It was on September 11, 1995, a day etched in my memory as the day I received the devastating news of my father’s passing. Amid the turmoil of that time, I found solace and guidance from the only legal luminary in our neighborhood, ‘Baba Ogunyemi.’ He was not just any lawyer; he was the pillar of strength in our estate, a true father figure.
I stood at a crossroads, torn between pursuing my parents’ wish for me to study Insurance or following my heart’s desire to embrace the legal profession. The latter won my heart, largely due to the influence of Baba Ogunyemi.
Mr. Adebayo Ogunyemi, with his thriving practice spanning various jurisdictions within and beyond Nigeria, was a paragon of elegance. Whether in or out of court robes, he exuded an air of sophistication.
His cream-colored Mercedes Benz, a real showstopper, was a testament to his unparalleled style, a grace that continues to captivate me to this day.
During one of my many visits to him as my adopted father, he dismantled misconceptions that held me back then. He asked, “Who told you that you can only be a successful lawyer if your father was one?” He continued, “In that case, I am now your father.”
These words served as a soothing balm, boosting my confidence to embark on a legal career. I credit the wisdom of my two-decade legal journey to the guidance of Baba Ogunyemi.
My introduction to the role of a Notary Public came when I encountered a hurdle with my Law School application. It was returned with a note stating that it had a “defective jurat.” When I shared this with Baba
Ogunyemi, he grinned and, siiting right there in a swivel chair in his soundproof home office, educated me on the role of a Notary Public. He explained that a Notary Public is a legal practitioner appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria to perform official acts such as certifying and authenticating documents and affidavits. At that time, he was one of the few esteemed individuals entrusted with this responsibility.
He also clarified that when a document was returned in the manner in which my law school form was, all that was needed to rectify it was a Notarial Certificate. He promptly issued me one, resolving my predicament.
He emphasized the importance of practicing notarial work with a sense of duty and care if I ever chose to become a Notary Public.
These invaluable lessons and insights shaped my path, particularly in the realm of notarial work and my legal practice as a whole. This is evidenced by a successful commercial law practice, my authorship of the Nigerian Notary Public: Prescribed Practice & Procedures and Co-founding of the Society for Notary Public.
Baba Ogunyemi was a wellspring of encouragement, an extraordinary guardian angel in my time of need, and a sterling example of what a contemporary legal practitioner and a distinguished Notary Public should aspire to be.
Baba Ogunyemi was one of the few octogenarian lawyers left in Nigeria until his recent passing at the age of 84. A man of few words, he was a humble, diligent, and results-driven legal gentleman.
I dare say he was a devout Christian Lawyer through and through.
Rest in peace, Baba Ogunyemi, rest in the loving arms of your Lord.
Wriiten by: -Muyiwa Ayojimi LLM.,B.L,ACIS,MNIM,ACIArb
Convener- Society for Notary Public in Nigeria.
