ENGINEER, LAWYER, PHILANTHROPIST: ADEKUNLE AMID ADEBAYO'S JOURNEY TO THE BAR STRENGTHENS HIS COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SERVICE by Dele Aromasodun

The journey of Engr. Adekunle Amid Adebayo has taken another remarkable turn with his formal admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, a milestone that further enriches the profile of a man whose career has spanned engineering, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and now the legal profession. On 7 July 2026, Adebayo was called to the Nigerian Bar after successfully completing his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) at the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, and passing the Nigerian Bar Final Examinations following his studies at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja Campus. For many who have followed his public journey, the achievement is seen not merely as an academic accomplishment but as another step in his long-standing commitment to service, leadership and community development. A native of Okikiola Royal Compound in Oyo Town, Oyo State, Adebayo was born to the family of the late Alhaji and Mrs. Adebayo. He completed his primary and secondary education in Oyo before earning a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). His engineering career began more than two decades ago and earned him professional recognition as a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). With his call to the Bar, Adebayo has now added another distinguished qualification to his professional portfolio as a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Speaking after the ceremony, he described the moment as a reminder that education should always be directed towards service to humanity. "Engineering taught me how to solve problems and build solutions. The law has strengthened my understanding of justice, fairness and the responsibility to defend the rights of others. Together, these professions have deepened my commitment to serving humanity with integrity, competence and compassion." He attributed the achievement entirely to God's grace and paid glowing tribute to his late parents. "Everything I have achieved has been by the grace of Almighty God. I remain forever grateful to my late parents, Alhaji and Mrs. Adebayo of the historic Okikiola Royal Dynasty, whose values of discipline, honesty and compassion continue to guide my life. I pray that Almighty Allah grants them Aljanah Firdaus." He also expressed appreciation to his wife, children, siblings and extended family for their unwavering support throughout his academic journey. Special recognition was given to his elder brother and mentor in Abuja, whom he described as a father figure whose encouragement and guidance ensured he successfully completed his programme and attended his Call to Bar ceremony. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Adebayo has built a reputation as an entrepreneur and employer of labour. Through his businesses, including A3 Royal Multibiz Limited and its subsidiaries, he has created employment opportunities for dozens of Nigerians across engineering, consultancy, agriculture and related sectors. His commitment to social development is equally reflected in the activities of the Adekunle Adebayo Foundation, popularly known as "Omitobamoniwon." The Foundation provides interest-free loans to small business owners, operates community feeding programmes, supports adult education, offers free internet access to young people and students, and runs a food bank for vulnerable families. He acknowledged the dedication of his management team and staff for sustaining the growth of the organisation while he pursued his legal studies. Adebayo also extended appreciation to members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) across Oyo Federal Constituency and beyond for their encouragement and prayers, as well as to the volunteers, beneficiaries and stakeholders of his foundation. Political observers note that his call to the Nigerian Bar comes at a significant moment as he prepares to contest the 2027 House of Representatives election for Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West Federal Constituency under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to him, the decision to seek elective office is a natural continuation of years of community service. "Public office should never be about privilege or personal ambition. It should be about service, accountability and creating opportunities that improve the lives of ordinary people. My aspiration to represent the people of Oyo Federal Constituency is driven by that conviction." His vision for the constituency focuses on youth empowerment, quality education, agricultural development, support for small businesses, improved healthcare, employment generation and transparent representation. With qualifications in engineering and law, combined with experience in business and philanthropy, Adebayo believes he is prepared to contribute meaningfully to legislative debates and constituency development. As preparations for the 2027 general election continue, many observers see his emergence as one of the notable developments in Oyo politics, presenting voters with a candidate whose background spans engineering, law, entrepreneurship and community service. For Adekunle Amid Adebayo, however, the journey appears to be guided by one enduring philosophy: "Leadership is not measured by titles, but by the positive impact made in the lives of people." —