Pilot Law

Muhammed Akanbi: Legal practitioner who attained peak in 2 ‘worlds’

 

By Kayode Adeoti

A Chinese Philosopher, Lao Tzu once postulated that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step but no one could confidently say where, when and how it will end. For Professor Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi, his sojourn in the legal profession over the years could be said to have witnessed great fortunes and successes.

Though he might have had it rough in the past but the Don, who is one of the sons of late Pioneer chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Crimes Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi could today sing for joy following his achievements in the profession.

Through dint of hard work and resilient spirit, the younger Akanbi has achieved two highest honour in the profession.

In his 40s, MM as fondly called among his colleagues, rose from lecturer II to become a professor of law in 2012. Afterwards, he had held many positions before he eventually became Director of Preliminary Studies in the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.

Penultimate week, the younger Akanbi added another feather to his cap as he reached the highest pinnacle in his career. The Secretary of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), Hadizatu Mustapha announced his name alongside 30 others for the elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He will however be joining the league of 15 silks associated with the Ilorin Bar.

After the investiture on 24th September, the former Dean of Law at the University of Ilorin will officially bag the title; Professor Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi ‘SAN’.

On his Facebook timeline, the Don declared in appreciation to his maker saying ‘…Glory be to Allah SWT, who has by His mercy enabled me reached the peak in two worlds,’ (Professor and SANship)

However, in a recent chat with the Don, the former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, disclosed to Pilot Law that he received the news of his elevation with mixed feelings saying he wished his father, Justice Akanbi, who according to him supported him financially in the pursuit of his ambition was still alive.

He said, “I wished my father was alive to witness this, this is what he had wanted for me but it came when he was no more. The earlier attempts I made, he did not support me, he’s not the type that will go out talking to people to seek favour for me but this last one, he gave me part of the money for the form. I wouldn’t had been able to purchase the form, the price has gone up compared to before.

“Remembering his input casts coldness in my mind and that was why the news of my appointment was received with mixed feelings. 40 days after his death, fortunes started coming into the family. Two weeks ago, my sister was appointed FCT High Court judge, just last week, my appointment was confirmed.

“It’s painful, I didn’t get it during his life time. The first time I applied in 2014, I was shortlisted, and was ranked very high but at the end, I didn’t make it. The second attempt was 2017, I couldn’t make it also. This last attempt, I was almost giving up because I never wanted to apply again. My friend who first compelled and mounted pressure on me never let me rest until his dream for me came to pass. If one wants to learn how to be patient, he should apply for silk.

“I thank God for giving me the opportunity of smiling again, because if I hadn’t made it, I wouldn’t have been happy, it’s not a right to smile but a privilege. I’ve been in academics for the past 20 years and risen to become a professor, I thought that was how far I will go…”

PROFILE

Professor Akanbi who was born in the 70s had his LL.B from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State in 1997. His LL.M follows at the Lagos State University. Subsequently, he obtained his Ph.D from King’s College, London between 2004-2006. Earlier, he served (NYSC) at the Legal Department of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and later joined the chambers of Olawoyin & Olawoyin for his pupillage and Oyedele Gafar &Co. in 1997.

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