PROF ADEBAYO OLUGBENGA ADARALEGBE, SAN
…The Inspiring Journey Of An Erudite Scholar, Distinguished Advocate And Global Authority In Energy Law
By Femi Alufa
Professor Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, SAN is one of Nigeria’s foremost legal scholars, accomplished advocates, and internationally respected authorities in energy law, international investment law, commercial arbitration, and corporate practice.
His elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is a fitting recognition of decades of professional excellence, intellectual distinction, and outstanding service to the legal profession.
A proud son of Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Professor Adaralegbe is the son of the late Professor Adeniji Adaralegbe, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and one of Nigeria’s most distinguished educationists.
He obtained his LL.B. from Obafemi Awolowo University before earning an LL.M. with Distinction in Petroleum Law and Policy and a Ph.D in International Investment Law from the University of Dundee, Scotland, where he studied under a fully funded scholarship.
With over 34 years of distinguished legal practice, Professor Adaralegbe rose to become Partner and Head of the Energy and Extractive Group at Babalakin & Co., one of Nigeria’s foremost commercial law firms.
He also served as Legal Adviser and Company Secretary of a leading commercial bank and has played significant advisory roles in shaping landmark legislation, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and amendments to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act.
In 2022, he made history as the first legal practitioner in private practice to be appointed Adjunct Professor of Law by a first-generation Nigerian university, following his appointment by the University of Ibadan’s Centre for Petroleum, Energy, Economics and Law (CPEEL).
He teaches postgraduate courses, supervises Master’s and Ph.D. candidates, and has authored numerous scholarly publications in international legal journals.
Professor Adaralegbe is a Fellow of the Energy Institute (UK)—the first Nigerian legal practitioner to receive the honour—a Chartered Arbitrator, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Fellow and Council Member of ICSAN, and a member of both the Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN) and the International Bar Association (IBA).
He also served as the Federal Government Representative on the Governing Council of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
His elevation to the Inner Bar affirms a remarkable career built on scholarship, integrity, professional excellence, and dedicated service to justice.
Beyond his impressive accomplishments, he is admired for his humility, ethical leadership, and commitment to mentoring future generations of legal professionals.
From Ijero-Ekiti to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s legal profession, Professor Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, SAN remains an outstanding ambassador of Ekiti State and Nigeria.
His life is a powerful testament to excellence, perseverance, integrity, and service.
Profile at a Glance:
Name: Professor Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe, SAN
Profession: Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Legal Scholar, Academic, Arbitrator and Energy Law Expert
Hometown: Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Father: Late Professor Adeniji Adaralegbe, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
Academic Qualifications: LL.B. (OAU); LL.M. with Distinction and Ph.D. (University of Dundee, Scotland)
Notable Achievement: Elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)
Specialisation: International Investment Law, Energy Law, Commercial Arbitration, Petroleum Law, and Corporate Practice
Professor Adaralegbe’s elevation to the Inner Bar is not only a personal milestone but also a source of immense pride for Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State, and Nigeria.
His extraordinary career continues to inspire generations of lawyers, scholars, and professionals.
Femi Alufa is the
Publisher/CEO, Ekiti Summit News Media Group
