Bar. JS Okutepa SAN is a lawyer of exceptional value, competence, and fearlessness, renowned for his distinctive style and unwavering commitment to the legal profession. With a career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a learned silk of unparalleled expertise, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and clients alike.
A renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and an astute legal practitioner of great repute and industry. Born on January 1, 1960, to the family of Chief and Mrs. Okutepa Ogaji Attah, from the Aju-Akogu dynasty of Attah Igala Royal family, he has risen to become a distinguished figure in the legal profession.
*Early Life and Education*
Despite not having the benefit of full primary education, Mr. Okutepa SAN persevered and started his primary school education at an adult age of over 17 years. He completed his primary school education in 1980 and went on to attend the Benue State Fire Service Training School, Makurdi, in 1980-1981. He sat for his GCE O’level as an external candidate in 1982 and passed all five subjects. He then attended the School of Basic Studies, Makurdi, from 1985-1987, and later the University of Jos, Jos, from 1987-1990. He was called to the Nigerian Bar on December 12, 1991, after completing his law degree and attending the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos.
*Legal Career*
Mr. Okutepa SAN co-founded the law firm of Agamah, Okutepa, and Company in 1993, which was later restructured and named J.S. Okutepa and Company, and now J.S. Okutepa SAN and Company. He has held several positions in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), including financial secretary, publicity secretary, secretary, and 1st vice chairman of the NBA Makurdi Branch between 1993 and 2008. He was a member of the General Council of the Bar, Member National Executive Committee of NBA, from 2004 to 2018, and was re-appointed a member of NEC of NBA in 2023. He is currently a member of the National Executive Council of NBA.
*Achievements and Honors*
– Elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on July 7, 2011
– Sworn in as SAN on August 26, 2011, by the Chief Justice of Nigeria
– Member of Body of Benchers (2017-2020)
– Member of the Mentoring Committee of the Body of Benchers (2019-2022)
– Honorary Member of Body of Benchers, representing North Central Nigeria (2023)
– Chief Prosecutor for NBA at the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) of the Body of Benchers (2012-2017)
– Recipient of various awards, including the NBA presidential award for meritorious service to the Bar
*Professional Associations*
– International Bar Association (IBA)
– American Bar Association (ABA), International section
– Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA)
– African Bar Association
– Pan African Lawyers Union
– International Bar Association, African Regional Forum
*Personal Life*
Mr. Okutepa SAN is a family man, happily married to Mrs. Eleojo Toyin Okutepa, and they are blessed with children and grandchildren. Two of their children are lawyers. His hobbies include advocacy, teaching, reading, accepting challenges, meeting people, football, discussing national and international issues, writing, and traveling.
Usman Okai Austin
Writes from Abuja
