Twenty years after his passing, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) has once again brought to the fore the enduring legacy of one of its most distinguished leaders, Professor Jelili Adebisi Omotola, SAN.
On Thursday, April 30, 2026, the Faculty of Law hosted a commemorative event marking the 20th memorial anniversary of the University’s seventh Vice-Chancellor, an academic, administrator, and legal luminary whose impact continues to resonate across generations.
Held at the J.F. Ade. Ajayi (Main) Auditorium, the event drew an impressive gathering of the University community, members of the Omotola family, distinguished figures from the legal profession, as well as protégés and beneficiaries of his lifelong commitment to scholarship and service.
A Life of Impact and Influence
In her keynote remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described the occasion as more than a remembrance, it was a celebration of a life devoted to knowledge, leadership, and justice.
She paid tribute to Professor Omotola’s towering contributions to Land and Property Law, particularly his influential work on the Land Use Act of 1978, which continues to shape legal scholarship and practice in Nigeria.
Reflecting on his tenure as Vice-Chancellor from 1995 to 2000, Professor Ogunsola highlighted a period widely regarded as one of stability, growth, and academic excellence at UNILAG. She pointed to key developments during his administration, including the construction of the Multipurpose Hall, Faculty of Law Annex, Postgraduate Office, and staff housing estates.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the occasion to commend the Faculty of Law’s recent academic achievements, noting that its students accounted for 16% of all First Class results in the latest Bar Examinations. She urged students and faculty alike to uphold the enduring values that Professor Omotola embodied—integrity, excellence, service, and justice.
Tributes from the Bar and Beyond
Adding a personal dimension to the tributes, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of UNILAG Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, reflected on his long-standing relationship with the late Professor, which began during his student years.
He described Professor Omotola as a “teacher of teachers,” an exceptional leader, and a father figure whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.
He also commended the Omotola family for sustaining his legacy through continued support for education and scholarship.
Celebrating Excellence Through Advocacy
A standout feature of the commemoration was a Clinical Legal Education session, which included a moot court competition between students of the University of Lagos (Claimant) and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (Defendant).
Presided over by Honourable Justices Oluwatoyin Taiwo, Razak Yomi Olukolu, and Iyabo Osodi, the session showcased advocacy skills and legal reasoning at a high level. Delivering the panel’s decision, Justice Taiwo commended both teams for their performance, ultimately awarding the lead to the UNILAG team for presenting a stronger case.
The UNILAG team further distinguished itself by producing the overall winner, first runner-up, and best counsel of the competition.
Investing in the Next Generation
In a gesture that underscored the family’s commitment to sustaining Professor Omotola’s legacy, his son, Barrister Goke Omotola, announced a scholarship award of one million naira (₦1,000,000.00) each to twenty students of the Faculty of Law.
He described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the future of the legal profession and a continuation of his father’s lifelong dedication to mentoring and empowering young minds.
Courtesy Call
Earlier in the day, members of the Omotola family, led by Mr. Kunle Omotola, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor.
A Legacy That Lives On
Professor Jelili Adebisi Omotola, SAN, served two terms as Dean of the Faculty of Law, and as Vice-Chancellor from 1995 to 2000. His tenure remains a defining chapter in the University’s history.
Today, his legacy is not only remembered but lived through the institutions he helped build, the ideas he advanced, and the countless lives he influenced.
Fittingly, the University’s Multipurpose Hall, named in his honour, stands as a lasting symbol of a man whose vision, intellect, and leadership continue to inspire excellence at UNILAG and beyond.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Ayo Oloyede
