Lifestyle

Lateef Olufemi Okunnu: The Distinguished Nigerian Lawyer and Statesman

Published

11 months ago

October 12, 2025

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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Lifestyle

BEFORE YOU CALL A CHILD “STUBBORN” FOR RUNNING AWAY FROM HOME, ASK YOURSELF ONE UNCOMFORTABLE QUESTION: “WHAT HAPPENED IN THAT HOME?”

Published

34 minutes ago

August 31, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Not every child who runs away from home is a bad child.

Some children leave because they are exhausted from constant insults, rejection, bullying, comparison, humiliation, neglect, hatred, and harsh treatment from the very people they expect to love them.

Yes, children must obey their parents.

📖 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
— Ephesians 6:1 (KJV)

But parents also have responsibilities toward their children.

📖 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
— Ephesians 6:4 (KJV)

And again:

📖 “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
— Colossians 3:21 (KJV)

⚠️ READ THAT AGAIN: “LEST THEY BE DISCOURAGED.”

A child can live under the same roof with their parents and still feel completely unloved, unwanted, and emotionally abandoned.

Some parents believe that because they provide food, clothing, and school fees, they have done everything necessary.

But children also need love, encouragement, attention, patience, correction, and a safe environment where they can speak without being constantly insulted or humiliated.

The Bible says:

📖 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
— Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

Our words matter.

A parent may say, “I was only joking.”

But what if that “joke” is slowly destroying your child’s confidence?

A parent may say, “I am disciplining my child.”

But is it really discipline—or are you simply releasing your anger on someone who is smaller and has less power than you?

The Bible says:

📖 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
— Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)

And:

📖 “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”
— Proverbs 13:24 (KJV)

Biblical discipline is not the same thing as cruelty, hatred, humiliation, or emotional destruction.

And parents should remember:

📖 “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”
— Psalm 127:3 (KJV)

Your child is not your property to abuse.

Your child is a heritage from God entrusted to your care.

🏠 HOME SHOULD BE THE FIRST PLACE A CHILD EXPERIENCES LOVE, NOT THE FIRST PLACE A CHILD LEARNS TO FEAR.

So before you condemn a child who ran away, ask:

Did we listen to this child?

Did we show this child love?

Did we correct with wisdom—or with anger?

Did we create a home where this child felt safe enough to tell us the truth?

And most importantly:

👉 Could your child be running away from the pain inside the home rather than running away from the family itself?

💥 NOW LET’S DEBATE THIS HONESTLY:

When a child runs away from home, WHO SHOULD BE BLAMED FIRST—the child, the parents, or BOTH?

👇 What do you think?

DON’T JUST READ IT. SHARE YOUR OPINION.

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Lifestyle

DON’T BE SO DESPERATE FOR LOVE THAT YOU MISS GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.

Published

1 hour ago

August 31, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is choosing a life partner simply because they are afraid of being alone.

Marriage is not something to rush into because of pressure, age, loneliness, or the fear that nobody else will love you. The person you marry can either become a great source of peace and support—or make your life incredibly difficult.

The Bible says:

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.”
— Proverbs 18:22 (KJV)

Notice that the Bible calls a good wife “a good thing.” It does not say every relationship automatically brings favour. The choice matters.

The same Bible warns:

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

The wrong person can influence your character, your decisions, your finances, your peace, your relationship with God, and even your future.

That is why you should never beg someone to love you, manipulate someone into marrying you, or ignore obvious warning signs simply because you desperately want a relationship.

Jesus said:

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (KJV)

What is the point of getting married if, in the process, you lose your peace, your purpose, your dignity, and your relationship with God?

Wait. Pray. Observe. Seek wisdom. 🙏

The Bible says:

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
— Proverbs 3:6 (KJV)

Don’t allow loneliness to make your decision for you.
Don’t allow social media to pressure you.
Don’t marry because everyone around you is getting married.
And don’t stay in a destructive relationship simply because you are afraid you will never find another person.

Sometimes God’s “wait” is protection.
Sometimes the relationship you desperately want is the relationship you should be praying to escape from.

And remember:

“A prudent wife is from the LORD.”
— Proverbs 19:14 (KJV)

So before you pray, “Lord, give me this person,” perhaps pray:

“Lord, if this person is not Your will for my life, give me the wisdom and courage to let go.” 🙏

Because the wrong marriage can cost you years, but the right decision can protect your destiny.

🔥 DON’T BEG FOR LOVE. SEEK GOD’S WILL.

