Wole Olanipekun

Chief Oluwole Oladapo Olanipekun CFR, SAN (born November 18, 1951) is a Nigerian lawyer, solicitor, activist, and prominent legal figure. He is a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and holds the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). **Early Life and Education** Oluwole Oladapo Olanipekun was born on November 18, 1951, in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. A native of Ikere-Ekiti, he began his secondary education at Amoye Grammar School in Ikere-Ekiti. He later obtained his West Africa School Certificate from Ilesa Grammar School in Ilesa. Olanipekun proceeded to the University of Lagos, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Law. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Olanipekun began his active legal career in July 1975. Over decades, he has established himself as one of Nigeria's most influential and successful legal practitioners, focusing heavily on dispute resolution mandates, government disputes, white-collar, and financial crime cases. He is recognized for his rigorous advocacy and strategic insight, consistently delivering favorable outcomes in complex and sensitive matters. A significant point in his career was his election as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), a position of high authority within the country's legal fraternity. He is the Principal Partner of Wole Olanipekun and Co, a leading law firm headquartered in Lagos State with branches across Nigeria. **Notable Works and Recognition** Throughout his career, Olanipekun has received numerous honors and recognitions. He was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). In 1999, he received the Merit Alumnus Award from both Amoye Grammar School, Ikere, and Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa. He was also honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos. In November 2014, he was recognized by the University of Ibadan with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D) degree. **Current Status** Chief Wole Olanipekun continues his active practice as a lawyer and is currently the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos. He is married to Erelu Omo-ale Olanipekun, and they are parents to four children and grandparents.