By Samson Adeyanju
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, has cautioned Nigerian leaders and public office holders against abusing power, stressing that no position of authority or political influence is permanent.
Akintola gave the warning at the commissioning of Dayo Ajibola & Associates, also known as SBA Chambers, where he urged those in positions of authority to remain humble, remember their roots and prepare for life after office.
“Every empire will expire. Let those who are holding public office get this into their heads. Every empire will expire. Every person in a position of authority will come to a time when he will no longer be relevant,” he said.
The legal practitioner also warned politicians against sacrificing people for political interests, urging professionals who interact with political leaders to be cautious and maintain clear boundaries between their principles and political relationships.
He said money should not be allowed to determine a person’s values or professional decisions, urging young lawyers to resist the temptation of seeking immediate financial rewards.
According to him, younger lawyers should focus on building credibility, relationships and professional competence rather than demanding large fees from every client.
“The younger generation lawyers are making the mistake of wanting that money now, now, now. It doesn’t work that way,” Akintola said.
He advised lawyers to carefully assess the clients they represent and avoid fraudulent individuals and activities.
“We have a standard in our office. No room for 419,” he said, stressing that professional reputation remained more valuable than short term financial gains.
Akintola further urged young professionals not to live beyond their means, saying proper financial planning was necessary for sustainable careers and businesses.
He explained that his law office makes provisions for the maintenance and replacement of office equipment, noting that professionals must plan for unforeseen expenses instead of spending all their earnings.
“If you take good care of your job, your job will take good care of you,” he said.
The Senior Advocate also emphasised discipline and commitment to legal practice, particularly punctuality and diligence in handling clients’ briefs.
“The court will not wait for you. You should be in court latest by 8:30. The client that gives you a brief is not waiting for stories. He wants results,” he said.
Akintola urged senior lawyers to continue mentoring younger practitioners and advised employees to remain loyal and committed to their employers.
He also encouraged the new generation to remain prayerful, disciplined and patient, saying genuine professional success is built over time.
Speaking at the occasion, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, commended Akintola for his commitment to mentoring younger professionals.
Buhari, who said he had adjusted his international travel plans to attend the event, congratulated Dayo Ajibola on the commissioning of the chambers.
He said the presence of senior practitioners and other distinguished personalities at the event demonstrated the respect Akintola had earned through his character and professional relationships.
Buhari urged Akintola to remain focused despite betrayal, blackmail and disappointment, saying the growth of people he had mentored should give him satisfaction.
“People will still continue to betray. People will continue to blackmail. People will continue to misbehave, but just be happy that the people you are training are coming up, and you are seeing them growing,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, Barrister Dayo Ajibola, principal of the newly commissioned chambers, expressed appreciation to Akintola, senior lawyers, public officials, friends and other guests for honouring the occasion.
Ajibola, who became emotional while recounting some of the challenges he had overcome, attributed his survival and progress in life to God’s protection, prayers and the support of family, mentors and friends.
He disclosed that he had obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees before returning to study law, describing his journey into the legal profession as one marked by several challenges and near tragedies.
Ajibola thanked Akintola for his mentorship and described his presence at the commissioning as a significant honour.
He also expressed appreciation to the senior members of the legal profession who attended the ceremony, saying their support had encouraged him to continue building the new law firm.
The commissioning marked a significant milestone for Dayo Ajibola & Associates and brought together members of the legal profession, political figures, friends and associates.
