Meet Wale Fapohunda Esq, a trailblazing lawyer and visionary leader who has been making waves in the legal community with his unwavering advocacy for human rights, social justice, and law reforms. As the Principal Partner at E & O Legal, Fapohunda has been at the vanguard of promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria. In this exclusive interview with Stakeholders Magazine’s Daniel Omonze, Fapohunda opens up about his personal life experiences, shares insights on his remarkable journey to success, and reveals his aspirations for the future.
Q1: What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and how did you overcome the challenges of growing up in a poor background?
A1: My passion for law was ignited early in my childhood. I was involved in primary and secondary school debates where, in most cases, I won the prizes. My teachers always predicted that I would turn out to be a good lawyer. Furthermore, growing up during the military’s regime, I was also influenced by human rights activists who fought for democracy. Among those activities was the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a legal titan whose fearless advocacy planted the seed for my pursuit of a legal career.
Relating to growing up in a poor background, I am a firm believer in the grace of God. I believe that God can lift up anybody. My background was quite tough, I was trained by a very hardworking, dedicated Christian and disciplinarian mother. Because of the negative influences that are usually associated with living in the ghettos, I was very stubborn although I was doing very well in my academics. But my mother was always and constantly whipping me to shape. She made it clear from the beginning that my siblings and I must get an education, something that wasn’t very attractive in the environment in which we grew up. So, to answer your question directly, I was able to overcome the challenges of growing up in a poor background through the help of God Almighty using my mother as a tool.
Q2: (Share your personal story of determination, hard work, and any mentors or role models who helped you along the way)
A2: As I mentioned earlier. My mother, though not very educated, was a very good example of a hardworking and dedicated parent. She showed these examples in her business and her church activities. So these examples made us believe in hard work and to be dedicated to all we do. About role models, as I alluded to earlier, my childhood legal idol was the Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi; I so much wanted to be like him when I was a child. I loved the way he argued his positions passionately. I met him during a series of chamber visitations while I was studying law at the University of Lagos, and I never hesitated to express my admiration for him. Talking about mentors, the person who had made the most impact on my adult life is the Sarki Hausawan of Lagos and the Chairman of the Arewa Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Aminu Idris Yaro. Sarkin Hausawan means the king of the Hausas. So he is the head of all the Hausas living in Lagos. Though not a lawyer, he is a very intelligent, experienced, and pragmatic leader. He taught me vital lessons in life. How to be a good businessman, how to ensure those around you are happy, etc. Basically, how to navigate this complex world and stay happy, fulfilled, and focused.
Q3: How do you think your upbringing has influenced your approach to law and your clients?
A3: My upbringing has had a profound impact on my approach to law and my relationships with clients. Growing up in a family that valued empathy, hard work, and integrity instilled in me a strong sense of justice and a commitment to serving others. My parents, in particular, taught me the importance of listening, compassion, and understanding. These values have been invaluable in my legal practice, enabling me to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and provide tailored solutions that address their unique needs. Furthermore, my upbringing in a culturally rich and vibrant community taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability. I’ve carried these lessons into my legal practice, ensuring that I’m sensitive to the cultural nuances and individual circumstances that shape each client’s experience. Ultimately, my upbringing has helped me become a more empathetic, resourceful, and effective advocate for my clients. I’m grateful for the values and principles that have guided me thus far, and I remain committed to upholding them in my legal practice.
Q4: (Discuss how your experiences have shaped your perspective, empathy, and drive to make a positive impact)?
