Prof. Konyin Ajayi SAN: A Mentor, Father-Figure and Legal Luminary for All Seasons!

It was Sir Isaac Newton who was reputed to have said: "If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." May I equally add, that if for whatever reason I have been able to see farther and further, it is because I stood firmly on the shoulders of giants who blazed the trail, set the standard and were kind enough to give me their shoulders to stand on.

Without attempting to say the obvious, Prof. Konyin Ajayi SAN is a man of many parts and means many things to many people. But for me, he's more than a mentor, Professor of Law and distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who has made his mark in the legal profession and written his name with indelible marks in the sands of time; he's a also father. I dare say he's more than the Harvard and Cambridge trained Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria as well as the Managing Partner of one of the leading law firms in Africa, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, he means the world to me!

Yes, a father in every true sense of the word; one who would go miles to assist others in actualising their dreams, showing the path to greatness and walking with them all the way. His genuine interest in the affairs of others, holding no good back from others even when they are least deserving and giving others a chance to chase their dream, are some of the qualities that stand him out. Giving young folks like me wings to fly, empowering us, knowing fully well that the young people are not only leaders of tomorrow but also of today, while underscoring the need to love God with all of their hearts, will forever make him a man for all seasons.

Taking me on board without any prior meeting and making the decision to hire me solely on merit, making out time to attend my entry interview to find out what exactly was "special" about this Ibadan trained scholar now turned prodigy, has been one of the greatest decisions ever made for my career progression and actualisation of my dreams. In the 'early days of my writing,' I cannot but recall how I often shared my articles with the entire firm and Prof (as I would fondly call him) within few minutes (his speed at digesting very voluminous documents/papers with some much details and attention still amazes me), will come back with commendations. I remember very particularly, an article I did on Insider Dealing (now published in a leading Law Journal) and how Prof came back saying:

Counsel your ink well is deep; your fountain of knowledge flowing like a fall and your energy unending. Good job.

You could imagine how fulfilled I felt hearing those great words from no other person but Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi SAN. I recall, most vividly, how you encouraged me to ensure I published all my articles in reputable journals and even write a book!

Whilst today isn't your birthday Prof. Konyin Ajayi SAN, I've chosen to celebrate you today, 22 March 2017 as I believe you should be celebrated everyday.

For giving my dreams a lift, pushing me to exceed my very own expectations;

For being my number one fan and for guiding me on every step of my legal journey and career progression;

For ALL that you've done for me, including asking me to keep shooting for the moon, breaking all limitations to knowledge acquisition and never stop being relentless, proficient in writing and critically minded in my analysis, I am more than grateful Sir;

For all that I become in the Legal profession and beyond, I owe it all, first to God and to you. May the good Lord reward you more abundantly and may He continue to make you abound in all good virtues. Grateful for ALL Sir and more of God's blessings.