Lifestyle
Lateef Olufemi Okunnu: The Distinguished Nigerian Lawyer and Statesman
Lateef Olufemi Okunnu, born on February 19, 1933, in Lagos State, Nigeria, is one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds and public figures. Known for his integrity, intellect, and dedication to national service, Okunnu’s name stands tall among the nation’s post-independence generation of leaders who shaped Nigeria’s political and legal institutions.
Early Life and Background
Lateef Olufemi Okunnu was born into a prominent Yoruba Muslim family in Lagos State. Growing up in Lagos during the colonial and early post-independence periods, he was exposed to both Western education and traditional Nigerian values — a blend that shaped his disciplined and patriotic character.
From a young age, Okunnu showed exceptional academic promise and leadership qualities, which led him to pursue higher education both at home and abroad.
Education
Okunnu attended King’s College, Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious secondary schools, where he excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities that honed his leadership skills.
After completing his secondary education, he traveled to the United Kingdom to study law. He was called to the English Bar at Lincoln’s Inn, London, before returning to Nigeria to be enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
His legal education and training in Britain provided him with a strong foundation for the role he would later play in shaping Nigeria’s legal and political landscape.
Legal Career
Upon returning to Nigeria, Okunnu quickly rose through the ranks of the legal profession. His dedication, mastery of the law, and ethical conduct earned him the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (S.A.N.), one of the highest honors in the Nigerian legal system.
Over the years, he handled several landmark cases and served as legal counsel to major public and private institutions. His career was marked by a deep sense of justice, fairness, and professionalism.
He also contributed significantly to the development of legal education in Nigeria through mentorship and active participation in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other professional bodies.
Public Service and Political Career
Lateef Olufemi Okunnu’s public service career began in earnest when he was appointed Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing during the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon (1967–1974).
In this role, he supervised the construction and maintenance of major national infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, and housing estates across Nigeria. His tenure is remembered for promoting efficiency and accountability in public works.
In 1980, Okunnu served as part of the Nigerian Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly, representing the country’s interests on global issues. His contributions reflected his deep commitment to Nigeria’s development and international diplomacy.
Family and Personal Life
Lateef Olufemi Okunnu is married to Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu, a respected public servant and community leader who also served as the Deputy Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2003 under Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The couple has children who have followed in their footsteps of professionalism and public service. Their family is well known for its legacy of education, discipline, and civic responsibility.
Later Years and Legacy
Even in his later years, Okunnu remained active in national discourse, particularly concerning issues of governance, law, and Nigerian unity. He has been a vocal advocate for constitutional reform and has written and spoken extensively on Nigeria’s political structure, corruption, and the need for ethical leadership.
His life’s work stands as a testament to his belief in nation-building through justice, discipline, and public accountability.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Lateef Olufemi Okunnu
Date of Birth: February 19, 1933
State of Origin: Lagos State, Nigeria
Profession: Lawyer, Politician, Statesman
Position Held: Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing (1967–1974)
Honor: Senior Advocate of Nigeria (S.A.N.)
Spouse: Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu (former Deputy Governor of Lagos State)
Delegation: Nigerian Representative at the United Nations General Assembly (1980)
Status: Alive as of 2025
Sources
1. The Guardian Nigeria – “Femi Okunnu: Nigeria Needs a New Constitution to Survive” (2022)
2. Punch Newspapers – “Profile of Lateef Olufemi Okunnu (SAN)” (2019)
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