Richest Lawyers In Nigeria and Their Networth: People usually say that lawyers are poor but that proposition is not wholesomely true today. Trust me; there are thousands of lawyers in Nigeria that are making millions of naira every week from the legal profession. You may not agree with me now but after reading this article you will confirm it yourself.

Today I will be making a ranking of the top richest lawyers in Nigeria this 2021. To make this work more credible, I will not only make the list of the top richest lawyers in Nigeria; full details (including state of origin, age, school attended and net worth) of all the lawyers mention in this article will be made known to you. Thus, if you really want to know the richest lawyers in Nigeria, this article contains the most reliable information on that topic. Without much ado, lets quickly see the current richest lawyers in Nigeria and their networth.

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Top 17 Richest/Wealthiest Lawyers in Nigeria 2024

Below are the richest lawyers in Nigeria and their net worth:

1. Adewale Tinubu – $700 million
2. Afe Babalola, CON, OFR, SAN – $350 million
3. Abubarka Malami SAN – $500 million
4. Babatunde Folawiyo  – $650 million
5. John Olatunde Ayeni – $600 million
6. Adewunmi Ogunsanya – $250 million
7. Wale Babalakin SAN – $260 million
8. Jimoh Ibrahim – $200 million
9. Wole Olanipekun – $122 million
10. Gbenga Oyebode – $120 million
11. Femi Falana SAN – $80 million
12. Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN – $15 million
13. Kayode Sofola, SAN – $5.7 Million
14. Olisa Agbakoba – $5.5 Million
15. Ricky Tarfa – $4.6 Million
16. Joseph Nwobike
17. Mike Ozekhome

If you wish to know more about the lawyers mention above, I enjoin you to continue reading as I will give you comprehensive details about each and every one of them. Here we go!

1. Adewale Tinubu

Education: University of Liverpool

State of origin: Lagos

Have you heard of Oando PLC? Sure you have. Oando is one of the biggest oil companies in Nigeria. It will surprise you to know that Adewale Tinubu is the chief executive of Oando oil. In fact, he played major role in the establishment of that prestigious oil and Gas Company. He is also a legal practitioner from Lagos state, Nigeria. He is also a business consultant and a well known lawyer in Nigeria. Scholars have testified that Adewale Tinubu is a very industrious man. Despite the fact that his father was rich, Adewale Tinubu did several businesses so he could earn cool money even while he was in school.

Jubril Adewale Tinubu has an estimated net worth of $700 million. The company he works with (Oando PLC) has 7 billion as its net worth. To corroborate this, quickly search this on Google or go directly to Forbes and see for yourself. It is pertinent to let you know that Adewale Tinubu’s uncle was once the governor of the wealthiest state in Nigeria (Lagos state). So you see, he is indeed a rich lawyer in Nigeria.

2. Afe Babalola, CON, OFR, SAN

Education: University of London

State of Origin: Ekiti state

Afe Babalola is probably the most influential lawyer in Nigeria today. He is the owner and founder of the prestigious Afe Babalola University (the second best private university in Nigeria). Despite the fact that he has a popular private university in Nigeria, Afe Babalola still practices law. According to research, he has contributed greatly to the legal system of Nigeria by representing innocent parties in court and making sure that justice is done.

As at the time this article was written, Afe Babalola, CON, OFR, SAN is a farmer. He owns one of the biggest farms in Nigeria. It will surprise you to know that Babalola is the Father of three namely; Folashade Alli, Balanle Austen peters and Michael Opeyemi Babalola. He has an estimated net worth of $350 million. No doubt, he is one of the richest lawyers in Nigeria today.

3. Abubarka Malami, SAN

Education: Usmanu Danfodiyo University and the University of Maiduguri

State of Origin: Ekiti state

Evidently, it is improper not to mention Abubarka Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of Nigeria in this list. He is one of the most renowned, popular and rich lawyers in Nigeria who has distinguished himself in the legal profession. The wonderful thing about Abubarka Malami is that he is not just a lawyer but a politician too, and as we all know, politics is the most paying sector in Nigeria.

