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In the wisdom of Henry David Thoreau “ Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it” and a successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. Barrister Oluwaseun Alao a consummate bar man, erudite advocate who specialized in Real Estate and inventory, can best be describe as a philanthropist and a good jolly fellow, an exemplary of good leader who passionate about using his profession and his resources to enrich others. Those who had the privileged to personally interact and doing business with Ede (Osun State) born legal genius will admit that there has never been a dull moment with the principal partner of O.A Alao Legal Practices Lekki Lagos. Recently Elitist Medial Team had a spontaneous encounter with Barrister Alao in his office where he share his ideology and some principle that has shape his life as a lawyer. We wish you a good reading of this exclusive interview.
Kindly give us a snapshot of your humble self? I am Oluwaseun Alao, a legal practicesional base in the City of Lagos, a family man to the core, married to Mrs. Oluwafisayo Esther Alao. Blessed with two beautiful Daughters Share with us your educational background At my early stage I attended Baptist Primary School Ede and Salvation Army School in Osogbo I later proceeded to Osogbo Grammar School in Osogbo I later joined my dad in Ede where I admitted into Ede Muslim grammar school and after secondary school I gained admission into then Ogun State University now called Olabisi Onabanjo University. Where I badged diploma in Law and thereafter I continued in the same institute of learning to further my quest in legal career where I graduated in flying colour. And in the year 2010 I proceeded into prestigious Nigeria Law School to affirm my Law profession which I graduated with H21. Just like Oliver twist I desire to further my Legal knowledge, I put in for my LLM (Master Degree in Law) at University of Lagos. I am equally engage in lots of readings, research and personal development trainings. What inspired you to become a Lawyer? I actually wanted to become a mechanical or civil engineer but my Dad had a different perspective aspect of me and he gave me all necessary encouragement to become a lawyer today I eventually see the Legal field as social engineering. What interests you the most about the legal profession? Let me say the dynamism aspect of it. Legal profession cut across all facet of life it left for individual to choose his or her area of specialization and keep the flag flying. Like me I specialized on Real Estate and insolvency. Also legal profession commands respect and lots of prestige attach to it. Many say the Law School is very difficult and draining. How true is this and how were you able to scale through. To me law as a profession is very difficult but the same time, very interesting. As a law student who is aiming at success you start study from the word go! (From day one)till the last final exam. The focus is to excel nothing less with hope that one day you will be wearing your wig and gown as an advocate of the people after been called to bar. What exactly is your goal in the law profession? Growing up as a young lawyer one of the primary mind set I develop is seen legal profession as a mean of elevating people and to help them out of any trouble especially the one within my area of jurisdiction and not just to help them also to enrich them and I pray to wear the sleek one day as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Please share your experiences in the early days of your legal practices? Nature has been very king to me. As a young lawyer I practiced with one of famous lawyer in the country. One of the challenge faces is leaving home very early as early as 4.am and coming back late every day. Today I can boldly say I am grateful to all my former bosses especially Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN) who gave me several opportunities to do delicate things. Which today I see as self-empowerment which brings out the best in me. What specific contribution have you made to the growth of the legal profession? We are contributing our own quota, we are trying to ensure that young lawyer should not suffer basic amenities so as to make the law as a profession attractive, something they can be proud of and develop high self-esteem for. We have also made lots of transaction in the legal profession especially in sharpen the principle of Laws
If you are elected as the President of NBA today, what are the changes you will inject into the system? If fate smiles on me to become one, I will encourage lawyers the leaders of the bar to create a structure on how to improve the well-being of the young lawyers. I will rebrand the personality of NBA. It should be fighting for the oppressed. I will want NBA that can compete with it peers globally. Talking of promoting the rule of law in the society. Do you think NBA is doing enough? The truth is they are trying, but we can do more. I salute the leadership of the present NBA President Mr. Olumide Apata (SAN) who is ensuring the rule of law governed which is one of our key principle in the NBA’s code of conduct. Who is your role model in the legal field? Though there quite many of them but let me mention few. I admire the leadership of Chief Wole Olanipekun, Mr. Kunle Ogunba, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, Chief Ayorinde Bolaji, Chief Afe Babalola and other good leaders in Nigeria Legal field. I hope one day i will be Greater than them. Apart from running a law firm, do you have other business? No all I am into is practicing of law to advocate and enrich the interest of people around me. But I also do some business around my area of discipline like helping a client to regain land, helping client to sell land, assisting a client to possess legal document etc. Tell us about your beautiful family? I married to the beauty queen of our time. “ Oluwafunmilayo Alao” blessed with two beautiful daughters. I live triangle life style as a family man, you can only find me at one of these places. Home, work or church I am a family man to the core… Would you like any of your children to become a lawyer? Almost all lawyers I know wish at least one of their children to take after their footsteps so mine expectation will not be different. I wish and I pray if not all of them let one of them should take after me.
Do you belong to any political party? Well I don’t belong; I see it as distraction to my work. I am a son of core politician. My Father is one of All Progressive Congress Chieftain in Ede Osun State. Who was your biggest influence while growing up? While growing up I see my Dad as my only prophet, a topnotch. His life style, his ability to possess eagle eyes has impacted my life positively. As owner of a law firm, what are the requirements for a young lawyer before he or she can gain employment with the firm? To gained employment at AO ALAO Legal Practices you must call to Nigeria Bar First. We parade excellent so to gained employment with us you must have at least two one which is second class upper, open to self-development programme, constant reading and updates and ability to uphold basic ethics and code of conduct of our profession above all we parede hardworking and self-discipline guys. What are your hobbies? Readings, I read lots of book, I love playing video games and watching of Yoruba Local Movies. What is your advice to the young lawyers? To be patient and hardworking they should always remember the height that great men attain is not attaining on a sudden flight. They have to study and focus. Slow but steady wins the race of life.
