Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN

Early Life and Education

Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi was born on July 16, 1959, in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Jos in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. He further obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1987.

Legal Career and Achievements

Chief Fagbemi began his legal career under the mentorship of renowned lawyer Afe Babalola, SAN. In 1998, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), becoming one of the youngest to attain this distinction at the time.

He established his own law firm, Lateef Fagbemi & Co., also known as Temitope Chambers, which has offices in Ibadan, Lagos, and Abuja. The firm has handled complex legal cases across Nigeria for over two decades.

Chief Fagbemi has expertise in arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, commercial law, and land disputes. He has been involved in high-profile political and corruption-related cases, including defending President Muhammadu Buhari's candidacy in the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections.

Appointment as Attorney General and Minister of Justice On August 16, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Chief Fagbemi as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. He officially assumed office on August 21, 2023, succeeding Abubakar Malami.

In his role, Chief Fagbemi has focused on enhancing Nigeria's legal framework, particularly in arbitration and mediation. He has been instrumental in the enactment of the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023, aiming to position Nigeria as a hub for arbitration in Africa.

International Engagements and Advocacy

Chief Fagbemi led the Nigerian delegation to the 10th Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) held in Atlanta, USA, in December 2023. The conference

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