Biography of Adesina Ademola Ogunlana, Esq.
Adesina Ademola Ogunlana, fondly known as “Serubawon” and “Mr. Squib,” was born on July 27, 1964, into the Ogunlana family of Ile-Kure, Oja-Oba, Ibadan. Raised by his father, Daniel Oyewole Ogunlana, a man with a deep passion for education, and his mother, Deborah Adesanmi Ogunlana, a strict disciplinarian, young Adesina’s early life was shaped by a commitment to learning and discipline.
In 1981, Ogunlana completed his secondary education at Ilora Baptist Grammar School, Oyo State. He proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he studied English from 1981 to 1985. While at Ife, he gained prominence through his popular column, “Junior on Sunday.” After graduation, he completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kazaure, Kano (now Jigawa) State, where he worked as a secondary school teacher. His experience in the north would be the beginning of his deep involvement in advocacy and education.
In 1989, Ogunlana pursued a law degree at Lagos State University (LASU). His time at LASU was marked by his active engagement in student leadership and advocacy. He was elected Legal Secretary of the Students’ Union between 1992 and 1994. A vocal critic of military dictatorship, his role in anti-military and pro-student protests led to his expulsion from the university. However, Ogunlana successfully challenged his expulsion in court, setting a precedent for justice and resilience. He graduated from LASU and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1996 after completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School.
Ogunlana began his legal career at Lawal Pedro & Associates under the mentorship of Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN. In 2000, he established his own law firm, Winners Don’t Quit Chambers, and in 2001, he launched The Squib, an anti-corruption legal magazine. The publication became known for its fearless exposés, bruising many powerful toes in the legal and political sectors. Despite repeated harassment, arrests, and detentions of his staff, Ogunlana remained undeterred, with support from the likes of Chief G.O.K. Ajayi, SAN.
A dedicated “Barman,” Ogunlana’s commitment to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was evident in his service to the Ikeja Branch. He was Welfare Secretary (2008-2010), General Secretary (2010-2012), Vice-Chairman (2014-2016), and Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch (2016-2018). At the national level, he contributed as Assistant Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the NBA Annual General Conference in 2009, and Secretary of the LOC for the 2017 Lagos conference.
Throughout his career, Ogunlana authored several influential books, including Understanding the Secrets of Successful Lawyers (2000), F.R.A. Williams: The Life and Times of Nigeria’s Greatest Lawyer (2005), Why Lawyers are Angels But Other People Say No (2010), G.O.K. Ajayi: The Life and Times of Nigeria’s Sweetest Lawyer (2014), and This Temple Must Not Fall (published during his time as Chairman of the Ikeja Bar).
As an activist, Ogunlana led the NBA Ikeja Branch in numerous struggles, most notably against the oppressive Land Use Charge imposed by former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The protests in March 2018 led to the charge’s eventual defeat. In 2019, as Chairman of the Citizens Rally Against Oppression, he filed a legal challenge against the Chief Judge of Lagos State over arbitrary costs imposed on absent counsel under the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019. Ogunlana also played a critical role as Lead Counsel for EndSARS petitioners at the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS, advocating for justice and accountability.
Beyond his professional achievements, Adesina Ogunlana was a deeply devoted family man. He was an exceptionally sacrificial son, a caring father, a principled professional, a dependable comrade, and a courageous, supportive husband. His marriage in 1993, despite being an expelled student at the time, showcased his fearless commitment to his loved ones.
Adesina Ogunlana lived a life of purpose, resilience, and advocacy. In death, as in life, he stands tall, his legacy glowing brightly in the hearts of those he touched. He was, and remains, a diamond in the legal profession, a tireless defender of justice, and a true servant of the people.
