Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Ehinfun‑Adekunle, a partner at [Afe Babalola & Co.](https://www.afebabalola.com), has been elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, becoming the youngest woman ever to attain the coveted Silk at just 40 years old.
**Key facts**
- The 40‑year‑old lawyer joins the Inner Bar as the youngest female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in the country’s history.
- Her legal career spans more than 14 years, during which she has handled complex litigation, commercial dispute resolution, strategic advisory and international arbitration matters.
- She earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from [Obafemi Awolowo University](https://www.oauife.edu.ng) and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Trade Law from the [University of Leeds](https://www.leeds.ac.uk).
- Prior to becoming a partner at Afe Babalola in September 2013, she worked at D. D. Dodo & Co. and the Nuhu Ribadu Campaign Organisation.
- “Her elevation is a historic milestone that will inspire a new generation of female lawyers,” said a spokesperson for Afe Babalola & Co.
**What does the Senior Advocate of Nigeria title represent?**
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria is the highest rank a legal practitioner can achieve in the country. It is awarded to lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, professional integrity and have made significant contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence. Holders of the title are often referred to as “Silks” and are entitled to wear a distinctive silk gown in court.
**Why the achievement matters**
Ehinfun‑Adekunle’s promotion shatters a long‑standing gender ceiling in the Nigerian legal profession. By reaching the Inner Bar at a relatively young age, she provides a visible role model for aspiring female attorneys and signals a gradual shift toward greater gender parity in senior legal circles.
**Background on the Inner Bar**
The Inner Bar is a select group of senior counsel whose numbers are limited by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee. Candidates must submit a detailed portfolio of landmark cases, scholarly publications and evidence of mentorship to be considered. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most distinguished practitioners receive the SAN designation.
**Future outlook**
With her extensive experience in arbitration and commercial disputes, Ehinfun‑Adekunle is poised to influence both domestic and cross‑border legal matters. Her achievement is expected to encourage law firms and academic institutions to further support the advancement of women within the legal sector.
The historic elevation of Olamide Mojigbotoluwa Ehinfun‑Adekunle underscores a transformative moment for Nigeria’s judiciary and private bar, setting a precedent for future generations of female lawyers.