society
KAYODE AJULO: A LIVING TESTIMONY IN MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP
KAYODE AJULO: A LIVING TESTIMONY IN MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP
– Reveals mentors who shaped his life
– How he set up the first online law firm
– His encounter with FRA Williams
By: Al Humphrey Onyanabo
As the pioneering Chairman of the newly created NBA Mentorship Committee, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Fellow of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the United Kingdom, and the current Honourable Attorney General of Ondo State, is driven by a profound passion to impart the lessons he’s learned throughout his illustrious career.
With unwavering dedication, he aims, along with other distinguished members of the Mentorship Committee, to teach young lawyers the art of mentorship and leadership, filling a critical gap in their legal education.
“Law school has made them lawyers; our extant commission is to make them leaders and successful in the noble profession,” Dr. Ajulo declared, his voice tinged with a deep sense of purpose.
In a rare moment of introspection, Dr. Ajulo reveals a humility that belies his impressive accomplishments. “I don’t think I’m a spirit or anything special,” he says, his eyes shining with sincerity. “What I’ve accomplished, any other lawyer could do even better.” This conviction is rooted in his journey, which was shaped by the transformative power of mentorship and hard work.
As a young law student at the University of Jos, his network of friends, primarily socialites, impacted his early career goals. He pictured himself becoming an entertainment lawyer for the enjoyment of it. However, the guidance of mentors and his tireless efforts carved a different path for him.
“Having received so much from mentors, what more could one want than to mentor young lawyers and assist them in achieving success in life?”
Dr. Ajulo’s eyes light up as he recalls the impact mentorship has had on his enviable career. He recalled the influence of Chief FRA Williams, a legal luminary who inspired him as a student at the University of Jos. Without ever meeting him in person, he devoured every law report and article about the legal giant. Mesmerised by Chief Williams’ accomplishments, Dr. Ajulo would attend court sessions to watch him in action, observing and learning from the Grand Master.
When your mind is fixed on a purpose in faith, providence aligns the path. So it was for Dr. Ajulo, then a young State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who found himself appearing alongside “Timi the Law” at the Supreme Court in Abuja. When he introduced himself as a long-time admirer, the renowned lawyer was taken aback, yet impressed, by Dr. Ajulo’s boldness and admiration. That chance encounter became the beginning of a mentorship that would shape his legal journey.
Dr. Ajulo’s mantra, “If you faithfully and sincerely follow seven successful lawyers, you will become the eighth successful lawyer,” speaks to the profound impact of mentorship on his life. He has been fortunate to have had an array of brilliant mentors.
Men like Chief Frederick Rotimi Alade Williams, SAN, the trailblazing first Nigerian Senior Advocate and one of the founding fathers of the Nigerian legal profession; the late, highly respected Chief James Ajibola Ige, SAN, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; the revered Aare Afe Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, an exceptional legal icon and founder of the prestigious Afe Babalola University; the unassailable Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association and distinguished constitutional lawyer; Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, a respected figure in legal advocacy and public interest litigation; the ever-brilliant Dr. Tunji Abayomi, a renowned constitutional lawyer and principled human rights advocate; others include Chief G O.K Ajayi SAN, Gani Fawehinmi SAN, Kanu Agabi SAN, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, J.K. Gadzama SAN, Femi Falana SAN, Ahmed Raji SAN, Adekola Mistapha SAN, and even Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the current President of the Nigerian Bar Association, who providentially was a member of NYSC serving at Chike Chigbue (SAN) & Co. where he did his law school externship.
Another of his mentors he loves to talk about was Hon. Justice Prafullachandra Natwarlal Bhagwati, Chief Justice of India, born in the same year as his father in 1921, and who died in 2017. The elderly jurist taught him deep meditation techniques and yoga.
Each of these direct and indirect mentoring relationships has played a vital role in his development, instilling values of hard work, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Dr. Ajulo believes that one can always learn unique qualities from any lawyer—not just through close interaction, but by observing with intention and passion. He refers to this approach as the shadow mentor technique.
Today, he is a powerful testament to the influence of mentorship, having become one of the most prominent and respected lawyers in the country. He has represented a remarkable range of notable clients, including nearly all contemporary heads of government, federal and state legislators, political, traditional, and religious leaders, blue-chip companies, government agencies, international organizations, and individuals from all walks of life.
He draws inspiration from the phrase prominently featured on all his company’s stationery: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” This quote from Proverbs 22:29 in the King James Version of the Bible highlights the value of diligence and skill, implying that such individuals are likely to achieve prominence and recognition.
