Prof. Olaide Gbadamosi (SAN), a Professor of Law at Osun State University, has called for increased participation of women lawyers in Nigerian politics. He made the appeal on Wednesday during a memorial lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) at the University of Lagos, Akoka, in honour of the late Prof. Jadesola Akande, Nigeria's first female Professor of Law. Gbadamosi described Akande as a trailblazer who broke barriers in academia and governance, becoming Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University and a leading advocate for women's rights and constitutional law. He highlighted that women remain underrepresented in elective positions and urged families, institutions and political parties to dismantle structural and cultural barriers hindering their political participation. Mentorship and deliberate policies, he said, are essential to achieving gender balance in governance. "Her contributions extended beyond the classroom to advocacy for women's rights and access to justice. Her role in promoting gender inclusion and expanding opportunities in governance cannot be overlooked," Gbadamosi stated. He also encouraged senior lawyers mentored by Akande to sustain her legacy through public service and excellence. The Director-General of NIALS, Prof. Abdulqadir Abikan, stressed the need for sustainable funding for the memorial lecture series, warning that reliance on government support is not viable. He proposed endowment funds leveraging the networks of honoured icons. Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), chairman of the event, described Akande as a "colossus" in legal scholarship whose work continues to inspire lawyers and academics globally.
Gbadamosi calls for dismantling barriers to women's political participation while acknowledging Akande's historic roles, yet those same institutions she led remain dominated by men decades later. The continued underrepresentation of women in elective office suggests mentorship and advocacy alone have not shifted structural power. Nigerians who celebrate Akande's legacy must also question why her breakthroughs have not translated into systemic change for women in law and governance. The call for endowments to sustain her memory contrasts sharply with the lack of funded pathways for women pursuing political careers today.
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