Balancing Business Law, and Academia: The Akinsola Oluwaseun Kayode’s Story

By Chinelo Uba

Business law is a framework with which businesses, corporations, establishments, among others thrive, legally. Individuals in every sector are liable to be faced with challenges such as exploitation, extortion, fraud, and other uncertainties. Hence, the germane reasons they have to stay afloat and achieve evidential results, rather than struggles and mere efforts. In Nigeria, legal experts and luminaries do put forward the need for legal reforms, enlightenment, and resources to make diverse sectors in the country thrive.

In Nigeria, Dr. Akinsola Oluwaseun Kayode, an indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State, is a distinguished legal professional, business lawyer, policy consultant, and polymath with over two decades of experience in consulting and legal practice. As Managing Partner of Queens Group Africa, he has advised 60+ organizations across Africa on governance, sustainability, and legal compliance, making him a sought-after consultant.

Dr. Akinsola began his education at Methodist Primary School, Ago Oko, then proceeded to Lisabi Grammar School, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, before earning a law degree from the University of Ibadan and qualifying as a Barrister. He further obtained an Executive MBA from Business School Netherlands, a Master of Laws (LL.M), and a PhD from Charisma University, British West Indies. Now a Senior Lecturer and Acting Dean at Christland University, he is dedicated to mentoring future legal and business professionals, despite the demands of his role. His greatest reward is seeing students embrace new teaching methods. He recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of young ones, which often gladdens him to lead them at every moment offered.

Dr. Akinsola is a distinguished author and international speaker with expertise in corporate law, governance reforms, consumer protection, and regulatory compliance. He has authored several books, such as “Compliance with Nigerian Regulatory Agencies: A Guide and An Overview of Corporate Governance in Nigeria,” which provide practical guidance on navigating legal challenges. As a Partner at Queens Attorneys LP, he contributes significantly to corporate strategy, legal representation, and the overall management of the firm. His affiliations with the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Bar Association, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) reflect his professional excellence. A Fellow of the Institutes of Management Consultants and Business Diplomacy, he significantly influences policy and business advisory.

With Africa’s bountiful human and natural resources, which are essential for making wealth, many organizations, corporations, and even economies keep their eyes on the black continent; like Dr. Akinsola. Akinsola is also a corporate chief who has sat over the affairs of many blue-chip companies and is always elated to achieve and positively affect Africa, knowing fully well our embedded resources. His is an international law firm with expertise in Intellectual Property Law, Bank and Finance, Commercial and White-Collar Criminal Litigation, among others. Many institutions like Stanbic IBTC, FirstBank, Ecobank, Fidelity, and so on, have closed deals with them. This high-flying law firm takes into consideration their global audience, their multicultural background, and their own goals, which is to provide their diverse legal services across systems and cultures for success.

With a deep understanding of governance and wealth creation, he has urged state governors to enhance economic viability and boost internally generated revenue, particularly after fuel subsidy removal, emphasizing that each state has untapped resources to leverage. Acknowledging Nigeria’s strides in easing business regulations, Dr. Akinsola, an expert in business law, highlights that some states still lack investor-friendly environments, which hampers economic growth. He stresses the role of policy consultants in guiding businesses and governments and advocates for business law to become a specialized field for greater efficiency.

Even with his numerous roles and responsibilities, Dr. Akinsola places great importance on maintaining a balanced lifestyle, finding joy and relaxation in activities such as golf and tennis. These hobbies not only offer a mental escape but also cultivate discipline and strategic thinking, qualities that enhance his professional work. His unique ability to combine legal expertise, business insight, and academic knowledge has solidified his reputation as a leading figure in both the legal and corporate worlds.

Beyond his professional success, Dr. Akinsola is admired for his approachable nature and dedication to building meaningful relationships with colleagues, mentees, and peers. This well-rounded approach reflects his belief that true success encompasses not only career achievements but also personal fulfillment and the ability to positively influence others.