Olumide Akpata, Renowned Lawyer, Steps Down from Law Firm to Pursue Political Ambition

Olumide Akpata, the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has chosen to step down from his role as Senior Partner at Templars, a well-known legal firm.

In a statement released by the company on August 24, 2023, it was revealed that the former NBA President had formally communicated his intention to pursue a career in active politics to the firm’s partners and management.

Following the established protocols of the firm’s governance, a mutual decision was reached that he would vacate his position within the company, with the change taking effect on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

The statement 

• The statement reads, “The Partners and management of TEMPLARS wish to announce that a Senior Partner at the Firm and the immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has formally informed the Firm of his decision to participate in active politics. 
•  “On account of this, and in line with the Firm’s governance protocols, Olumide Akpata and the Partners of the Firm have agreed that he disengages from the Firm with effect from 31st August 2023. This will enable him to fully focus on his project of contributing towards nation building.”  

Backstory 

Mr. Olumide Akpata recently announced his membership in the Labour Party and desire to contribute to national development rather than sit on the sidelines and criticise.

He has been seen in recent Labour party activities in his Edo state and many opine he’s gearing up to succeed Governor Obaseki.  

However, it remains to be seen whether he’ll run in the upcoming Edo state election scheduled to be held around September next year.