Research shows that Abubarka Malami studied at both Usmanu Danfodiyo University and the University of Maiduguri. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992, after which he started practicing at the magistrate in Kebbi State.

Abubarka Malami is not just an ordinary lawyer in Nigeria. He has been given the title of a SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), which is the highest position a legal practitioner can attain in the country.

Based on speculations, Abubarka Malami has a networth of about N500 million Naira (Eight million naira). This figure is not verified by me, however, sources claims that he is worth that amount.

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4. Babatunde Folawiyo

Education: University of London

State of origin: Lagos

Another influential and wealthy lawyer in Nigeria is Babatunde Folawiyo. Babatunde Folawiyo  is a business man; the director of Yinka Falawiyo group. He studied at the London school of Economics and also at the University of London where he obtained his LLB certificate in 1984. Today, Babatunde Folawiyo   is both a lawyer and a business man. His company, Yinka Falawiyo deals on energy, agriculture, shipping and real estate. Note that Babatunde Folawiyo took over this company from his father in 2008 after the death of his father.

According to Wikipedia, Babatunde Folawiyo’s estimated net worth is $650 million (Also, according to Forbes). This confirms that he is really a wealthy lawyer. In fact, you cannot make a list of the top 10 richest lawyers in Nigeria without mentioning this man.

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5. John Olatunde Ayeni

Education: Amadu Bello University (ABU)

State of origin: Ijumu, Kogi state

John Olatunde Ayeni is another rich lawyer from Iyah Gbede, Ijumu, Kogi state, Nigeria. He is a lawyer, business man and a philanthropist. John Olatunde Ayeni went to Baptist Secondary School, Iyah-gbede in Ijumu, kogi state. He graduated from the prestigious Amadu Bello University (ABU) and was called to the Nigeria bar in 1991. It will surprise you to know that John Olatunde Ayeni is one of the top lawyers in Nigeria who got their wealth solely from the legal profession. More so, he has worked as legal adviser for many reputable companies in Nigeria. His ardent desire to foster justice in Nigeria contributed to the reason why he was made the vice chairman of NBA (Nigerian Bar Association) at Ikeja branch. He was once a member of the Legal aid council in Nigeria.

John Olatunde Ayeni has an estimated net worth of $600 million. Indeed, he is one of the wealthiest and most influential lawyers in Nigeria currently.

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6. Adewunmi Ogunsanya

Education: University of Kent

State of origin: Lagos

Adewunmi Ogunsanya is probably the most popular lawyer in Nigeria. He has contributed greatly to the development of the Nigerian legal system. Ogunsanya studied at the University of Kent in Camterbury UK. After graduating in 1984, he returned to Nigeria for the Nigerian law school so the he will be qualified to practice law in Nigeria. Even till today, Ogunsanya still practice law in Nigeria. He is now the chairman of multichoice Nigeria LTD, a multi-billion dollar entertainment conglomerate, owner and operators of brands such as DSTV, Supersport and GoTV. He is also the chairman of Trocadero Group of Companies.

Currently, Adewunmi Ogunsanya is a SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria). He is one of the richest SANs in Nigeria with about $250 million net worth according to Heritage bank Nigeria. No doubt, he is one of the richest lawyers in Nigeria.

7. Wale Babalakin, SAN

Education: University of Lagos (UNILAG)

State of origin: Oyo

There is no doubt that Wale Babalakin SAN is also one of the richest and influential lawyers in Nigeria. He is both a business man and a lawyer. Wale is a recipient of the Nigerian national honor of officer of the federal republic of Nigeria (OFR). This Award is only given to reputable lawyers in Nigeria. Thus, it is right to say that Wale Babalakin is one of the reputable lawyers in Nigeria.

Wale Babalakin’s father is a retired justice of the supreme court of Nigeria. After Wale graduated from secondary school, he went to study law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He graduated from the faculty of Law UNILAG and was called to the Nigerian bar 1982. According to research, Wale’s estimated net worth is $260 million. Indeed, his is one of the wealthiest lawyers in Nigeria today.