What do you think: Is it better to remain single than to marry the wrong person? Tell me your honest opinion in the comments. 👇🏾

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Lifestyle

FOUNDERS OF YORUBA CITIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES, AND YORUBA MIGRANT SETTLEMENTS

Published

2 hours ago

August 31, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

📍 OGUN STATE

ABEOKUTA was founded by Shodeke and the Egba refugee communities.
SAGAMU was founded by Arapetu and Liworu.
SANGO-OTA was founded by Osolo and Eleidi Atalabi.
IGBESA was founded by Akeredun.
IPERU-REMO was founded by Akesan and Ajagbe.
IKORODU was founded by Oga from Remo land.
ISHARA-REMO was founded by Prince Adeyemo.
IJEBU-ODE was founded by Olu-Iwa, Ajebu, and Olode.
IJEBU was founded by Obanta.
IJEBU-IGBO was founded by Ademakin Orimolusi.
ITELE-IJEBU was founded by Ojigi Amoyegeso.
ODOGBOLU was founded by Eleshi Ekun Ogoji.
OGERE-REMO was founded by Loowa-Lida and Olipakala.
IROLU-REMO was founded by Aganun.
IPARA-REMO was founded by Prince Oguola and his wife, Iroye.
ILISAN-REMO was founded by Isanbi.
IKENNE was founded by Ogbodo and Obara.
OMU was founded by Okukumadesi.
OTA was founded by Osolo.
ILARO was founded by Aroo from Old Oyo.
OKEHO was founded by Ojo Oronna from Ilaro and an Olofin from Oyo.
ADO-ODO was founded by Onitako.
ITORI was established as an Egba outpost by displaced Egba refugees.
AYETORO was established by communities that came together for protection during the wars with Dahomey.
MAGBON was founded by Oga and Semade.
MAGBON-ILADO was founded by Onafula and Ogundeko.
OFFIN was founded by Liyangu from Ile-Ife.
EMUREN was founded by two sons of the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife.
IBONWON was founded by Soginna from Ijebu-Ode.
IPOJI was founded by Aikemaku.
IWOYE-KETU was founded by Olomu from Ile-Ife.

📍 OSUN STATE

ILE-IFE was founded by Obatala.
OSOGBO was founded by Laaroye.
ILESA was founded by Owalushe Onida Arara.
MODAKEKE was founded by Obalaye and later greatly expanded by refugees from Old Oyo.
IWO was founded by Parin Olumade.
IKIRE was founded by Akinere.
ESA-OKE was founded by Omiran Adebolu.
IREE was founded by Arolu, Larooye, and Oyekun.
ILA-ORANGUN was founded by Fagbamila Ajagunla.
EDE was founded by Timi Agbale Olofa-Ina.
INISA was founded by Prince Ooku Eesun.
EJIGBO was founded by Akinjole Ogiyan (Ogiriniyan).
OKUKU was founded by Oladile.
ILOBU was founded by Laarosin.
GBONGAN was founded by Omoba Olufi of Oyo.
ODE-OMU was established by people displaced by the conflict between Ife and Modakeke.
IPETUMODU was founded by Akalako, son of Obatala.
IMESI-ILE was founded by Oloja, Odunmorun, and Eiye.
ORILE-OWU was founded by Pawu.
KUTA was founded by Akindele Anlugbua.
IPETU was founded by Owa Olabidanre.
ERINMO-IJESA was founded by Ooni Obalufon Alaayemore.
AWO was founded by Alaafin Okeosun.
IFE-ODAN was founded by Ooni Ogboru.
IRESI was founded by Ifadumila Olatimirin from Ile-Ife.
IRESI was established around the first house founded by Ifadumila Olatimirin, whose descendants are traditionally known as the Alanas.

📍 OYO STATE

OYO was founded by Prince Oranmiyan.
IBADAN was founded by Olagelu (Lagelu).
ADO-AWAYE was founded by Prince Koyi of Oyo.
SHAKI was founded by Ogun.
ERUWA was founded by Obaseeku.
IRAYE was founded by Odudu-Orunku.
OGBOMOSO was founded by Ogunlola.
IGBOHO was founded by Alaafin Eguguojo.
IGBETI was founded by Sango Olufihan Ajala-Iji.
ISEYIN was founded by Aaba Odo-Iseyin and was later joined by other early settlers.
IGBO-ASAKO/IGBO-ORA was founded by Obe Alade.
IGBO-IFA was founded by Kilisi Yeruma.
IJIO was founded by Olukan, Shabiowusu, and Abogunrin.
OKEHO was founded by Ojo Oronna from Ilaro and an Olofin from Oyo.

📍 ONDO STATE

AKURE was founded by Omoremilekun Omoluabi.
OWO was founded by Ojugbelu Omalaaye.
ONDO was founded by Omoba Pupupu.
OKE-IGBO was founded by Derin Ologbenla.
ODE-UGBO was founded by Oronmaken Obamakin Osangangan.
ODE-MAHIN was founded by Omoranpetu.
IKARE-AKOKO was founded by Owa Agbaode or Batimehin, according to competing traditions.
OKA-AKOKO was founded by Asin and Okikon.
ODE-IRELE was founded by Olumisokun.
ODE-IDEPE/OKITIPUPA was founded by Jegunyomi Abejoye.
ILARA-MOKIN was founded by Obalufon Modulua Olutipin.
IGBARA-OKE was founded by Olowa Arajaka.
EPE was founded by Huraka.
IDANRE was founded by Olofin Aremitan.
ODE-AYE was founded by Adanikin.
ILE-OLUJI was founded by Olori Olu-ulode.
ODE-ERINJE was founded by Ogeyinbo.
ARAROMI-OBU was founded by Agboligi Adetosoye, also known as Obu Alakika.