This Oxford-raised arbitrator has garnered numerous accolades, awards, and recognitions from around the globe, all testament to his unwavering dedication and excellence. He currently serves as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice for Ondo State, which positions him as a member of various statutory and ad-hoc bodies, including the distinguished Body of Benchers, Council of Legal Education, and the Judicial Service Commission. Additionally, he is also the Chairman of the newly created Ondo State Anti-Land Grabbing Task Force and serves as the State Security Adviser on World Bank operations. Before these roles, he held the position of National Secretary for Nigeria’s third-largest political party, the Labour Party.
As a devoted mentee who has applied every lesson in thought and practice, one of his notable achievements is pioneering innovations that reflect a visionary approach to both law and mentorship.
Before 2016, when online services were still in their infancy, Dr. Ajulo embarked on a revolutionary journey by launching Nigeria’s first online law firm, Kayode Ajulo & Castle of Law. This bold initiative stemmed from a visionary goal: to create a global network of lawyers capable of providing swift, efficient legal representation anywhere in the world. By harnessing technology and collaboration, Dr. Ajulo sought to bridge geographical barriers and redefine the legal landscape.
Today, Dr. Ajulo’s innovative spirit continues to deliver impressive results. His law firm now boasts hundreds of in-house lawyers, supported by a vast network of thousands of online legal professionals. This remarkable scale stands as a testament to his forward-thinking vision and commitment to expanding the boundaries of legal practice.
At his law firm, The Castle of Law, he cultivated a culture of nurturing and support, encouraging lawyers to maintain ties with the firm even after they chose to move on. In a remarkable display of generosity and trust, Dr. Ajulo allowed departing lawyers to leverage the reputation and resources of Castle of Law, providing them with financial support and autonomy to establish their chambers.
The Castle of Law, now under the management of a Professor of Law and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, Redeemer’s University, Prof Bukola Akinola, as Head of Chambers and Senior Partner, has expanded to multiple offices in Abuja and other parts of the world, a feat unmatched by any other law firm in Nigeria. Dr. Ajulo also envisions franchising his law firm brand, creating opportunities for aspiring lawyers to benefit from his expertise and reputation. He is resolute that this visionary approach will not only democratize access to legal services but also empower a new generation of legal professionals to thrive.
When he was appointed Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in Ondo State, he caused a stir when he appointed, in one day, 273 Honourary Legal Advisers and Assistants. What the world did not know was that all of those appointed are either his mentors or his mentees who work pro bono for Ondo State, while the majority of them are associates of his Castle of Law. Today, their impact is felt in the outstanding quality of transformative work the State Ministry of Justice is doing.
In keeping faith with their commission, Dr Ajulo and the Mentorship Committee will parades the best of the Nigerian lawyers on an inaugural mentorship seminar which will be a renaissance to forging nation builders, global advocates, and custodians of justice and before the year runs out, the initiative will be beyond our borders, starting with Canada, where we are already in discussions with the government to institutionalise international mentorship exchanges.
He adds,
“Mentorship is the bridge between knowledge and wisdom, between theory and practice, between ambition and actualisation. It is the guiding light that prevents missteps and accelerates progress. In the legal profession, where tradition, ethics, and precision shape our identity, mentorship is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It helps young lawyers find clarity amidst complexity, courage in the face of challenges, and character amid the clamour. It is the sacred responsibility of the experienced to guide the aspiring. Without mentorship, talent may drift; with it, potential finds purpose and promise turns into legacy.”
As Dr. Ajulo reflects on his journey, he remains adamant that there is no excuse for failure. With the right mentorship, guidance, and dedication, anyone can achieve greatness. His story stands as a totem of hope, encouraging a new generation of lawyers and professionals to seek out mentors, learn from their experiences and wisdom, and pursue excellence with purpose.
With every fibre of his being, Dr. Ajulo is devoted to nurturing the next generation of legal leaders. His selfless endeavour is a shining example of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others. As he pours his heart and soul into the NBA Mentorship Committee, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and transform the lives of countless young lawyers.
As we conclude Dr. Ajulo’s inspiring journey, we’re left with a profound reflection on the transformative power of mentorship. With humility and gratitude, Dr. Ajulo describes himself as a “dwarf who stood on the shoulders of giants and became one.” This poignant metaphor encapsulates the essence of his remarkable journey.
The idea that mentorship allows us to stand on the shoulders of giants, seeing farther and achieving more than we ever thought possible, is a timeless principle that has shaped Dr. Ajulo’s life. It is a testament to the boundless potential that lies within each of us, waiting to be unleashed through guidance, support, and empowerment.
