By Muji Armstrong-Bello
As the coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba, ex-Governor, Engr., Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, took place last Friday, let’s take a moment to shine the spotlight on one of Ibadanland’s most esteemed sons, Aare Nureini Soladoye Jimoh SAN, FCArb, Ficmc, ACITN, the Aare Baamofin of Ibadanland, whose significant successes in the legal profession have made indelible impressions on the nation’s judicial landscape.
The title: Aare Baamofin of Ibadanland, which translates to “President-General of Lawyers in Ibadan” is a fitting recognition of Aare Jimoh’s exceptional expertise and dedication to the legal profession. As the President-General of Olubadan’s Counsels, he plays a critical role by providing guidance and advice to Olubadan and Ibadanland on matters of law and governance. Olubadan’s wise decision to confer this prestigious title on him is a testament to Kabiyesi’s deep understanding of the importance of having a legal luminary of his caliber at the helm of the kingdom’s legal affair.
With over three decades of experience, Aare Jimoh has established himself as a formidable force in the courtroom, winning numerous high-profile cases for individuals, groups and the government. His expertise has earned him the respect of his peers, who affectionately address him as the Lawyer of Lawyers. Even justices have been known to tread carefully when facing him in court, on account of his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.
In May 28, 2025 he secured what is being described as a landmark decision in the Nigerian labour jurisprudence when the National Industrial Court of Nigeria delivered a resounding judgement in favour of 317 workers whose appointments were wrongfully terminated by a Spanish-owned steel manufacturing company in Kano, ending a 9-year legal battle championed pro-bono by the renowned silk.
In Aare Jimoh’s base in Kano, he is called the Northern Star. Yet his allegiance to his place of origin, Ibadanland, remains firm and resolute. His special interest in lending a helping hand to Ibadan sons and daughters is renowned while his philanthropic gestures have touched the lives of a countless number of people, regardless of tribe or religion. His generosity and commitment to the well-being of others have endeared him to many. His appointment as Aare Baamofin of Ibadanland is also an acknowledgement of his compassionate and selfless service to Ibadan people and Nigerians in general.
The legal icon has outstanding academic credentials and laurels. He possesses two Masters of Law degrees with an LL.D in view, having just defended his PhD thesis. His numerous academic awards include: Igbinedion University Vice Chancellor Award and Dean of Faculty of Law Award; University of Benin Award; Bayero University, Kano (BUK) Annual Nureini Jimoh SAN Moot Court Trial Award; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Award of Excellence. Others are the Northern Universities Law Faculties Award and the publication of the 28th edition of the law journal named: ‘‘The Jurist’ in his honour by the University of Ilorin.
In many of his lectures preceding his academic awards, vice chancellors of the various universities were physically present as a mark of honor for him and they variously applauded his invaluable contributions to law and commitment to justice. He has also received recognitions from various societies, institutions and religious bodies both locally and internationally. His lectures laced with golden words of wisdom and motivation have inspired many people.
His dutiful wife, Yeye Maryam Asma’u Jimoh, has also been honoured as Yeye Aare Baamofin of Ibadanland, an appreciative gesture of His Imperial Majesty for her support and partnership with her husband. Their marriage is blessed with brilliant children who are computer scientist, medical doctor, civil engineer, law graduate, with two of them pursuing their PhD abroad, and lovely grandchildren.
In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Aare has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to the community. His philanthropic acts are numerous and varied. Some notable examples are the buiding of an ICT center for youth corps members at the NYSC Kano Secretariat, provision of law books and cash empowerment to the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano (BUK) amounting to N10 million, empowerment of Oyo State Students in BUK, empowerment and provision of startup kits for young lawyers, presentation of school fees to indigent law students, distribution of wheelchairs to handicapped persons, distribution of cash and materials to widows with the recent recipients comprising 15 widows in Kano State, establishment of open-door kitchen to feed the poor every single day since 2009. He has also sponsored 15 Muslims and 5 Christians on holy pilgrimage to Mecca and Jerusalem this year, donated a mosque and sports arena to Bompai Community in Kano where he lives, and established peace concerts and meetings to resolve communal disputes and conflicts between individuals.
In his pre-coronation visit to the Olubadan-elect, the legal icon described Oba Ladoja as an outstanding and world class monarch, pledging his allegiance and desire to work hand-in-hand with the Olubadan-In-Council for the growth and development of Ibadanland apart from his plan to facilitate a medical mission from Egypt for the palace, donate legal accessories like wigs, gowns and law books to his professional constituency in Ibadan, among others. He noted that this dawn of a new glorious era in Ibadanland would afford all sons and daughters the opportunity to give back to the homeland.
As we celebrate the coronation of our royal father, it is not out of place to also celebrate the giant strides and achievements of Aare Baamofin of Ibadanland, who has been serving in this esteemed capacity for over two years now. May Allah continue to strengthen him and may his legacies continue to inspire and motivate future generations of lawyers and leaders.
Prince Armstrong-Bello is a Justice of the Peace and communication consultant.
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