Olatunji Olupeluwa Abayomi '79
Sustaining Human Rights, Education, and Equality in Africa
May 1, 2020
Olatunji Abayomi '79 grew up in Nigeria before coming to Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University in the early 70s, where he received both his bachelor's and master's degrees. After earning his law degree at The University of Toledo, he returned to Africa to attend compulsory Nigerian law school.
Since then, Tunji has been in private law practice in Nigeria, serving as a national human rights and democratic leader. Nigeria was under military rule from 1966-99. Working as a human rights advocate in a country under a military regime can be dangerous. From 1995-96, Tunji was detained three times, with one detention lasting almost a year. He wrote a book about his experience entitled "CELL 26: Detention Memoir of a Political Detainee."
Tunji is the founder and chair of Human Rights Africa, a Nigerian human rights group. He is also pro-chancellor and chair of the Governing Council for Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), and group head at the Tunji Abayomi & Co. law firm in Nigeria.
Q&A with Tunji Abayomi
How did you find your way to Toledo Law for your education?
While I was studying for my master's degree at Ohio State University, I developed
an interest in studying law. I then explored law schools in the state of Ohio and
found UToledo of best interest to my aspiration.
What were the turning points in your education and career that led you to where you
are now?
First, my hard upbringing made an impact. Having lost my father at the age of one,
my mother, who was more or less my first professor, made education a matter of life
and death as she always said education was my most dependable means to triumph and
victory. Second, the strength of law teaching and exposure at Toledo Law, as they
fortified my natural disposition to stand for human rights.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work, and how does your legal education
and training help you?
The most challenging aspect of my work is to do well in many endeavors. I had to become
a successful lawyer, public interest advocate, mentor for younger generations, and
leader of a major university in Nigeria as board chairman. At UToledo, I had to pass
through tough education, advocacy competition, and participation in a public internship.
These experiences laid the foundation for professional success.
What have you found most satisfying about your career?
Advocacy that breaks new grounds or lays the foundation for a new legal order.
What suggestions do you have for current law students and new lawyers who might be
interested in international work?
They need to be sure of their passion. Further, to be rich, I will advise them to
look for work, not money.
Life can't be only about work. What other things did you enjoy doing, and how did
you find the time?
When I was younger, I took to sports, particularly soccer and dancing, but now a few
months until my 70th birthday, I walk, do physical exercises, listen to classical
music, and attend plays.
Do you have a favorite memory from attending Toledo Law?
I permanently remember some of my professors such as Professor Janet Wallen, Rich
Edwards, etc. with appreciative feelings.
How did Toledo Law prepare you for your legal career?
Through Toledo Law professors' good and adequate training and commitment to high standards.
What are you passionate about?
Fighting for common rights of the common man.
Share something you want Toledo Law alumni to know about you.
My gratitude for the training I received at Toledo Law contributed to the high regard
and reputation I have in Nigeria. My standing against military dictatorship and for
democracy that led to three detentions, one for 11 months, were all founded in that
training at UToledo. So, I will be for life a good friend of The University of Toledo.