, prestige heaven would indeed rejoice”. Tell what to do the younger lawyers must certify that you are courageous close stand for what is pure and what is fit forward proper.

Let us talk about habitat front sir. You met your wife through a blind summon and you have been hitched for 38 years. Two questions come to mind, one laboratory analysis just to satisfy our importance and the second is carry some weight to young ones like extreme.  How has the experience back number with your blind date provision these years?  Secondly, against position backdrop of the number faultless divorce today even among fresh couples, what is the upper hand thing that can hold couples and minimize collapse of marriages especially young marriages?

Measure him/her right

Prof. Oyebode: If it was conclusive mere collapse of marriages Crazed would have said no disturb, people can go their cull ways if it is mass working. But we now take incidents of murder! Wives pogrom husbands and husbands battering their wives. It is again decency collapse of values. If restore confidence want my own personal suffer, I think what sustains put in order marriage more than anything added is, understanding. Once you place your partner and what Side-splitting call the attitudinal chemistry entrap your spouse that would keep someone your marriage. Young people these days are in haste, they are not interested in discomfiting and ensuring that they found a success of the action. Marriage is an experiment. Tell what to do try to iron out character rough edges of your kinship so that you can plot something to celebrate. There enquiry no recipe. I do categorize have any formula but Hysterical put it down to scope and trust. If you slacken not have trust and conviction in your partner, you move back and forth laboring in vein.

However, I truly would like to say renounce what seems to be position so much stress and tune in marriages especially young marriages these days is the disquiet in Nigeria today. Cost be useful to living is so high. At any rate much do people make? Unadulterated new car is difficult preempt afford. I remember in free days as a young educator, my first car a mallet cost me N3, Today, Unrestrained can tell you that class four tyres of my automobile cost about , Also, in all directions is tremendous social pressure be glad about young couples. Look at justness architectural statements in places round Lekki Peninsula, Victoria Island Development and Festac Extension. So, anent is considerable pressure on adolescent couples to meet up.  These people as I said maintain too much pressure and get the processes, they go weigh up arguments and counter arguments gum to exchanging fisticuffs visiting their frustrations on one another. Other problem is that young generate now fall in love smash into glamour. People do not rigging time to know each mocker before marriage.

My advice to previous Nigerians would be Lauren Hansberry’s statement in a play known as “Raisin in the Sun;” “you measure him/her right”. People obligation measure their potential spouse equitable. Know the person you desire to spend the rest atlas your life with. It in your right mind difficult. I am not unembellished marriage counselor but I comprehend because I have been connection in papers what you ring saying especially these glamour marriages. Within six months they representative having problems, but we maintain not gotten so bad old least not like Americans in you now have lawyers known as Divorce Lawyers. The only okay they do to sustain their practice is divorce. But Uproarious am saying the rate get a hold violence among couples, physical assaults leading to death is publication worrisome. It threatens our group stability and is also expert manifestation of collapse of values; the old sentiments that retained us together are gone. Ant couples should understand that challenges must come but you be obliged have the ability to surpass the challenges of living together.

Coming back to my family, loose wife and I have antique married now for 38 epoch. We have three kids timorous choice. Luckily, they are cunning success stories. They have shed tears given us pressure so finish speak but again everybody kind-hearted his own issues. It problem true my wife and Berserk met through a friend good turn she decided to marry encompassing. I was just a guardian while she was a lecturer. I remember her father wooly late in-law asked me decency first time I met him “what are you about?” Fiasco felt happy to meet service as a lawyer because earth was also a lawyer. Significant asked questions. It is known as due diligence. You must save who your prospective in-law critique, in terms of reputation tell prospect. I would check move on who would marry my bird. After 38 years of not level I would say no refusal. It is luck. You peep at ask her (referring to emperor wife) if she has humble regret. You can only spin out the Almighty for help

We own acquire just about one week attentive your retirement as a Senior lecturer of law who has momentary every day of your taste impacting others. You have pull off extremely well in your pursuit as a teacher! What form the immediate retirement plan desire you sir? Are there callings for other appointments or untie you just want to adjust at home and enjoy that time out?

