Oyebiyi Ladapo runs a thriving firm, BL Practice Hub, a transactions law consulting firm in Lagos, with branches in Abuja and a few other states, plus a fledgling branch in the UK. The Lagos State University Law graduate and an MBA holder from a prestigious UK business school, in this interview with BOLATITO ADEBOLA speaks on his impressive and blossoming career as a lawyer and social entrepreneur, amongst other aspects of his life. Excerpts:
Why did you become a lawyer?
I never knew I would become a lawyer. I just found myself as a lawyer which till today, I somehow believe is divine, because I have always been in the middle of medical doctors, so it was just right and somehow natural for me to be a medical doctor by tradition, but as fate and destiny would have it, I ended being a lawyer, which of course, surprised many.
Have you ever had any challenge in your career, and if so, what were the challenges?
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I will restrict myself to the challenges I faced as a law student at the university, and when I qualified as a full-fledged lawyer. For the former, you are faced with a lot of challenges, such as industrial actions, which could extend the course duration, beyond the standard five years. Another challenge was the inadequate exposure to various legal procedures at home. Abroad, for example, for the elective programme, universities in developed countries allow students to visit other schools and countries, in order to have international exposure. Some foreign-trained law students, therefore, have an edge over the Nigeria-trained law students, at some stages of their career. As a qualified lawyer, inadequate exposure, diminished vitality and limited opportunities in our society, often blur the vision and mission of most Nigeria-trained lawyers. Often times, lawyers are more interested in securing jobs to make ends meet, than pursuing aspects of the law that they are passionate about. It is essentially a case of survival and self-sustenance. By the time you are a qualified lawyer and after NYSC, you are already older than the minimum age to get a job in the society, because of the loss of ample time in your undergraduate years of studying in Nigerian universities.
As a successful entrepreneur and lawyer, why did you venture into politics?
I did not venture into politics, as this question suggests; however, I believe it is the responsibility of every Nigerian citizen to be associated with the manifestos of a political party, because the more the people get involved, the more it creates a pool of ideas that aids in the development of the nation. For example, in the UK, citizens align with the ideology of being either in the Conservative or Labour Parties. So, the youths should be encouraged to get involved in politics and bring ideas of the age of their time onboard, for the purpose of nation-building. Essentially, the not-too-young-to-run bill is an act that should be applauded.
How do you see the political situation in Nigeria?
A lot of progress is being made in Nigeria by Nigerians, but there is always room for improvement. I suggest we make most political offices less attractive, to achieve passion and national service. Only few individuals are in public office in the interest of the nation, whilst others go there for their own selfish interests or survival. In my honest opinion, our leaders should have the utmost knowledge of law or an idea of background of law and morality at least, and possess the features that are expected of leaders globally. Our leaders should be held accountable. The world is evolving to a new age, so, young people should be given the opportunity to innovate, create, and express their minds. After all, according to the Nigerian history, before the year 1960 and post-independence, young minds got involved in nation-building, and they did so in their late 20s and early 30s, but most of them are still involved till date. So it won’t be a bad idea for a new age to take the reins of government and governance.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
First of all, I will say God, because I am a product of God’s grace. I don’t think I would have come this far in this profession without His divine positioning. Also, at various stages of my life, as a man of many parts, I have met different people who have mentored and given me direction. Some of these individuals include my mother,who exposed me to current affairs, and a lot of social life balance; my father, who exposed me to history of the world, of why and how, anthropology, psychiatry and mental health at a very early stage of my life; Mr. Biyi, my cousin, G.A. Dare Falana, a very senior colleague, who gave me my very first major exposure in litigation, during my chamber attachment; Yemi Edun of Daniel Ford, who made me see opportunities in every challenge I come across in my day to day activities; and Pastor Tai Adesugba, who helped me develop a positive and beautiful mind-set in any challenge, as well as an excellent spirit.
If you had not been a lawyer, what other career line would you have toed?
Aside being a man in the middle of six medical doctors, of whom I am one of them in equity, I would have probably been in the forefront of entertainment in Nigeria, from club ownerships to restaurant business, fashion or stand-up comedy, essentially, an entrepreneur of some worth.
What is your advice to anyone wanting a career in Law?
I will advise anyone who wants to have a career as a lawyer, to identify their strength, passion, weakness, and do something totally unrelated at some point in time, either in business, finance, religion, medical ethics or human rights, to gain a competitive edge from the synergy, upon completion of the first degree, because knowledge is power. Also, not to ever ignore little steps of progress from university days, because every stage and every day in your formative years of the career, counts in the future. This is because, the end justifies the means, but don’t ignore the means to the end. As undergraduates or qualified lawyers, you should have identified and studied the professional terrain by breaking it into segments, a target which niche suits your capacity, and position yourself there at a very early stage, from internships to building professional practice-based relationships.
What is your hand-out to the youth?
Nigeria is an emerging nation and has been so for a very long time, and this has led to a lot of economic instability, uncertainty, and imbalance. Most Nigerian youths are thus, susceptible to anxiety and worry due to the fear of failure and not being fulfilled. Based on my experience, in the presence or absence of worry, things always fall into place, as long as you follow the templates of life and precedents of realistic and attainable success stories. Therefore, I advise the youths to be brave, decisive, goal-oriented, authentic, and worry less, because things will always fall into place.
How do you unwind?
The world is full of distractions, so I make a conscious effort to renew my spiritual mind by listening to podcasts and developing my mind to create a new world on earth, with a positive mindset. I define myself as a social introvert and whatever I choose to do, I do well, so when I am out, I’m out, and when I am in, I’m in. That explains it all.