Dr. Olukayode Ajulo’s journey serves to inspire generations to come. It reminds us that success is not solely a product of individual effort, but also the culmination of the wisdom, experience, and encouragement we receive from others. He is a shining example of the impact one person can make by harnessing the power of mentorship.
This is why, for this accomplished lawyer, mentorship knows no bounds, not even physical distance. It also explains why, despite his impressive achievements, he remains humbly committed to giving back to the legal profession, determined to empower young lawyers and ensure they benefit from the lessons he has learned throughout his remarkable career.
Dr. Ajulo says every lawyer has the potential to become a giant, standing on the shoulders of those who have come before them and lifting others to achieve greatness. So touching.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE OF CHINEDU NSOFOR (CEO, WORK WHILE IN SCHOOL GROUP)
Chinedu Nsofor is a dynamic and seasoned technocrat, a visionary social worker, an International Development Expert, and an accomplished programmes development and management expert with over 15 years of diverse professional experience. He is a trailblazer in youth empowerment, job creation, and social innovation, renowned for his creative problem-solving skills and unmatched ability to transform challenges into sustainable opportunities.
With a strong academic foundation—holding a B.Sc. in Social Work from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an M.Sc. in Social Work (Industrial Social Welfare) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso—he combines intellectual depth with practical expertise. His distinguished career reflects his unwavering commitment to tackling unemployment in Nigeria, a mission he has pursued through pioneering initiatives such as the Work While in School Programmes, the IMOFINTEC project for 5,000 youths, and several other impactful programmes across tertiary institutions, government bodies, and international organizations.
Recognized as a versatile project management expert, innovative business development strategist, creative writer, professional biographer, media consultant, and Wikipedian, Nsofor’s influence extends across social, economic, and academic spheres. His professional track record includes leadership roles in reputable organizations such as the Nigeria Association of Economists, Global Coalition for Sustainable Environment, Iwuanyanwu Foundation, the Imo State Government Committee on Science and Technology Roadmap (2020–2030), and Asia Pacific Sports International, where he has served as Nigeria’s Programmes Director.
Heiss is also currently the Country Director (Nigeria), RapidHeal International, a health intervention firm with its global headquarters in Malaysia. Beyond his rich portfolio, he is celebrated for his divine wisdom, inspirational leadership, and Midas touch in wealth and job creation, having directly empowered over 50,000 youths across Nigeria with life-transforming skills. Passionate, resourceful, and impact-driven, Chinedu Nsofor stands out as a nation-builder whose contributions continue to shape lives and institutions to the glory of God.
Customs at the Crossroads: When Lawmakers Look Away and the Executive Looks Aside
By Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi
In a democracy, legislative oversight is the scalpel that cuts through deceit, inefficiency, and corruption in public institutions. It is the people’s last institutional shield against abuse of power. But what happens when that shield becomes a shelter for the very rot it is meant to expose? And what happens when the Executive arm, whose duty is to supervise its agencies, pretends not to see?
The unfolding drama between the National Assembly and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reveals more than a policy dispute. It exposes a dangerous triangle of confusion, complicity, and economic sabotage. At stake is not only the rule of law but the survival of an economy already gasping under inflation, a weak naira, and suffocating costs of living.
The House Talks Tough
In June 2025, Nigerians saw a glimpse of legislative courage when the House of Representatives Committee thundered at Customs:
> “Nigerian Customs Service, by June 30, must not collect CISS again. You are to collect only your 4% FOB assigned by the President. Even the 7% cost of collection you currently take is illegal—it was an executive fiat of the military, not democratic law. Any attempt to continue these illegal collections will be challenged in court. The ‘I’s have it.”
The voice was firm, the ruling decisive. Nigerians expected a turning point.
But the righteous thunder of the House was quickly muffled by the Senate’s softer tone, which suggested not the enforcement of the law but a readiness to bend it.
Senate: Oversight or Escape Route?
At a Senate Customs Committee session, Senator Ade Fadahunsi admitted openly that Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023. Yet rather than demand an end to illegality, he extended a lifeline to Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi:
> “If we come back to the same source… the two houses will sit together and see to your amendment so you will not be walking on a tight rope.”
But should Adeniyi be handed a loose rope while Nigeria’s economy hangs by a thread?
Instead of accountability, the Senate Customs Committee floated adjustments that would make life easier for Customs. The nation was given hints about fraudulent insurance and freight data, but instead of sanctions, what we saw was a search for escape routes. This is not oversight—it is overlook.
