Olumide Akpata, Biography: Age, Career, Spouse, Family, Net Worth

Profiling Olumide Akpata

Olumide Akpata Biography

Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata, born on October 7, 1972, is a distinguished Nigerian legal practitioner and a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape. With more than two decades of experience, he has built an impressive career, marked by his expertise in corporate and commercial law.

Olumide Akpata has served as a senior partner and Head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms. In this role, he has been instrumental in overseeing complex legal matters for high-profile clients, establishing himself as one of the country’s foremost authorities in his field.

In addition to his legal career, Akpata has played a pivotal role in Nigerian politics, where he advocates for good governance, transparency, and the strict enforcement of the rule of law. His contributions have positioned him as a respected voice in legal and political circles, dedicated to advancing the nation’s democratic principles.

Early Life And Education

Olumide Akpata was born on October 7, 1972, into a prominent family in Edo State, Nigeria. His early life was shaped by a strong emphasis on education and hard work, values instilled in him by his family. Raised in a supportive environment that prioritized intellectual development, Akpata showed academic promise from a young age, setting the foundation for his future endeavors in law and leadership.

For his primary and secondary education, Akpata attended prestigious schools that were known for their rigorous academic standards. He completed his secondary education at King’s College, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected schools. Known for producing many of the country’s elite professionals and leaders, King’s College provided Akpata with a solid academic grounding, fostering his critical thinking skills and nurturing his interest in leadership. During his time there, he was an exemplary student, noted for his discipline, intelligence, and leadership potential.

Following his secondary education, Akpata pursued higher studies at the University of Benin, where he studied law. His time at the University of Benin was pivotal, as it was here that his passion for the legal profession truly began to take shape. Akpata was an outstanding student, excelling in his coursework and demonstrating a keen understanding of legal principles. His academic performance was a testament to his dedication and intellectual curiosity, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree, positioning himself among the top students in his class.

After earning his law degree, Akpata attended the Nigerian Law School, where he completed the necessary training to qualify as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of his illustrious legal career. Akpata’s education at the Nigerian Law School not only solidified his foundational knowledge of the law but also introduced him to a network of legal professionals and mentors who would later play an important role in his career.

Driven by a desire to gain a broader understanding of legal systems and deepen his expertise, Akpata furthered his education internationally. He attended various specialized training programs and legal courses, sharpening his knowledge of corporate and commercial law. His pursuit of continuous learning, both locally and globally, reflects his commitment to excellence in the legal field and his determination to stay at the forefront of legal practice.

Olumide Akpata’s strong educational background, combined with his natural leadership abilities and intellectual rigor, laid the groundwork for his eventual rise to prominence in the Nigerian legal community and beyond. These formative years in his early life, characterized by a commitment to learning and personal development, would shape the man who would go on to lead one of Nigeria’s most prestigious law firms and become a powerful advocate for the rule of law in both the legal and political arenas.

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Age

Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata was born on October 7, 1972, making him 52 years old as of 2024.

Career

Olumide Akpata’s career is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and legal expertise, making him one of Nigeria’s most respected figures in the legal profession and public service. With a career spanning more than two decades, Akpata has significantly impacted the corporate and commercial law sectors, while also influencing legal reform and governance in Nigeria.

Early Legal Career

After earning his law degree from the University of Benin and completing his training at the Nigerian Law School, Akpata was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993. Olumide Akpata’s early legal career saw him join Templars, a leading full-service law firm in Nigeria, where he quickly established himself as a rising star in the legal community. Templars, which has a reputation for providing top-notch legal services to multinational corporations, banks, and government entities, became the perfect platform for Akpata to hone his skills in corporate and commercial law.

Templars and Rise to Senior Partner

Olumide Akpata’s ascent within Templars was marked by his exceptional understanding of corporate law, governance, and commercial transactions. Olumide Akpata was instrumental in handling some of the firm’s most complex and high-profile cases, gaining the trust of clients and colleagues alike. Over the years, his proficiency in mergers and acquisitions, project financing, capital markets, and regulatory compliance became well-known.

Eventually, Akpata became a Senior Partner at Templars and took on the responsibility of leading the firm’s Corporate and Commercial Practice Group. Under his leadership, the practice flourished, becoming one of the foremost corporate law practices in Nigeria. He has advised top-tier clients, including multinational corporations, energy firms, banks, and major government institutions, on a wide range of legal issues related to their operations in Nigeria and beyond.

Contributions to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

Beyond his work at Templars, Akpata has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s legal profession through his active involvement in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). His leadership skills and commitment to improving the legal profession culminated in his election as the 30th President of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2020. This was a historic moment, as Akpata became the first non-Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to hold the position in over three decades.

