By Adenike Ayodele
Prof. Olaide Gbadamosi (SAN) has urged greater inclusion of women lawyers in politics, calling on stakeholders to dismantle barriers limiting participation in governance.
Gbadamosi, a Professor of Law at Osun State University, made the call on Wednesday at a memorial lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS).
The lecture honoured the late Prof. Jadesola Akande, Nigeria’s first female Professor of Law, and was held at the University of Lagos, Akoka.
Speaking on Akande’s legacy, Gbadamosi said her contributions to constitutional law and women’s rights advocacy remained unparalleled.
He described her as a trailblazer who broke barriers, becoming Nigeria’s first female Professor of Law in 1981 and later Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University.
Gbadamosi said Akande championed inclusion and expanded opportunities for women in the legal profession and public office.
He noted that women’s representation in elective positions remained low, urging a shift that encourages their active participation in politics.
“Her contributions extended beyond the classroom to advocacy for women’s rights and access to justice.
“Her role in promoting gender inclusion and expanding opportunities in governance cannot be overlooked,” he said.
Gbadamosi criticised structural and cultural barriers within political parties and society discouraging women from contesting elections.
He urged families, institutions and political stakeholders to support women seeking office, stressing mentorship and deliberate policies as vital to gender balance.
He also challenged senior lawyers mentored by Akande to sustain her legacy through guidance, excellence and commitment to public service.
The SAN emphasised the need to leverage modern tools and digital resources to advance legal education and national development.
He described Akande’s legacy as pivotal to Nigeria’s democratic growth, urging continued recognition through programmes inspiring future leaders.
Director-General of NIALS, Prof. Abdulqadir Abikan, called for sustainable funding to ensure continuity of memorial lectures.
Abikan said such lectures preserved legacies and promoted discourse on constitutionalism, rule of law and democratic governance.
He warned reliance on government funding was unsustainable, urging stakeholders to establish endowment funds to support the initiative.
“Those we honour were icons with wide networks, and their influence should sustain these programmes,” he said.
Abikan also tasked the institute’s legacy office with revitalising the lecture series and improving participation.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), urged attendees to remain optimistic, noting intellectual engagement extends beyond physical presence.
Sanni described the gathering as a convergence of great minds, including virtual participants whose impact could grow over time.
He called Akande a “colossus” in legal scholarship whose works continue to inspire generations of lawyers and academics.
Sanni said her contributions laid a strong foundation for scholars, adding her intellectual footprint remained visible globally.
He noted her achievements paved the way for women in leadership, including roles as NIALS Director-General and LASU Vice-Chancellor.
Sanni emphasised constitutionalism and rule of law as essential for limiting government power and ensuring accountability.
He expressed confidence the lecture would stimulate discourse and support legal and institutional reforms.
Mr Adetokunbo Coker, representing the family, thanked the institute and attendees for honouring the late professor.
“You have said so many good things about my mother-in-law. I met her in 1989 when she was already LASU Vice-Chancellor, and learned more about her over time.
“I have heard many remarkable things about her today,” Coker said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