A4: My experiences have shaped my perspective, empathy, and drive to make a positive impact. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse clients, communities, and organizations, each with their unique challenges and triumphs. One of my earliest experiences as a young lawyer was working with marginalized communities, advocating for their rights and dignity. This exposure opened my eyes to the harsh realities of systemic injustices and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. It instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to using my skills to amplify the voices of those who are often silenced. As I progressed in my career, I encountered various instances of inequality, corruption, and social injustice. Each experience reinforced my resolve to make a positive difference. I began to appreciate the intricate web of relationships between law, policy, and social change. My experiences have also taught me the value of collaboration, perseverance, and creative problem-solving. I’ve learned to navigate complex systems, build coalitions, and mobilize resources to drive meaningful change. Today, my perspective is shaped by a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of our global community. I recognize that the struggles and triumphs of individuals and communities are intertwined and that our collective well-being depends on our ability to address the systemic inequalities and injustices that threaten our shared humanity. My drive to make a positive impact is fueled by a sense of responsibility to use my skills, experience, and privilege to uplift others. I’m committed to continuing my work as a catalyst for change, using my platform to amplify marginalized voices, challenge unjust systems, and promote a more equitable and just society for all.
Q5: What advice would you give to young Nigerians from similar backgrounds who aspire to succeed in the legal profession?
A5: To young Nigerians from similar backgrounds who aspire to succeed in the legal profession, I’d offer the following advice to you. Growing up in a challenging environment can sometimes make you doubt your abilities. But I want you to know that you have what it takes to succeed. Believe in yourself, your talents, and your resilience. Stay focused and determined, the journey to success is never easy, especially in the legal profession. You’ll face obstacles, setbacks, and disappointments. But don’t let that deter you. Stay focused on your goals, and remain determined to achieve them. Seek mentors and role models. Having people who believe in you and are willing to guide you can make a huge difference. Seek out mentors and role models who can offer valuable advice, support, and encouragement. Work hard and persevere. Success in the legal profession requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Be prepared to put in the long hours, make sacrifices, and push through challenges. Stay true to your values. As you navigate the legal profession, remember why you started in the first place. Stay true to your values, and always strive to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Leverage available resources. There are many resources available to support young lawyers, from scholarships to mentorship programs. Take advantage of these resources to help you achieve your goals. Give back to your community. As you succeed in the legal profession, don’t forget to give back to your community. Use your skills and expertise to make a positive impact in the lives of others, and to contribute to the development of our great nation. Remember, success is not solely defined by personal achievements, but also by the positive impact you have on others. Stay committed, stay focused, and always strive to make a difference.
Q6: (Offer guidance on education, networking, perseverance, and any other key factors that contributed to your success)
A6: As I reflect on my journey, I’d like to offer guidance on several key factors that contributed to my success:
Invest in quality education. Pursue academic excellence, and don’t compromise on the quality of institutions you attend. Develop a broad perspective: Study a wide range of subjects, including law, business, economics, and social sciences. Stay curious and continuously update your knowledge and skills to stay relevant in an ever-changing world. Build genuine relationships and try to foster meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds and industries. Attend relevant events by participating in conferences, seminars, and workshops to expand your network and stay informed. Be proactive and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you – create your own by reaching out to people and offering value. Develop resilience and learn to cope with setbacks, failures, and disappointments. Stay focused, maintain a clear vision of your goals, and remind yourself why you’re working towards them. Celebrate small wins, acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can offer valuable advice and support. Be self-aware and understand your strengths, weaknesses, and passions to make informed decisions about your career. Stay flexible and open to new opportunities, challenges, and experiences. Uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and integrity in all your endeavors. By focusing on these key factors, you’ll be well on your way to achieving success and making a positive impact in your chosen field.
Q7: How do you balance your legal work with giving back to your community or supporting social causes?