Smuggling and Excuses
The Senate Committee also lamented cross-border smuggling—Nigerian goods like cement flooding Cotonou, Togo, and Ghana at cheaper prices than in Nigeria. Senator Fadahunsi blamed the Central Bank’s 2% value deposit for encouraging the practice.
But where are the Senate’s enforcement actions—compliance checks, stiffer sanctions, cross-border coordination? None. The result is predictable: smugglers prosper, reserves bleed, and ordinary Nigerians pay more for less.
A Bloated Customs Budget
The Service’s 2024 capital allocation ballooned to ₦1.1 trillion from ₦706 billion. Instead of channeling these resources into modern trade systems, Customs is expanding empires of frivolity—such as proposing a new university despite already having training facilities in Gwagwalada and Ikeja that could easily be upgraded.
Oversight is not an afterthought; it is the legislature’s constitutional duty. To see waste and illegality and yet propose amendments that would legalise them is to turn oversight into overlook.
Customs has about 16,000 staff, yet many remain poorly trained. Rather than prioritise capacity building, the Service is busy building staff estates in odd locations. How does Modakeke—an inland town with no border post—end up with massive Customs housing projects, while strategic border towns like Badagry, Idiroko, and Saki remain neglected? Is Bashir Adeniyi Comptroller-General of Customs—or Minister of Housing?
The 4% FOB Levy: A Policy Blunder
The central controversy is the Federal Government’s plan to replace existing port charges with a new 4% Free-On-Board (FOB) levy on imports.
Nigeria is an import-dependent nation. This levy will instantly hike the costs of cars, spare parts, machinery, and raw materials—crippling industries and punishing consumers.
Already, the consequences are biting:
A 2006 Toyota Corolla now costs between ₦6–9 million.
Clearing agents who once paid ₦215,000 for license renewal must now cough out ₦4 million.
New freight forwarder licenses have jumped from ₦600,000 to ₦10 million.
Customs claims the revenue is needed for its modernisation programme, anchored on a software platform called B’Odogwu. But stakeholders describe this so-called “Odogwu” as epileptic—if not comatose. Why commit trillions to a ghost programme that will be obsolete by January 2026, when the Nigerian Revenue Service is set to take over Customs collections?
Industry Raises the Alarm
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has warned that the levy will worsen inflation, disrupt supply chains, and hurt productivity.
Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, calls the levy “economically dangerous.” His reasoning is straightforward:
The 4% FOB levy is much higher than the 1% CISS it replaces.
Peer countries like Ghana maintain just 1%.
The new levy will fuel inflation, raise the landed costs of goods, and destabilise the naira.
He also revealed that the Customs Modernisation Act, which introduced the levy, was passed without Senate scrutiny or meaningful stakeholder consultation. He estimates that the levy could add ₦3–4 trillion annually to freight costs—burdens that will be transferred directly to consumers.
Who Is Behind the “Odogwu” Masquerade?
The haste to enforce this levy, despite its looming redundancy, raises disturbing questions. Who benefits from the “Odogwu” project draining trillions? Why the rush, when NRS will take over collections in a few months?
This masquerade must be unmasked.
The Price Nigerians Pay
For ordinary Nigerians, this policy translates into one thing: higher prices. Cars, manufactured goods, and spare parts are spiraling beyond reach. A nation struggling with inflation, unemployment, and a weak currency cannot afford such reckless experiments.
So, while the Senate looks away, the Executive cannot look aside.
The Executive Cannot Escape Blame.
It is easy to focus on the failings of the legislature. But we must not forget: the Customs Service is an agency of the Federal Ministry of Finance, under the direct supervision of the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun.
If Customs is breaking the law, wasting resources, or implementing anti-people policies, the buck stops at the Executive’s table. The Minister of Finance is Chairman of the Customs Board. To fold his hands while the Service operates in illegality is to abdicate responsibility.
History gives us a model. In 1999, the Minister of State for Finance, Nenadi Usman, was specifically assigned to supervise Customs and report directly to the President. Meanwhile, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala focused on broader fiscal and economic policies. That division of responsibility improved accountability. Today, the absence of such an arrangement is feeding impunity.
President Tinubu and his Finance Minister must act decisively. Oversight without executive will is a dead letter.
A Call to Accountability
The truth is stark:
Customs has been operating illegally since June 2023 to the Senate’s own confession.
The 4% FOB levy will deepen inflation and worsen economic hardship.
The Ministry of Finance bears ultimate responsibility for Customs’ conduct.
