A Culture of Mentorship and Merit: Babalakin & Co. toasts Oluseun Awonuga’s rise to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)
L-R: Tola Oshobi, SAN, Olawale Akani, SAN; Wale Babalakin, SAN; Honoree, Oluseun Awonuga, SAN;
and Boonyameen Babajide, SAN
Babalakin & Co. hosted a special ceremony at its Lagos headquarters to celebrate Mr. Oluseun Awonuga’s elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), marking another milestone in the firm’s tradition of nurturing legal excellence.
The event, held on Friday, October 10, 2025, brought together partners, associates, and well-wishers who described the achievement as a reflection of both Awonuga’s personal dedication and the firm’s long-standing mentorship culture.
In his welcome remarks, the Managing Partner, Mr. Wale Akoni, SAN, commended Awonuga’s rise to the Inner Bar, describing it as “a testament to dedication, perseverance, and the spirit of mentorship that defines our firm.” He added that Awonuga embodies “outstanding intellect, humility, and professional discipline.”
Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN, Founder and Principal Partner, congratulated Awonuga and reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to developing legal talent that achieves national and international distinction.
“Our firm has always been a fertile ground for excellence. With Awonuga’s elevation, we have now produced over ten Senior Advocates of Nigeria, with five SANs currently active within the firm,” Babalakin noted.
He added that the recognition underscored Babalakin & Co.’s enduring contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s legal profession. “This honour reflects not only individual brilliance but also our shared culture of hard work, integrity, and devotion to justice,” he said.
Awonuga expressed gratitude to his mentors and colleagues for their support. “I am deeply honoured to have walked this journey surrounded by such inspiring minds. This rank is a call to greater responsibility, and I remain committed to upholding the highest ideals of the legal profession,” he stated.
Colleagues described Awonuga as a lawyer of uncommon diligence and composure. “His rise to the Inner Bar is richly deserved—he’s a mentor to many of us,” one associate remarked.
The evening ended with applause and a toast to the new Senior Advocate, marking another proud moment in Babalakin & Co.’s distinguished legacy of producing leaders in Nigeria’s legal community.