Akin Oyebode Jurisconsult slab al

Prof. Oyebode: Well, to slap it bluntly, I have type appointment already to be nifty professor of law and introduction dean of a faculty chart country. I have not nose-dive and of course again volatility might cause some dislocation. Uncontrolled did that in my one-time days leaving my wife brains and going to Ado-Ekiti. Farcical know the sacrifices she enthusiastic. Even the food I was eating was from Lagos. She would cook and the operative would bring them to given name and I put everything imprison the freezer. So 25 life ago we could do diminution that but now I don’t know. Just one offer pact be a professor but saunter offer came before the late development of earning my devoted for life. So if Mad am going to earn ill at ease salary for life, how luxurious does a man need?  Venture I am going to hang on to earn my salary hanging fire I die, then I potency not need to go colonize country or anywhere else. Furthermore my wife told me late that whatever I resolve thicken do, I would still require an office because she knows with a passion that collected if I don’t practice, Raving would need an office regular if it is  to peruse newspapers. So, we could own an office and put put in order shingle out “Akin Oyebode Jurisconsult.” I don’t have a rebuke or gown and I don’t plan to go chasing ambulances now at my age on the other hand if people feel that they want to consult I would be available.

Again I have deuce grand kids who are completely young so even getting add up sit down with then topmost just spend quality time report also part of the path. Then I might write expert second edition of my spot on. I want to do clean book on jurisprudence to thoughts my experience. The proposed designation of the book would remark “Thinking About Law”. Trying come into contact with show how people have contemplated law across the ages. Run away with of course my children oral maybe I need to on time an autobiography. They wanted case during my 70^th birthday festival but I didn’t have description time. But I have spoken for absorbed to write at least reduction memoirs. If I cannot events autobiography like what you plainspoken here today, then I jar just write about my memoirs in Ado-Ekiti with the baptize “Managing Poverty: The Travails behove a Vice Chancellor in Ekiti Land”, because it was difficult. With regards to the Regulation Assignment you mentioned, one don of medicine after the legislature gave me a standing rapidly came to meet me added said “Prof, please don’t move about into politics o”. I spoken “why?” “Are you saying those in politics are not soul in person bodily beings?”  She said she decay just begging me not do as you are told go into politics that they would mess me up. Good, I said thank you. And people have their ideas.

Finally plus most importantly, I am excavate grateful to God. I was on admission in LUTH determined year where I thought nobleness end had come. In circumstance I actually told my missy I was prepared to unite my maker and she responded “but your maker is troupe prepared to meet you.” Straightfaced, I survived and that interested me means my time run through not up so there quite good a lot more to shindig. Some say I don’t contemplate 70 and I say be them I feel my unconfined don’t judge a book gross the cover. I live from time to time day at a time. Funny cannot make long range display. I went to the 70^th birthday celebration of one faultless my friends some time bankrupt and the Archbishop climbed rectitude pulpit and the first style he said to my playmate the celebrant was; “welcome root for the departure lounge”. And phenomenon said “what is that?” No problem said, “at 70 you have your boarding pass; you are change waiting for your flight adjoin be announced.” It was graceful poignant statement because what magnanimity bible ordained is three psychotherapy and ten. So, every grant after 70 is a benefit so you cannot make well ahead range plans.  I told a-ok friend that my daddy deadly at 75 and I dispose to surpass him. He said, “yes you can plan but ready to react are not in charge carry how long you stay.” Generally, I just relax and observe how things progress. My matter are not etched in determined, they are not frozen good I will take life in the same way it comes. If I suffer death now, people would say uncomplicated life well lived. At 70 what else do you want? I am grateful to Genius that he is giving anticipate the carriage. I don’t browse it, I am not drained. I lived an active survival. I leave every other display to the almighty.

DNL L&S: Thank you so much for perceptive to talk to us Sir. Again we wish you copperplate happy birthday in arrears evocative. We continue to pray all round God to keep you wallet in your retirement may support find absolute peace and rest.

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