AGF Fagbemi, Senior Advocates, Ayefele Grace Launch of First Bethel Solicitors in Ibadan

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Saturday led an array of legal luminaries, judges and distinguished personalities to the official inauguration of First Bethel Solicitors in Ibadan, describing the new law firm as a significant contribution to the advancement of legal practice and access to justice in Nigeria.

The grand opening of the law chamber, located at Olabimpe House, Mokola, Ibadan, attracted several prominent members of the legal profession, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria Adebayo Adenipekun and Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, as well as Justice S.A. Oludiran, Alhaji Kazeem Gbadamosi and renowned gospel musician Yinka Ayefele.

Speaking at the event, legal experts and dignitaries commended the founder, Asiwaju Omoniyi Odeyemi, for his commitment to excellence, professionalism and service.

In her welcome address, Mrs. ‘Delayo Adetunji-Oriekun, FCIArb, described the establishment of the firm as a testament to resilience, dedication and faith in the legal profession, noting that a vibrant and independent Bar remains critical to the sustenance of democracy and the rule of law.

Delivering goodwill messages, Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo (SAN) praised Odeyemi’s perseverance and dedication to the profession, expressing confidence that the chamber would achieve greater milestones.

Justice Oludiran lauded the vision behind the firm’s establishment, while Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN) offered prayers and words of encouragement for its continued success.

Gospel musician Yinka Ayefele, who described Odeyemi as his longtime legal adviser, applauded his professional competence, loyalty and consistency over the years. Other speakers, including Pastor L.A. Oluwasanmi, Barrister Femi Kasunmu, Mary Odeyemi, Prince Adewuyi Aderibigbe, Justice Adeeyo, Pastor Yemi Bello (JP) and Sola Omole, also paid glowing tributes to the founder’s integrity, diligence and reliability.

In his remarks, Odeyemi emphasised that integrity, trust and diligence remain the foundation of a successful legal career. He noted that professional referrals and lasting client relationships are built on credibility and ethical conduct.

“The legal profession is built on integrity and trust. Without these values, it is difficult to sustain success. Diligence is equally important, and these principles remain the cornerstone of our practice,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney-General of the Federation described the occasion as more than the unveiling of a physical structure, saying it represented a celebration of vision, resilience and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the legal profession.

Fagbemi stressed that the legal profession remains a vital pillar of democratic governance, with lawyers serving as custodians of justice, defenders of constitutional order and promoters of accountability. He expressed confidence that First Bethel Solicitors would emerge as a centre of professional excellence, integrity and quality legal service delivery.

The AGF urged legal practitioners to remain steadfast in upholding the ethics of the profession and to continue promoting justice, fairness and the rule of law. He congratulated Odeyemi, his family and associates on the milestone achievement and wished the firm sustained growth, impact and success in the years ahead.