**Omoba Sir Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola** (1 February 1906 – 29 January 1993) was a distinguished **Nigerian jurist**, who served as **Chief Justice of Nigeria** from **1958 to 1972**. A legal pioneer, he was the first Nigerian Chief Justice and played an instrumental role in the modernization of Nigeria’s legal system during both colonial and post-independence eras.
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## Early Life and Education
Born into Yoruba royalty in Abeokuta, **Adetokunbo Ademola** was the son of **Oba Sir Ladapo Ademola II**, the Alake of the Egba clan, and **Princess Tejumade Ademola**. His maternal uncle was Sir Adeyemo Alakija.
He began his early education at **Roman Catholic School, Itesi** and **Holy Cross School, Lagos**, before attending **St. Gregory's Grammar School** and **King’s College Lagos**.
After passing the Senior Clerical Examination in 1925, he joined the **Colonial Civil Service** as a clerk. From **1928 to 1931**, he studied **Law at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge**, and was **called to the Bar at Middle Temple, London** in 1934.
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## Legal and Judicial Career
Upon his return to Nigeria in 1934, Ademola served as **Crown Counsel**, later working in **Eastern Nigeria** as Assistant Secretary. He entered **private legal practice** in 1936 and was appointed a **Magistrate** in 1939. His early postings included **Warri**, **Lagos**, and **Opobo**.
Notable milestones:
- **1949**: Appointed as a **Puisne Judge**, becoming the third Nigerian to hold the role.
- **1955**: Became **Chief Justice of Western Nigeria** — the first Nigerian to head a regional judiciary.
- **1958**: Appointed **Chief Justice of the Federation**, succeeding Sir Stafford Foster-Sutton.
### Landmark Judgements & Role in National Affairs
As Chief Justice, Ademola was central to several landmark rulings:
- **Regina v. Ilorin Native Authority**
- **Ayinke v. Ibidunni**
- **Doherty v. Balewa**
- **Aderemi v. Akintola**
- **Olawoyin v. Commissioner of Police**
He helped **establish the Nigerian Law School** (with Dr. Teslim Elias), ensuring legal training could occur domestically.
During political crises, he played a **mediating role**:
- **1964**: Helped break political deadlock after national elections.
- **1966**: Intervened during post-coup tensions to prevent northern secession.
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## Public Service and Later Life
Following retirement, Ademola chaired the **Nigerian Census Board**, overseeing the controversial **1973 national census**. He also held various public service and international positions, including:
- Member, **UN International Public Service Advisory Board**
- Vice President, **World Association of Jurists**
- President, **Nigerian Red Cross**
- Member, **International Olympic Committee**
- **Olori-Oluwo (Grandmaster)** of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity
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## Honours and Titles
- **Omoba** (Yoruba prince)
- **Knighted (KBE)** by Queen Elizabeth II (1957)
- **Member of the UK Privy Council** (1963)
- **Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)** – Nigeria’s second-highest national honour
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## Personal Life
He was married to **Kofo Moore**, a University of Oxford graduate and daughter of **Eric Moore**, a notable Nigerian diplomat. The couple had **five children**.
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## Legacy
Sir Adetokunbo Ademola is remembered as a **trailblazer in Nigeria’s judicial system**, who helped bridge colonial and independent eras. His legacy continues through legal institutions and reforms he championed, and he remains one of the most respected Chief Justices in Nigerian history.
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