Until importing and consuming, Nigerians demand accountability—of the Comptroller-General, the Senate, and above all, the Finance Ministry—this bleeding will continue.
Nigerians deserve better. They deserve a Customs Service that serves the nation, not a privileged few. They deserve a House that enforces its resolutions, not one that grandstands. They deserve a Senate that upholds the law, not one that bends it. And above all, they deserve an Executive that does not look aside while illegality thrives under its ministry.
Only public pressure can end this indulgence. If Nigerians keep silent, we will keep paying the price—in higher costs, weaker currency, and a sabotaged economy.
Citizens’ Charge: Silence is Not an Option
Fellow Nigerians, the Customs crisis is not a drama for the pages of newspapers—it is a burden on our pockets, our businesses, and our children’s future. Every illegal levy is a tax on the poor. Every abandoned oversight is an open invitation to corruption. Every silence from the Executive is an approval of impunity.
We cannot afford to fold our arms. Democracy gives us the power of voice, the duty of vigilance, and the right to demand accountability. Let us demand that:
The Senate and House of Representatives stop playing good cop, bad cop, and enforce the law without compromise.
The Ministry of Finance takes full responsibility for the Customs Service, supervising it in the interest of Nigerians, not vested interests.
The President intervenes now, before the Service crosses the dangerous line of turning illegality into policy.
History will not forgive a people who suffered in silence when their economy was bled by recklessness. Silence is complicity. The time to speak, to write, to petition, to protest, and to demand is now.
Customs must serve Nigeria—not sabotage it.
Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also the President of Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the CEO, Masterbuilder Communications.
Email:[email protected]
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Apostle Johnson Suleman: Firebrand of Faith, Prophet to the Nations, Voice to a Generation
By Femi Oyewale
In the beginning, there was just one man with a burning vision. Today, that man has become a global force whose voice thunders across continents, whose prayers ignite miracles, and whose mission is transforming destinies worldwide. He is Apostle Johnson Suleman, the fiery Restoration Apostle, the humanitarian preacher, and the global trailblazer reshaping the Christian faith for a new generation.
From Auchi to the World
Born in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, Apostle Suleman’s rise from humble beginnings to international prominence is nothing short of remarkable. What started as a divine calling has now evolved into a global mandate, reaching millions through Omega Fire Ministries International (OFM).
His story is the classic tale of vision meeting conviction—of a man who dared to believe God not just for himself, but for nations. From a modest congregation, OFM has spread like wildfire, with branches in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.
The Man & The Mission
To know Suleman is to understand passion—passion for God, for people, and transformation. He lives by one mantra: populate Heaven, depopulate Hell.
His pulpit is a battlefield, his voice a trumpet, his words a sword. Through his fiery sermons, prophetic declarations, and healing crusades, countless men and women testify of divine encounters—cancers healed, destinies restored, impossibilities overturned.
But beyond the pulpit lies the heart of a humanitarian. Suleman’s mission has always extended beyond preaching. He funds scholarships for the underprivileged, empowers widows with homes, sets up businesses for struggling families, and supports countless orphans. In times of crisis, he has sent relief materials across regions, proving that true ministry is not only heard—it is seen.
The Impact
Step into one of his crusades, and the atmosphere tells its own story. Stadiums overflow. Multitudes gather, hungry for hope. From London to Houston, Dubai to Johannesburg, crowds testify to healings, deliverance, and restoration.
Through Celebration TV and other digital platforms, Suleman’s voice penetrates homes, villages, and cities, giving access to millions who may never step into a physical church. His boldness in confronting social ills and speaking truth to power has also established him as a fearless voice beyond the church walls.
The Global Moves
Apostle Suleman is not just a Nigerian voice—he is a global phenomenon. His recent international crusades draw audiences in their tens of thousands, breaking barriers of race, culture, and language.
From prophesying to presidents to laying hands on ordinary citizens, his message is universal: God still speaks, God still heals, God still restores.
Each global tour solidifies his place as one of the most influential Christian leaders of the 21st century. He is as comfortable commanding a crowd in Chicago as he is in Accra, as bold in Paris as he is in Abuja.
The Legacy in Motion
Apostle Johnson Suleman is more than a preacher—he is a movement. A man consumed by vision, driven by compassion, and equipped with an anointing that refuses to be confined by borders.
From Auchi to America, from pulpits to palaces, from widows to world leaders, his impact is undeniable. And as the Restoration Apostle continues to blaze trails across nations, one thing is certain: his legacy is still unfolding, and his global moves have only just begun.
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