Born on July 16, 1959, Lateef Fagbemi has become a respected figure in Nigeria’s legal community due to his outstanding contributions to the field of law. As a dedicated legal practitioner, his work on significant legal battles over the last 38 years has earned him a reputation as a legal luminary, adept strategist, and staunch advocate for justice.
A native of Ijagbo, Kwara State, Lateef Fagbemi began his academic journey with a Second Class Upper degree in Law from the University of Jos, Plateau State, in 1984. He further honed his legal skills by obtaining a master’s degree in Law (LLM) from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, in 1987.
After completing his law degree, Fagbemi was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in August 1985. Ten years into his active legal practice, he achieved the esteemed Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) rank, becoming the youngest person to attain this distinction.
Under the mentorship of renowned lawyer Afe Babalola, Fagbemi acquired valuable legal insights early in his career that laid the foundation for his subsequent successes. He founded his law firm, Lateef Fagbemi & Co, known as Temitope Chambers, which has handled complex legal cases nationwide for over 21 years. The firm has established offices in Ibadan, Lagos, and Abuja, solidifying its presence nationwide.
With expertise in arbitration, alternative dispute resolution, commercial law, and land disputes, Fagbemi has successfully navigated high-profile political and corruption-related cases, showcasing his ability to handle intricate legal matters.
As a vital figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, Lateef Fagbemi has been deeply involved in the All Progressives Congress (APC) legal battles since its inception in 2013. Notably, he played a crucial role in defending Muhammadu Buhari’s candidacy against legal challenges leading up to the 2015 presidential election, resulting in Buhari’s presidential election. In 2019, Fagbemi’s legal prowess was once again demonstrated as he led the APC’s legal team in defending President Buhari’s reelection against challenges from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, culminating in the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Buhari’s victory.
Lateef Fagbemi’s contributions extend beyond legal battles. As a member of esteemed local and international Bar associations, he has enriched Nigeria’s jurisprudence through teaching, lectures, and consultancy services for government institutions and state governments. His commitment to the rule of law, justice, and the growth of the legal profession has cemented his status as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s legal landscape.
Lateef Fagbemi’s dedication and accomplishments were recently recognized with his appointment as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