A7.Balancing my legal work with giving back to my community and supporting social causes is a deliberate and essential part of my professional and personal life. I can achieve this balance by dedicating a significant portion of my practice to pro bono work, representing individuals and organizations who cannot afford legal services. This not only helps those in need but also enriches my own practice and broadens my perspective. I also actively participate in community events, seminars, and workshops, using my expertise to educate and empower others. This helps me stay connected to the community and understand the issues that affect them. I collaborate with organizations and individuals on social impact initiatives, leveraging my legal expertise to drive positive change. This might involve advocating for policy reforms, supporting social entrepreneurship, or providing legal guidance to social impact projects. I mentor young lawyers, law students, and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, sharing my experience and knowledge to help them navigate their own careers and make a positive impact. To balance my legal work with community giving and social causes, I prioritize my time carefully. I allocate specific timeslots for pro bono work, community engagement, and social impact initiatives, ensuring that I meet my commitments to clients while also giving back to the community. Ultimately, my commitment to giving back to the community and supporting social causes is driven by my personal values. I believe that lawyers have a responsibility to use their skills and expertise to make a positive impact on society. By integrating this mindset into my daily work, I find that it enriches my practice and contributes to a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Q8: (Share any pro bono work, philanthropic efforts, or initiatives you’re passionate about)
A8: I’m passionate about using my legal expertise to drive positive change and promote social justice. Here are some pro bono initiatives, philanthropic efforts, and initiatives that I’m proud to be a part of pro bono legal services to several non-profit organizations, including those focused on education, healthcare, and human rights. I’ve represented individuals who cannot afford legal services, including victims of domestic violence, and low-income families facing eviction. I’ve donated to several charitable organizations, including those focused on education, healthcare, and disaster relief. I’ve partnered with several organizations to provide legal training and capacity-building programs for young lawyers, law students, and community leaders. Myself and wife recently founded the Emmanuella and Olawale Fapohunda Foundation, established to award scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing financial support and mentorship to help them succeed in their studies. We intend to launch a community outreach program, which will provide free legal clinics and workshops to educate people about their rights and empower them to access justice. These initiatives are close to my heart, and I’m committed to using my skills and expertise to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Q9: What are your future goals and aspirations, both within and beyond the legal profession?
A9: As I look to the future, I’m excited to share my goals and aspirations, both within and beyond the legal profession. Within the Legal Profession, I aim to continue providing exceptional legal services to my clients, while expanding my practice to address emerging issues and challenges. Beyond the Legal Profession, I aspire to pursue a career in public service, potentially serving in a role that allows me to drive policy reforms and promote social justice. In my long-term Vision, I envision a future where the legal profession is more inclusive, diverse, and responsive to the needs of marginalized communities. I aspire to contribute to the development of a more just and equitable society, where everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. I hope to leave a lasting legacy that inspires future generations of lawyers, leaders, and change-makers to strive for excellence, integrity, and social responsibility.
Q10: (Discuss any plans for advancement, entrepreneurship, politics, or other areas where you hope to make a difference)
A10: As I continue to grow and evolve as a professional, I aim to take on more complex and high-impact cases, leveraging my skills and experience to drive positive change. I’m exploring opportunities to establish a social enterprise that addresses access to justice and promotes human rights. I plan to develop innovative legal solutions and technologies that increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the justice system. I’m considering a career in politics, potentially running for public office or serving in a policy-making role. I aim to use my expertise and experience to drive policy reforms and promote social justice. I aim to inspire and empower future generations of lawyers, leaders, and change-makers to strive for excellence, integrity, and social responsibility. Ultimately, my goal is to leave a lasting legacy that reflects my values, passions, and commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Q11: We can’t end this interview without asking you about your family?
A11: My family is everything to me. I come from a loving and supportive family that has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. My parents, my siblings, and my mother, in particular, have been instrumental in shaping my values and instilling in me a strong sense of responsibility and compassion. I’m married to an amazing woman named Emmanuella, who is not only my partner but also my best friend. We have beautiful children together Korede and Kanyinsola, and they bring us immense joy and fulfillment. My family is my rock, and I’m grateful for their unwavering support and love. They inspire me to be a better person, a better lawyer, and a better contributor to society. In fact, my family’s influence has played a significant role in shaping my commitment to social responsibility and giving back to the community. They’ve taught me the importance of empathy, kindness, and generosity, and I strive to carry these values forward in all aspects of my life.
