Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, has urged newly elevated Senior Advocates of Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethics in the legal profession.

Speaking at the reception for the son of Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole following his elevation to the rank of senior advocate, Olumide-Fusika commended the honouree’s hard work and perseverance, describing the achievement as a testament to discipline, honesty, and professional excellence.

He noted that while many lawyers had the opportunity for similar success, only a few attained the rank because of their commitment to ethical conduct and consistency in legal practice.

“It was not money that got you here; it was hard work, honesty, and high professional standards. You must maintain that reputation across the country,” he charged.

Olumide-Fusika reminded the celebrant that becoming a SAN was not the end of the journey but the beginning of greater responsibility. He cited past examples of lawyers who lost their honour due to corruption and ethical breaches, urging the new silk to remain steadfast.

“You now carry a name and legacy that must be protected,” he said. “We don’t want to hear that you’ve joined the crowd that compromises the standard of our profession. Keep faith with integrity, submit to God, and continue to make us proud.”

Earlier, Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole of the Court of Appeal described his son’s elevation to the prestigious rank as the fulfilment of a long-cherished dream built on discipline, perseverance, and divine grace.
Justice Oyewole said his achievement reflected the challenges and triumphs of nurturing children in a complex society.

He expressed gratitude to God, family, teachers, and friends who played pivotal roles in his son’s journey from childhood struggles to professional success.

The appellate court justice recounted how his son once juggled between academics and football, showing early signs of ambition but also facing moments of academic difficulty.

He recalled: “There was a time he would score 15 over 60, and we had to take decisive steps. We got the teachers involved and ensured he understood that life rewards discipline.”

He paid tribute to educators and teachers as well as friends who guided his son along the way. He also shared light-hearted moments about the young man’s determination to become both a lawyer and a footballer, saying, “We had to convince him that football could not replace education.” He used the occasion to encourage Nigerian youths to believe in the possibility of success within the country, despite its challenges.

“When people tell you Nigeria cannot happen to you, tell them Nigeria can happen to you in a very good way,” he advised. Oyewole, however, emphasised that parenting is a lifelong duty and that moments like his son’s elevation are the ultimate rewards of dedication and good upbringing.

Mr Olumide Oyewole, a lawyer, described the elevation of his brother to the prestigious rank as a moment of pride and fulfilment for their family.
He expressed deep gratitude to God and their father, whose guidance and discipline inspired their pursuit of excellence in the legal profession.
He noted that attaining the SAN rank required years of dedication, resilience, and integrity.

Oyewole thanked guests for joining in the celebration, which was attended by family members, colleagues, and friends from the legal profession.