During his tenure as NBA President, Akpata implemented several impactful reforms aimed at modernizing the legal profession in Nigeria and addressing the welfare of lawyers. He emphasized the need for greater accountability, transparency, and inclusivity within the NBA, which helped to strengthen the organization’s structure and enhance its influence in the legal community. Notable initiatives included:

• Technological Advancement: Promoting the use of technology in legal practice to improve efficiency and access to justice.
• Lawyer Welfare Programs: Introducing various programs to improve the welfare of younger lawyers and enhance continuing legal education.
• Rule of Law Advocacy: Akpata was a vocal advocate for upholding the rule of law and played an active role in addressing human rights violations, judicial independence, and good governance.

His leadership within the NBA earned him widespread respect across the legal community, both in Nigeria and internationally.

Political Involvement and Advocacy

In addition to his legal career, Akpata has actively engaged in Nigerian politics, focusing on good governance, transparency, and the rule of law. He has been a vocal proponent of political reform, speaking out against corruption and calling for greater accountability in government. His influence extends to advising on policy matters, where his legal insights have been sought after by policymakers and political leaders.

Akpata’s legal and political advocacy are driven by his belief in the role of the law as a tool for social justice and societal improvement. He has consistently used his platform to call for reforms in Nigeria’s political and judicial systems, ensuring that they serve the best interests of the public and uphold constitutional values.

Professional Recognition

Throughout his career, Olumide Akpata has received numerous accolades and recognitions for his contributions to the legal profession. His leadership at Templars, his work with the NBA, and his commitment to public service have earned him the respect of his peers and clients. He has been recognized as one of the foremost corporate lawyers in Nigeria, frequently sought after for his expertise in handling complex legal matters in the business world.

Impact and Legacy

Olumide Akpata’s career is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence in law and a strong desire to effect positive change in Nigerian society. Olumide Akpata’s influence has gone beyond the courtroom, extending into advocacy for good governance and the advancement of the legal profession. Akpata’s career serves as an example of how legal expertise can be harnessed to drive societal change and improve the rule of law in a developing country.

As of 2024, Olumide Akpata continues to be an influential figure, not only as a lawyer but also as a thought leader, mentor, and advocate for legal and political reform. Olumide Akpata’s legacy is one of integrity, professional excellence, and a profound commitment to justice and governance in Nigeria.

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Personal Life

Olumide Akpata, known for his distinguished legal career and public service, has kept his personal life relatively private, maintaining a low profile when it comes to relationships and family matters. However, despite his private nature, there have been moments in his personal life that garnered public attention, particularly regarding his marriage.

In May 2022, Olumide Akpata made headlines when he married his long-time partner, Osayamon Michelle Imoudu, in a series of high-profile wedding ceremonies that were attended by many of Nigeria’s elite, including legal practitioners, politicians, and business moguls. His wife, Osayamon Michelle, is the daughter of Edo-born billionaire tycoon and the founder of construction giant, Derimall Nigeria Limited. She is a lawyer by training, having graduated with a law degree from the University of Essex in the United Kingdom and subsequently earning a master’s degree in International Business Law from the Queen Mary University of London. The couple’s shared background in law and commitment to public service created a bond between them, which they nurtured over the years.

Their wedding festivities were a lavish affair, with traditional and white wedding ceremonies taking place in both Edo State and Lagos. The traditional wedding in Benin City paid homage to their Edo heritage, with both families deeply involved in the cultural celebration. The white wedding, held in Lagos, was an elegant event that brought together many high-profile guests from the legal and political spheres. The marriage was widely celebrated across social media, with many congratulating the couple and admiring the beautiful blend of tradition and modernity in their ceremonies.

Though public details about their relationship are limited, Olumide and Michelle Akpata are known to enjoy a close-knit, supportive marriage. They are often described as a power couple, sharing common values centered on professional excellence, family, and a dedication to public service. Despite his demanding career, Akpata is known to be a devoted husband, balancing his professional life with his personal commitments.

Outside of his relationship, Olumide Akpata is also known for his love of travel, sports, and philanthropy. Olumide Akpata has a keen interest in football, often participating in matches with colleagues and friends. Akpata is also passionate about giving back to society, supporting various charitable causes and initiatives aimed at empowering young people, especially in the areas of education and legal training.

While he remains a private individual in terms of his personal life, it is evident that Olumide Akpata values strong family ties and has built a stable, fulfilling life outside of the public eye. His ability to maintain a successful marriage alongside a thriving career in law and politics underscores his remarkable capacity for balance and his deep commitment to the people and values he holds dear.

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Net Worth

As of 2024, Olumide Akpata’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $5 million to $10 million. His wealth is primarily derived from his highly successful legal career, particularly through his role as a senior partner and head of the Corporate and Commercial Practice Group at Templars, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms. In addition to his legal practice, Akpata has likely amassed significant earnings from his involvement in politics, advisory roles, and public speaking engagements, which contribute to his growing financial portfolio.

Social Media

You can follow him through the social media handles below:

• Instagram handle:@olumide_akpata
• Twitter: Olumide Akpata (@OlumideAkpata)