Legal bigwigs celebrate Osipitan’s 70th birthday, retirement

It was a double celebration for Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, who just turned 70 and also celebrated his retirement after 43 years at the University of Lagos.

The celebrations began on Wednesday at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi Main Auditorium, UNILAG, where the Faculty of Law and Department of Public Law rolled out the drums in his honour.

It continued on Saturday at All Souls’ Church, Lekki Phase 1, Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, for a thanksgiving service.

At UNILAG, the hall was filled with legal luminaries, judges, SANs, academics, students, mentees, family and well-wishers, including the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba; former Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN; NBA President, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN; former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rahamon Bello; and Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Olatokunbo Talabi, who represented Governor Dapo Abiodun.

In her opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Adejoke Oyewunmi, paid glowing tribute to Osipitan for his humility, generosity, support for colleagues and unwavering loyalty to the University.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, described him as a man of strong convictions and high standards

She said, “He is a man of strong convictions, intellectual confidence and high professional standards. I also appreciate the way he combined his academic responsibilities with professional legal practice. His courtroom experience has enriched his teaching, while his academic work has strengthened his engagement with the law in practice.”

She also applauded the launch of the Distinguished Professor Taiwo Osipitan Legacy Fund for Doctoral Research in Public Law.

Professor Bello recalled Osipitan’s role in resolving litigations against the university, noting that his intervention significantly reduced pending cases.

The highlight was a commemorative lecture, “The Future of Legal Education in Nigeria: Training Our Legal Minds to Become Catalysts for Nation Building and Transformation,” delivered by former LASU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo, reflecting on their longstanding friendship, celebrated Osipitan’s integrity, intellectual energy, discipline, excellence and forensic skills. He commended his exceptional abilities in research and teaching, and challenged the Faculty to preserve the contributions of inspirational teachers like Prof. Akin Oyebode.

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The ceremony transitioned into a colloquium and fireside chat anchored by Dr Ayodeji Awobiyide, with panellists Prof. Simeon Igbinedion, Prof. Olomola and Dr Adekemi Omotubora. The book, Contemporary Issues and Perspectives in Public Law, was unveiled by Chief Olanipekun alongside Chief Book Presenter, Professor Francis  Ogunye. Osipitan was also presented with a Service Award.

At All Souls’ Church, Lekki, the mood was joyful and colourful. Guests donned various shades of blue, the party colour, while the celebrant and his family sparkled in green. His portraits adorned the church premises, and gifts were shared with guests.

Dazzling in a unique green agbada, Osipitan marched out with his wife, children and grandchildren, cheering and smiling as he gave thanks to God. The choir serenaded guests with songs of praise.

The service was led by the Vicar and Archdeacon of Lekki, The Venerable John Oghenekevwe Agboro, alongside The Rev’d Bamidele Olayanju, The Venerable Iyanu Ademowo, The Venerable Paul Ogedegbe and The Venerable Dr Uche Ekwensi, under the Diocesan, The Right Revd Dr Ifedola Senasu Olusola Okupevi, FICA.

Among the guests was Mr Wole Oshin of Coronation.

Speaking, Osipitan said, “I feel happy, loved and fulfilled. I’m most grateful for everything: mercies, grace and being my fortress and pillar of support, being with me all through the journey and allowing me to retire well.”

His friend, Adefela Oduoyingbo, described him as, “Osipitan is a person who touches humanity and doesn’t count the cost to make sure others are happy. He is great in everything.”

His second daughter, Sola Osipitan, described him as an icon and trailblazer

“He has left shoes for us to fill, and we will do him proud. He is humble regardless of what he has achieved. He is very wise and generous.”

Prayers were offered for his continued growth and success as family and friends celebrated a life well spent.

Guests at the thanksgiving service included the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UNILAG,  Professor L. Chukwu; the former Registrar, UNILAG, Taiwo Ipaye; and the current Registrar of UNILAG, Abosede Wickliffee; and Agbor and Funke Agbor SAN,   Bambo Adesanya SAN, Muiz Banire SAN and Bode Olanipekun SAN.