Meet The First Female Senior Advocate Of Nigeria From The 3 Regions Of Nigeria

Many people have seem to limit some professions to the male gender. They may be however wrong as women are beginning to break bounds. One notable profession that readily comes to mind is the Law Profession. In today’s article, we would be looking at the first females from the three regions in Nigeria who rose up to the admirable position of Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SAN), previously known to be the exclusive preserve of men.

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The three (3) regions we would be looking at include the Western, Eastern and the Northen Regions of Nigeria. Now, let’s dig quickly into the pile.  

Folake Solanke

Being the first ever female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is no small feat. Folake Solanke rose through the ranks originally known to be the jurisdiction of men. Despite being born during a period where girl education is forbidden, against all odds, she broke the records and pursued one of the most respected career, Law.

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In 1981, Solanke became the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first Nigerian female lawyer to wear the silk gown. Dr. Folake SAN is not only recognized as a well-seasoned legal professional, she doubles as an experienced teacher and educator.  

Phoebe Chiadi Ajayi-Obe

Phoebe Chiadi Ajayi-Obewas practiced law for over 49 years; and taught for ten years prior to becoming an Attorney. She was known for her benevolence in defending those who could not afford her service. She freely swings into action when she hears an unjust cause. In 1989, she reached the pinnacle of the legal profession in Nigeria when she attained the distinguished rank of Senior Advocate Of Nigeria (SAN). This made her the second female Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the first female Senior Advocate of Igbo descent. Phoebe Chiadi Ajayi-Obe died on June 28, 2020 at the age of 92.  

Safiya Umar Badamasi

In July 2019, history was made when Mrs. Safiya Badamasi was conferred with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This effectively made her the first female from the North and the first Hausa/Fulani Muslim woman to be achieve that feat. She is also made her the first lawyer to attain the exalted bar position in the whole of Katsina State. Badamasi was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1998. She worked at the Katsina State Ministry of Justice  where she rose through the ranks from Litigation Officer to her current position of Permanent Secretary/Solicitor-General.

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