8. Jimoh Ibrahim

Education: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

State of origin: Ondo

Jimoh Ibrahim was born on the 24th of February, 1947 in Ondo state, Nigeria. He studied both Law (LLB) and public administration (MPA) at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He did his masters at one of the most popular universities in the word, Harvard University, Cambridge. Just like other lawyers here, Jimoh Ibrahim also has great interest in business, even though he is a politician and a lawyer.  His investments include the following areas; airlines, oil and gas, real estate, publishing and insurance. Note that Jimoh Ibrahim is also one of the top 30 richest men in Nigeria.

According to Forbes Magazine, Jimoh Ibrahim has an estimated net worth of about $200 million. This may not be entirely accurate, but it evident that he is one of the richest lawyers in Nigeria; no doubt about that.

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9. Wole Olanipekun

Education: University of Lagos (UNILAG)

State of origin: Ekiti

Chief Wole Olanipekun is a onetime president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He is also a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Wole Olanipekun was born at Ekiti state on the 18th of November, 1951. He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1976 and since then, he has been contributing to the development of laws in Nigeria. Wole Olanipekun is now the vice president of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU). He is also a core member of the Nigerian Body of Benchers and the International Bar Association.

Currently, Wole Olanipekun’s net worth is $122 million. He is undoubtedly one of the richest lawyers in Nigeria too. However, it should be noted that Wole Olanipekun is not just a lawyer. He specializes on other areas like business for his earning. That notwithstanding, he still remains one of the richest lawyers in Nigeria today.

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10. Gbenga Oyebode

Education: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), University of Pennsylvania

State of origin: Ekiti

Gbenga Oyebode is the co founders of the Aluko and Oyebode, one of the top law firms in Nigeria. He was born on the 30th of March, 1959 at Ado Ekiti. According to research, Gbenga is one of the legal practitioners in Nigeria who made their wealth solely from their profession. He specializes in advising major companies on matters relating to oil and gas, power, foreign direct investment and aviation. Gbenga Oyebode went to the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) where he studied law. After obtaining his LLB certificate, he went to the University of Pennsylvania for his master of law (LL.M) in 1982.

As at the time this article was written (2019), Gbenga Oyebode is the chairman of Yamaha Motors Nigeria LTD. He is also a core member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the International Bar Association. He current estimated net worth is $120 million. Gbenga Oyebode is also a onetime president of the Nigerian Bar Association on Business law. This confirms the fact that he is a practicing lawyer.

11. Femi Falana SAN

Education: Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

State of Origin: Ekiti

The last lawyer on my list of the top richest lawyers in Nigeria is the father of the most influential Nigerian artist, Falz the badh guy. Femi Falana was born on the 20th of May, 1958. He is also one of the lawyers in Nigeria who got their wealth solely from their profession. This is largely true because Femi Falana has appeared in many recent court proceedings. No doubt, he is a full-time lawyer.

Femi Falana is also a human right activist. He contested in the 2007 governorship election at Ekiti state but loosed the election. Falana is married to one of the most popular woman’s right activist, Funmi Falana. His estimated net worth as at now (2019) is $80 million. This figure may not be totally correct, but even at that, it is evident that Femi Falana is one of the richest lawyers in Nigeria.

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12. Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN

State of origin: Lassa in Askira/UBA, Borno State

Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN is undoubtedly one of the richest lawyers in Nigeria today. Trust me; this lawyer is known amongst lawyers in Nigeria. It will surprise you to know that Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986 and enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria the same year. As at 1998 he was already elevated to the rank of a SAN.

Having stayed at the bar for more than 20 years, he has gathered so much knowledge about the legal profession in Nigeria’s Legal system. Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama SAN has, in many cases, represented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as lead Counsel. He is known to be vast in adjectival/procedural and substantive law. Currently, her is the managing partner at principal partner of J-K Gadzama LLP.

Corroborating all what I said, WWL says that Joe-Kyari Gadzama OFR SAN has over 30 years’ experience in the field, giving him expansive knowledge of arbitration matters and proceedings. He has an estimated networth of about $15 million.

