Barrister Carrington Omokaro has honoured Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, through a symbolic, deeply meaningful gesture of donating a wig and gown to the best graduating student of Lagos State University, LASU, of which Afolabi is an alumnus.

Also in honour of the senior advocate, Omokaro presented a lawyer's trouser material to the Dean of the law faculty as a personal gesture of his appreciation and admiration for the faculty which produced Afolabi, a towering, illuminating figure in the Nigerian legal profession.

Omokaro is a first class graduate in law from Igbinedion University, Okada.

Although, he was called to the bar in September 2020, he began active practice in January 2022.

In his signed letter to the Dean of the law faculty presenting the gift items, Omokaro gave reasons for honouring Olayiwola Afolabi his principal.

His words: "Since joining his law firm on the 13th of February; 2023 my journey as a young man has been profoundly impacted.

"Under his mentorship, I have experienced the kind of growth that usually takes a decade to attain.
"Most notably, I was granted the rare and unforgettable opportunity to argue an appeal before the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the 3rd of July 2023 barely five months after joining his chamber as a junior partner. This experience fundamentally shaped my confidence in life and legal career prospects.

"OLayiwola Afolabi, SAN, empowers his junior, celebrate their successes and fosters a workplace where learning thrives. He does not belittle, discourage or limit the potentialities of juniors in his chambers. Rather, he motivates, inspires and uplifts them.

"Also, he is one of the most formidable appellate advocates in Nigeria today especially in the area of criminal jurisprudence. So, I have come to refer to him as The Overturner Of Death Sentences.

"This title is not flattery but based on a string of distinguished histories in capital offences appeals at the Appeal Court as well as the Supreme Court of Nigeria since 2008 when he saved a 16-year-old girl from the death sentence."

Omakaro , continuing, in his letter notes that he is honouring Olayiwola Afolabi because beyond the law he is a cultivator of excellence, self-effacing, a man of profound humility and a mentor in the truest sense.

Omokaro adds: "His humanity resonates most. When I was invited by my alma mater, Igbinedion University, Okada in Edo State to serve as a moot court judge he encouraged me to participate.

Furthermore, in recognition of the honour accorded me by alma mater, he donated a wig and gown to the best graduating law student of the university's faculty of law. This gesture deeply moved me."