Richard Ayodele Akintunde: Beyond being a legal juggernaut lies a community bridge builder

By Aisha Hassan

In the story and history of the human race, there were (and are) people who have contributed maximally to the developmental course of their immediate environments; and so is Richard Ayodele Akintunde, SAN. Richard Ayodele Akintunde, SAN, is a household name: untiring, self-willed, and undaunted in the face of trials and tribulations.

He was born in the early ‘60s in Canada to the family of Akintunde and bred in Nigeria, his homeland. He unyieldingly and volitionally identifies with his roots. He is an alumnus of the University of Ife (currently named; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria), where he studied Law in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. He has shown valour in his field of expertise for over thirty-five (35) years and transcended beyond just a common name in the mouths of every Nigerian. He is a brand; a connoisseur in the legal sphere.

As a senior advocate and owing to years of experience, Richard Ayodele Akintunde, SAN, specialized in civil litigation, criminal litigation, and commercial litigation, and has represented and appeared for a number of clients in the Court of Appeal, High Court, and the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Oftentimes, he has been found on air and in the pages of newspapers and magazines, lending his voice in social or health matters, where legal and humanitarian attention were needed.

Notably, he granted an interview to The Sun in 2020, urging the federal government to look into the activities of security agencies during the COVID-19 prevalence. Additionally, he served as the electoral chairman for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 2022, where he delivered a free and fair election, chaired the NBA Election and Audit Reform Committee which introduced reforms to electronic voting that were incorporated into the amendments of the NBA Constitution in 2015, and all manner of incongruities and irregularities that could cause complications were frowned upon, and all necessary equipment for the 2022 online election was made available. Through his accountability, innovative skills, and leadership skills, he was able to manage the challenges and excesses that could serve as a deterrent, which alludes to his vehement passion for selfless and just service as a leader, who is dedicated to maintaining law and order in his daily routine.

However, his achievements extend beyond the courtroom to the sacred halls of the church. In a remarkable display of dedication and service, Akintunde was appointed Deputy Chancellor of Ondo Diocese of the Anglican Communion Nigeria, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his faith. As a devoted member of the church, Akintunde has always sought to serve and give back to his community.

His appointment as Deputy chancellor was a natural progression of his tireless efforts to support the church’s mission and values. In this role, he has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth administration of church affairs, bringing his legal expertise to bear on matters of governance and compliance.

Akintunde’s achievement is a shining example of how faith and profession can intersect in meaningful ways. His dedication to the church serves as a beacon of inspiration to others, demonstrating that one’s spiritual and professional lives are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary aspects of a fulfilling life.

Likewise, despite being born in Canada, he has frequently identified himself as a man of timber and caliber who loves his community and has always united with the people through his service in Ondo. Unlike others, he does this effortlessly and passionately, which has earned him the position of Bamofin in the Ondo Kingdom. He has constantly been spotted in several important events in the Ondo Kingdom.

In 2022, he was appointed as the Chairman of the newly-launched Osemawe Youth Empowerment Foundation during the event that gathered together the members of the ‘Osemawe Palace Forum’ which is dedicated to issues in the palace of Ondo Kingdom, which also has Richard Ayodele Akintunde, SAN, as a member. This appointment was earned by merit due to his contribution to the growth of the palace and the development of the Ondo Kingdom.