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10 Nigerian Celebrities Who Are Lawyers
There are Nigerian celebrities who are also lawyers. Nigeria boasts a remarkable array of talented individuals who have pursued careers in both the entertainment industry and the legal field. These Multi-talented individuals have successfully pursued careers as lawyers while simultaneously thriving in the limelight
In this article, RNN will shine a spotlight on 10 Nigerian celebrities who have successfully balanced the roles of lawyers and entertainers.
1. Kanayo O Kanayo
Kanayo also known as Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, was born on March 1, 1962. He hails from Nru Umueze Oboama Ezinihitte in the Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State and grew up in Aba, Abia State. Kanayo O. Kanayo earned a Mass Communication diploma, a Law diploma, and a philosophy degree from the University of Lagos. He further pursued a master’s degree in political sciences.
Kanayo is a veteran actor from Nigeria who won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a leading role for his performance in the movie “Family Battle”. He is also a United Nations ambassador. At the age of 58, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a lawyer.
On September 15, 2020, he surprised his fans with the exciting news that he had passed the bar exam. The 59-year-old actor had always aspired to return to school and earn a law degree.
He finished his Law degree from the University of Abuja in 2018. Later, in 2020, he completed his legal education at the Abuja Law School in Bwari, Abuja.
2. Kenneth Okonkwo
Kenneth Okonkwo, a Nigerian actor, lawyer, and politician, was born on November 6, 1968. He is well-known for his role as Andy Okeke in the movie Living in Bondage.
After completing his degree in Business Administration at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Kenneth Okonkwo pursued further studies. He obtained an MSc in international law and diplomacy from the University of Lagos, Akoka. Subsequently, he attended Law school in Abuja and became a certified legal practitioner.
In 2013, Kenneth Okonkwo received the African Movie Academy Award for his outstanding contribution to Nollywood. Additionally, in 2015, he was honored with a special recognition award by the organizers of the City People Entertainment Awards for his significant role in the growth of the entertainment industry in Nigeria.
3. Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD)
Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo, known as RMD, is a Nigerian actor, writer, producer, lawyer, and former journalist. He was born on July 6, 1961, in the Aladja community of Udu Kingdom, Delta State. He pursued education at the University of Benin, studying Theatre Arts. Later, in 1997, he returned to the University of Lagos to study law and graduated in 2004.
In 2009, Mofe-Damijo served as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State. He achieved recognition for his acting skills, winning the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2005. In 2016, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Afterward, he received a call to join the Nigerian Bar.
4. Femi Adebayo Salami
Femi Adebayo Salami was born on 31 December 1978 in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a Nigerian film director, actor, lawyer, producer, and Special Adviser to the governor of Kwara State on Arts, Culture and Tourism.
He attended the University of Ilorin and obtained a bachelor’s degree in law. Later, he pursued a master’s degree in law at the University of Ibadan.
After completing his education, Femi practiced law, specializing in estate and property law, until his passion for acting took over.
Femi is highly sought after by movie producers in the Yoruba movie genre. He also owns an art school in Ibadan. He started his acting career prior to attending university.
5. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele, also known as Jenifa, was born on 24 August 1977 in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. She is a Nigerian filmmaker, director, and actress. She studied Mass Communication at the former Ogun State Polytechnic, now called Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, and later obtained a Law degree from the University of Lagos.
Akindele gained popularity for her role in the sitcom I Need to Know from 1998 to 2002, and she received the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in 2009. She became famous for her portrayal of Jenifa in a movie that shares the same name.
6. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
Chukwuebuka Obi-Uchendu was born on 14th July 1982 in Benin City, Edo State. He completed his secondary education at Christ The King College in Abuja, graduating in 1997. He went on to study at the University of Abuja until 2004. In 2005, he attended the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja.
After a five-year gap, he returned to school and graduated in December 2010 from the Washington College of Law at the American University in Washington D.C. He obtained a Master of Laws degree with specializations in Intellectual Property and Communications Law from the Law and Government program.
Ebuka gained fame when he participated as a contestant on the reality television show Big Brother Nigeria in 2006. Since then, he has remained in the public eye.
7. Folake Akindele Coker
Folake-Coker was born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1974. She studied in Switzerland and the United Kingdom and then obtained a postgraduate degree in petroleum law. Afterward, she went back to Nigeria to focus on her fashion interests.
Folake Akindele-Coker, a fashion designer and the daughter of Nigerian billionaire Chief Akindele, earned a law degree and a Master’s degree in petroleum law.
Folake Coker discovered her love for fashion and decided to pursue it. In 1998, she started her luxury line called Tiffany Amber, leaving behind her legal career.
8. Omawumi Megbele
Omawumi Megbele, known as Omawumi, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress of Itsekiri descent. She was born on April 13, 1982.
After completing her law degree at Ambrose Alli University, she moved to Port Harcourt, Rivers State. There, she worked at her family’s law firm, “O.S Megbele & Associates,” and also studied French at Alliance Francaise.
Omawumi began her entertainment career by participating in West African Idols, where she achieved the position of first runner-up. Since then, she has focused on her music career, leaving behind her wigs and gowns.
9. Tara Fela Durotoye
Tara Fela-Durotoye was born on 6th March 1977 at St. Nicholas Hospital in Lagos. She started her education at Command Children School in Victoria Island and later attended Nigeria Navy Secondary School in Ojo as a boarder. In Form 5, she held the position of Sanitary and Welfare Prefect. After graduating from Lagos State University with a Law degree, she founded the House of Tara International.
She was called to the bar and she practiced briefly.
Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian beauty entrepreneur and lawyer. She is known as a trailblazer in the bridal makeup industry in Nigeria. In 1999, she launched the first bridal directory, established makeup studios that meet international standards and founded the first makeup school in Nigeria.
10. Falz
Falz, whose real name is Folarin Falana, was born on 27th October 1990 in Mushin, Lagos State, Nigeria. He is a rapper, songwriter, and actor. His father is Femi Falana, a well-known lawyer and social commentator.
Falz attended the University of Reading in England, where he earned an LLB honors degree in Law. After completing his studies, he briefly worked in his father’s law firm before pursuing his passion for entertainment.
In addition to his music career, Falz has also ventured into acting, expanding his involvement in the entertainment industry.
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