Note: The list below is not arranged in any particular order. Thus, the first lawyer may not be the richest in the list. However, it is evident that those are the richest lawyers in Nigeria currently.

13. Kayode Sofola, SAN

Education: University of Birmingham, University of London

State of origin: Ogun State, Nigeria

Another powerful and wealthy lawyer in Nigeria is Kayode Sofola, SAN. He is a well known Nigerian jurist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Kayode is the founder Kayode (a law firm that many lawyers and law students dream to work in). Accordingly to Wikipedia, Kayode is not just a lawyer currently. He is also the chairman of United Bank for Africa. This is probably where majority of his wealth is coming from.

Nonetheless, it can also be suggested that Kayode’s parents were also rich because he studied at the from University of Birmingham in 1974 and the University of london in 1976 before returning back to Nigeria to practice. Having been in this profession for long, Kayode is respected amongst other top lawyers in Nigeria. The fact that he is a one time Minister of Justice in Nigeria (during the Second Republic) makes him prestigious in Nigeria.

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14. Olisa Agbakoba: His unrelenting dedication to legal activism, social justice, and revolutionary leadership have contributed to Olisa Agbakoba’s rise to financial success as one of Nigeria’s most renowned attorneys. His journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to strengthening the rule of law and resolving social challenges through the judicial system.

Agbakoba’s legal career is distinguished by his role as a pioneering defender of constitutional and human rights reforms. His involvement in important legal disputes and cases has solidified his standing as a well-known legal eminence. His clever legal manoeuvring and persuasive campaigning have significantly altered Nigeria’s legal and social climate. Agbakoba’s financial success is evidence that his legal acumen and unrelenting dedication to advocacy and justice are in perfect harmony.

15. Ricky Tarfa: Ricky Tarfa’s path to become one of Nigeria’s most financially successful lawyers is highlighted by his diverse legal and commercial skills. His financial savvy and reputation as a legal mastermind have propelled him to the top echelons of the nation’s most well-known and prosperous attorneys.

Tarfa’s legal skill is demonstrated by the high-profile clients he represents and the successful resolution of challenging matters. He is well-known in the legal profession for his strategic thinking, careful methodology, and unshakable commitment to the interests of his clients. Ricky Tarfa has achieved notable advancements in the commercial sphere in addition to his legal accomplishments. His participation in many commercial endeavours and wise decision-making have helped him achieve financial success.

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16. Joseph Nwobike: Joseph Nwobike’s path to become one of Nigeria’s most successful attorneys is marked by his legal acumen, commitment to moral advocacy, and professionalism. His trajectory exemplifies the critical significance that legal brilliance and moral behaviour play in obtaining financial success and reputation within the legal community.

Nwobike’s legal career has been distinguished by his command of intricate legal issues and his dedication to provide his clients clever answers. He has established himself as a highly sought-after legal counsel because to his aptitude for navigating complex legal environments and his love of creative legal tactics.

Beyond his legal expertise, Joseph Nwobike is renowned for his unflinching dedication to the ethical norms of the legal profession. His commitment to sustaining the greatest ethical standards in legal practise is demonstrated by his support for honesty, openness, and professionalism.

17. Mike Ozekhome: The story of Mike Ozekhome’s rise to prominence as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest attorneys is one of legal maverickism, unrelenting commitment to justice, and enduring influence on society. His career is an example of how legal genius, support for human rights, and charitable work can coexist.

His expertise in constitutional law, human rights litigation, and public interest advocacy are demonstrated by Ozekhome’s legal career. He has gained recognition as a legal luminary for his smart and impassioned advocacy of clients in matters with great stakes. His courtroom performances have been distinguished by thorough investigation, persuasive arguments, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

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Okay! There you have my list of the current richest lawyers in Nigeria. I am sure you now believe that lawyers are not indigent people. If you have seen few lawyers who are poor, then the lawyers mentioned above is enough to make you believe that not all lawyers are poor.

For those who want to study law; go ahead and study the course if you believe you can do it. Don’t allow speculations blindfold you. Meanwhile, it is important to note that the names mentioned here were not just fabricated from thin air. This information was gotten from authentic and reliable sources.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.