In the dynamic world of Nigerian law, very few figures embody both the depth of academic intellect and the prestige of courtroom excellence like Professor Babatunde Oni, SAN. Known affectionately as Professor Tunde Oni, he is one of the rare few who have earned the coveted dual-merit distinction—a full Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). His journey is not just one of personal achievement; it is a story of dedication to justice, education, and the transformation of Nigeria’s legal landscape.

Born and raised in Ibadan, Professor Oni’s early education laid the foundation for a life marked by discipline and pursuit of excellence. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Law from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), specializing in Private and Property Law. His doctoral research and academic contribution placed him at the forefront of legal education in Nigeria, eventually rising to become a full professor at UNILAG, one of Africa’s most prestigious institutions.

But Professor Oni was never content with academic accolades alone. Driven by a passion to influence both the minds of future lawyers and the machinery of justice, he took his practice to the highest level, culminating in his elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2023—the legal profession’s equivalent of a Queen’s Counsel in the UK. His SAN conferment was a recognition not just of legal brilliance, but of impact—how he has shaped practice, mentored younger lawyers, and contributed to the development of equitable legal principles in Nigeria.

Over the years, Professor Oni has become widely recognized for his advocacy on inheritance and estate law reform, calling for a more inclusive and equitable legal framework for Nigerians. His public lectures, media appearances, and academic writings have consistently emphasized the importance of estate planning and restitution law as tools for social justice.

In 2024, he launched Babatunde Oni SAN & Co., a forward-thinking law firm that blends tradition with innovation. The firm is founded on his personal values: integrity, scholarly depth, and a results-driven approach. Under his leadership, the firm handles complex legal matters spanning property law, inheritance disputes, restitution claims, trusts, and commercial litigation, serving a broad spectrum of clients from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

Despite his towering academic stature, Professor Oni remains deeply connected to the people and causes he serves. He is a sought-after speaker at legal conferences, a mentor to law students and junior practitioners, and a voice for legal modernization in Africa. His approach to both law and life is simple yet profound: use knowledge as a tool to uplift, and justice as a means to empower.

Today, Professor Babatunde Oni SAN stands not just as a legal luminary, but as a national treasure—an embodiment of what the Nigerian legal system can become when scholarship, advocacy, and integrity meet.