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Top 5 Richest Lawyers In Nigeria (2024)
In the legal world, some individuals have not only excelled in their profession but have also earned significant wealth along the way. This article explores the lives and careers of the top 5 richest lawyers in Nigeria, emphasizing their outstanding achievements and the fortunes they’ve built through their legal expertise. Their dedication, expertise, and successful legal careers prove their remarkable financial success as well as their legal prowess.
Top 5 Richest Lawyers In Nigeria (2024)
Table Of Contents
| RANK | NAME | NET WORTH |
| 1 | Adewale Tinubu | $800 Million |
| 2 | Tijani Babatunde Folawiyo | $650-700 Million |
| 3 | John Olatunde Ayeni | $600 Million |
| 4 | Afe Babalola | $500 Million |
| 5 | Adewumi Ogunsanya | $250 Million |
5. Adewumi Ogunsanya
Adewunmi Ogunsanya SAN is ranked fifth among the richest lawyers in Nigeria. He graduated with a law degree from the University of Kent at Canterbury in 1984, and the Nigerian Bar admitted him in 1985. He earned his LL.M Degree in Criminal Law from the University of Lagos in 1987. Currently, Ogunsanya leads the litigation unit at Ogunsanya & Ogunsanya, and he is a member of both the Nigerian Bar Association and The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN). Adewunmi’s estimated net worth is $250 million.
4. Afe Babalola
Afe Babalola SAN, a Nigerian lawyer and the founder of Afe Babalola University, was born on October 30, 1929. He began his career as a litigation lawyer at Olu Ayoola and Co, a law firm in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, western Nigeria, before establishing his own law firm, Afe Babalola and Co. (Emmanuel Chambers), in 1965, just two years into his legal practice. In 1987, he attained the highest rank in the legal profession in Nigeria by becoming a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Afe Babalola is considered one of Nigeria’s richest lawyers, with an estimated net worth of $500 million.
3. John Olatunde Ayeni
Olatunde Ayeni, a lawyer and business executive, has extensive experience in various aspects of the legal profession. He began his career at Professor A. A. Adesanya & Co. in 1991 and later became the Legal Adviser at Rodco Nigeria Limited.
In 1994, he founded his own firm initially known as Olatunde Ayeni & Co, which he later renamed Legal Resources Alliance, and it continues to thrive. He amassed most of his wealth through his legal career, providing legal counsel to numerous reputable businesses. Ayeni is ranked 4th among the richest lawyers in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $600 million.
3. Babatunde Folawiyo
Babatunde Folawiyo, a successful lawyer and entrepreneur, studied at the University of London in England and earned a master’s degree in law. He joined the English and Welsh Bar in 1985 and began his legal career in Nigeria with the Nigerian Bar Association.
Currently, Babatunde Folawiyo serves as the Executive Director of the Yinka Folawiyo Group of Companies and is also a Director at MTN Nigeria Ltd. His company operates in real estate, shipping, agriculture, and energy sectors. Following his father’s passing in 2008, he took over the business. Forbes estimates his net worth between $650-700 million.
1. Adewale Tinubu
Adewale Tinubu holds the top spot as Nigeria’s richest lawyer, boasting an estimated net worth of $800 million.
Jubril Adewale “Wale” Tinubu CON, born on 26 June 1967 in Lagos State, is a Nigerian business executive and lawyer. He graduated from the University of Liverpool in England and currently serves as the group chief executive of Oando PLC. His career began in 1990 as a lawyer specializing in corporate and petroleum law assignments.