During an era when most lawyers reached the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in their 50s, Ademola Akinrele took silk at 38. In the 1990s, the average age was around 50, and only one or two before him had been elevated as young as 37.
In a candid conversation with Tokunbo Akerele, Ademola, who is the chairman of Oando Plc and the managing partner at F.O. Akinrele & Co., told his story of how he became a SAN.
How He Became Senior Advocate of Nigeria at 38
Credit: YouTube/Inspire Africa Stories
After completing his A-levels at Clifton, Akinrele went on to study law at University College London and bagged a master’s degree at Cambridge in 1984. Akinrele returned home after college in 1982 and got into the Nigerian Bar Association in 1983. Opportunities in Nigeria were still abundant then, and it only made sense to come back home. 
He learned the ropes interning under Chief F.R.A.Williams, after which he joined his father’s chambers with his brother. He later went on to build a unique style of modern practice in shipping, insurance and oil and gas, with his brother, using their connections from school in London to secure major clients.
Akinrele was on a case that seemed like a smooth win until the night before the hearing. Research by his junior colleague revealed a decision that could destroy their argument. The other side had not found it at the time, so staying silent would have been the best choice. However, ethics demanded disclosure.
Akinrele, being a young lawyer at the time, chose honesty. So he told the client, then disclosed the case in the court and argued why it should not apply.
His courage and integrity impressed the judges on the case. Hence, after the hearing, one of the judges privately praised him. He then encouraged him to apply for Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He applied, and within two years, he was elevated, becoming one of the youngest ever.
However, that defining moment was only a reflection of a deeper formation.
Akinrele’s Background That Formed His Career and Character
He schooled under Catholic education at St. Mary’s and St. Gregory’s, which gave him a broad education in music, arts, reading, and imaginative confidence. At home, his upbringing by both parents reinforced discipline, self-awareness, and independence.
“I was definitely born with a silver spoon; my father was a very successful lawyer, but he brought us up without a silver spoon. And I think that that’s probably the real charm of it all,” he said.
His grandfather, who was a master of classics and school headmaster, had already instilled in the family a generational respect for education and character.
His elevation to the level of SAN tested his humility. He recalled that one time as a young silk, he waited patiently when a judge ignored the customary right of audience, and on his first Court of Appeal appearance he waived precedence to an older mentor.
Akinrele says his parents’ counsel has remained practical for him through the years.
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