📍 EKITI STATE

ADO-EKITI was founded by Awamaro.
IGEDE-EKITI was founded by Ake.
IJERO-EKITI was founded by Prince Ogbe.
IKERE-EKITI was founded by Aladeshelu.
IKOLE-EKITI was founded by Akinsale.
ISE-EKITI was founded by Akinluaduse (Akinluse).
EFON-ALAAYE was founded by Ooni Obalufon Alaayemore.
IKORO-EKITI/ESO-OBE was founded by Olushe and Olugona.
OTUN-EKITI was founded by Oore (Owore).
IRE-EKITI was founded by Ogun (Lakaaye).
EMURE-EKITI was founded by Fagbamila Obadudu.
ILAWE-EKITI was founded by Oniwe Oriade.
IMESI-EKITI was founded by Ojugbaye.
IGBARA-ODO was founded by Asare and Olowa Arajaka.

📍 LAGOS STATE

ISHERI-OLOFIN was founded by Olofin Ogunfunminire.
IDDO was founded by Olofin Ogunfunminire.
LAGOS/EKO was established by early Awori settlers, with Aromire prominent in the traditional foundation history.
IRU/VICTORIA ISLAND was founded by Oniru Origefon.
IKATE was founded by Elegushi Kusenla.
OTO was founded by Pawu Ogboja.
OTO-AWORI was founded by Aregi Ope, Iworu Oloja, and Odofin.
IJORA was founded by Ojora.
AJAH was founded by Olumegbon, Ogunsemo, and Ojupon.
IKOYI was founded by Onikoyi.
EBUTE-ILEKI/LEKKI was founded by Lootu.
IBEJU was founded by Abeju.
ORIMEDU was founded by Ladejobi.
AKODO was founded by Oyemade Ogidigan.
IBA was founded by Ayoka Oniba Ekun.
ISOLO was founded by Osolo.
EJIGBO was founded by Fadu Onimewon and Olojan.
IKOTUN was founded by Ategbo Olukotun.
EGBE was founded by Kudaki and Akeja.
OSHODI was founded by Olusi Onigbesa and Agedegudu.
IJEGUN was founded by Ajibade Agbojojoye.
IGANDO was founded by early Awori settlers.
ELEKO was founded by Sobokunren.
AKESAN was founded by Ominuye and Aina Odofin.
OGBA was founded by Owoeni and Ashade.
IKEJA was founded by Oladiti and early Awori settlers.
ITIRE was founded by Ota Onitire.
EPUTU was founded by Ogunfayo.
EJINRIN was founded by Loofi.
IWORO-AWORI was founded by Oba Ademiluyi Ajagun.

📍 KWARA STATE

ILORIN was founded by Ojo Isekuse.
OFFA was founded by Olalomi Olofa-Gangan.
ESIE was founded by Prince Baragbon.
OMU-ARAN was founded by Prince Olomu-Aperan.
IWOYE-AYEDUN was founded by Atabata.
IRAA was founded by Laage.
AJASE-IPO was founded by Olupefon.
SHARE was founded by Osoja Jogi, Oyi Andi, Adifasola, Majapo Ajibodede, and Awodo.
IGBAJA was founded by Elese.
ORA was founded by Olora.
IKOSIN was founded by Olukosun.

📍 KOGI STATE

KABBA was founded by Aro, Balaja, and Areka from Ile-Ife.
IFE-OLUKOTUN/IFE-YAGBA was founded by Ajalorun and Iyewoyo.
EKINRIN-ADDE was founded by Esein and Omoye from Ile-Ife.
OGIDI was founded by descendants of Esein and Omoye.
IYARA was founded by descendants of Esein and Omoye.
IYAH-GBEDDE was founded by Owa from Ile-Ife.
ISANLU was founded by Isanlugbara from Ile-Ife.
IYAMOYE was founded by Oyeniyi.
ODO-ERE was founded by sixteen communities that came together for security.

📍 EDO STATE — YORUBA-LINKED SETTLEMENTS

USEN/ODE-USEN/AWURE/UFE-KEKERE was founded by Olu Awure (Elawure), traditionally associated with the Oranmiyan tradition.
EGBETA was founded by Ajibuwa from the ancient Uso/Owo area.

📍 DELTA STATE — YORUBA MIGRANT AND YORUBA-LINKED SETTLEMENTS

TEBU was founded by Ijebu migrants.
UGBORODO was founded by five Ijebu brothers.
OGIDIGBEN/ESCRAVOS was founded by five Ijebu brothers.
INORIN was founded by Ogunmaja from Ile-Ife.
UREJU was founded by Ilaje fishermen from Itebu Manuwa, Atijere, and Itebu Olero.
OMADINO was founded by Lenuwa.
IRIGBO/OKOTOMU was founded by Yoruba-linked settlers, according to Itsekiri historical tradition.
WARRI was established as the centre of the Itsekiri Kingdom under Prince Ginuwa, while earlier communities in the Warri area preserved Yoruba, Ijebu, and Ilaje migration traditions.