Olubukola Bola John bagged her LL.B certificate from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State in 2005 and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar in 2006/2007, the same year she had her NYSC programme. Afterwards, she began legal practice with K S Afolayan & Co., located in the state capital. She however shares with KAYODE ADEOTI her unforgettable day in court. Excerpts:
The recent daunting encounter I had was before Justice Abdul Mahmud Gafar. I had to hold brief for a very senior colleague whose jurisdiction is outside Kwara State but he used our office as correspondent service. There are two motions served on us which, we were yet to reply.
When they called the case, I just went through the motion and informed the court that we are still within the time frame to reply the motion according to the rules of the court. Actually, the motion is seeking for an order of injunction restraining our client from doing certain things.
My Lord, looking at the motion, said, he’s not likely going to grant it, saying it will affect the subject matter. But, instead, he ordered for an accelerated hearing.
To pick date for adjournment, my Lord said we should come the following week. The other counsel said since the court has ordered accelerated hearing, we should pick date now… On my part, going by the instruction the senior colleague I’m holding the brief for gave me, I availed the court the various dates he suggested.
Then the judge said, I will reverse my order and immediately he said, “I reverse the order declining them to move the motion for restraining.”
To pick date became a problem, because my Lord was insisting against dates suggested, at this point I was confused. Diary of my senior is not available to have been able to suggest dates other than the ones earlier given. But,… fortunately for us, the parties involved have settled their matter customarily in their kings palaces.
