A political group supporting the governorship ambition of Senator Sharafadeen Alli (BSA) has faulted Governor Seyi Makinde over a reported remark that the senator “never practised law.”
The group, in a statement titled, “Seyi Makinde Got It Wrong: A Free Law 101 For The Governor,” argued that studying and being called to the Bar did not mean that a lawyer must spend an entire career in courtroom practice.
It said lawyers could deploy their training in politics, public administration, legislation, academia, government and corporate affairs, among other fields.
The group cited former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was called to the English Bar in 1946, as an example of a lawyer who combined legal training with political leadership. The Inner Temple confirms that Awolowo was called to the Bar on November 19, 1946.
It also referred to former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who studied Law, obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992.
The statement further cited former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and other Nigerian political figures with legal backgrounds.
On Alli, the group maintained that the senator’s legal career preceded his political activities.
Available biographical records show that Alli obtained his LL.B from the University of Ibadan in 1986 and attended the Nigerian Law School in 1987. His biography also states that he worked as counsel at A.E. Enumah & Associates and later at R.A. Sarumi & Co., Ibadan, between 1988 and 1991.
A profile published by the Nigerian Tribune also identifies Alli as having worked as counsel at R.A. Sarumi & Co. and later as principal partner of Biodun Alli & Co.
The senator subsequently moved into public service, becoming the first elected Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government before serving as Secretary to the Oyo State Government and later Chief of Staff under former Governor Rashidi Ladoja. He also chaired the board of Odu’a Investment Company Limited and was elected senator representing Oyo South in 2023.
The group argued that Alli’s transition from legal practice to public administration and politics should not be interpreted as evidence that he did not practise law.
It urged political actors in the state to concentrate on their records in public office and policy issues ahead of the 2027 governorship election rather than personal exchanges.
The group also described Alli’s experience across legal practice, local government administration, the state executive and the National Assembly as part of the argument it is making for his governorship bid.