Olumide Akpata

Olumide Akpata (born October 7, 1972) is a Nigerian legal practitioner and politician. He was a senior partner and the Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars law firm in Nigeria until his resignation on 31 August 2023 to enable him to pursue partisan politics.[1] He became the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 28 years to be elected president of the Nigerian Bar Association in July 2020.[2][3] https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/08/04/an-outer-barman-becomes-nba-president?amp=1

Olumide Akpata
President of the Nigerian Bar Association
In office
28 August 2020 – 19 July 2022
Preceded byPaul Usoro
Succeeded byYakubu Maikyau
Personal details
Born (1972-10-07) 7 October 1972
Edo State, Nigeria
Political partyLabour Party (Nigeria)

Early life

Akpata was born on October 7, 1972, at Edo State of Nigeria. He obtained a bachelor's degree in law from University of Benin, Edo state in 1992 and was called to the bar in 1993.[4] He served in the National Youth Service Corps in Kano State.[2]

Career

Akpata began his legal practice in Delta state under the tutelage of Dr. Mudiaga Odje, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, OFR, who was one of the most seasoned litigators of his time.[5]

In 1996, Akpata relocated to Lagos and teamed up with his cousin, Oghogho Akpata, who had just set up the law firm Templars the previous year. Akpata joined in the formation of Templars at the age of 23, and has grown the firm into what it is today, as one of the largest law firms in Nigeria with a workforce of about 100 lawyers, including two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, both of whom practice proficiently in diverse areas of Nigerian law.[5]

Akpata is currently senior partner and Head of the Corporate & Commercial Practice Group of Templars. He has participated in some of the major groundbreaking transactions that have shaped commercial law practice in Nigeria and indeed the Nigerian economy.[6][7][8] He was chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL).[9]

On July 30, 2020, he was elected as the president of the Nigerian Bar Association after acquiring a total of 9,891 votes of the total 18,256 ballots cast, defeating his closest rival Babatunde Ajibade (SAN) who polled 4,328 votes, and Dele Adesina (SAN) who polled 3,982 votes.[10][11]

Politics

In a significant development, August 1st, 2023 marked a pivotal moment as Mr. Akpata formally entered the political arena, solidifying his commitment to public service by joining the ranks of the Labour Party (Nigeria). This move not only underscores his dedication to civic engagement but also signals a new chapter in his journey towards contributing to the betterment of society. As a member of the Labour Party, Akpata brings his unique perspective and ideas to the forefront, poised to play a role in shaping policy decisions and advocating for issues that align with the party's values. His entrance into the political landscape highlights the growing diversity of voices within the party, fostering a broader and more inclusive dialogue on matters of national importance. [12]

See also

References
  1. "NBA has lost its voice as prime defender of bar, bench — Akpata". Vanguard News. 2020-07-02. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  2. "BREAKING: Akpata emerges NBA new President". Vanguard News. 2020-07-30. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  3. Abiola, Oladipo (2020-07-30). "Breaking: Olumide Akpata Wins Election, Emerges New NBA President". Naija News. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  4. Okwumbu, Ruth (2020-07-30). "Olumide Akpata defeats two SANs to emerge NBA President". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  5. "The Nigerian Bar Association Election: Olumide Akpata emerges President". News Wings. 2020-07-30. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  6. Ubimago, Stephen. "Twenty-First Century Commercial Law Practice Belongs To Specialists – Akpata". Independent NG.
  7. Olaoluwa, Joseph (2019-10-23). "Akpata replaces Lekwot, as Ellah Lakes' Board Chairman". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  8. "Olumide Akpata". American Conference Institute. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  9. Onyekwere, Joseph. "We will raise standard of commercial law practice, says Akpata". guardian.ng. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  10. Inyang, Ifreke (2020-07-31). "NBA elections: Olumide Akpata defeats two SANs to emerge president". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  11. "Akpata wins NBA election". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2020-07-31.
  12. Ukpong, Clestus. "Ex-NBA president Akpata joins Labour Party, says he's tired of complaining about Nigeria". Premium Times.
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