Ten Things You Need To Know About Richard Ayodele Akintunde

By Taiwo Okanlawon

The revered legal luminary Richard Ayodele Akintunde has been making his mark, although he rarely talks, yet, his indelible mark in the legal profession can’t be ignored. In the list below, I state ten things you need to know about him.

1. Richard Ayodele Akintunde was born on November 4, 1964, in Montreal, Canada, and he hails from the esteemed lineage of Mr. Josiah Olanipekun Akintunde and Mrs. Florence Oseyemi Akintunde.

2. He started his academic journey at the Staff School, University of Ife, where he completed his primary education from 1967 to 1974. He later attended Ilesha Grammar School, Osun State, from 1975 to 1980, obtaining his West African School Certificate. His passion for law led him to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

3. He embarked on his professional journey as a Youth Corper with the Legal Aid Council in Ilorin, Kwara State, from 1985 to 1986.

4. Subsequently, he joined several prestigious law firms, including Ayanlaja Adesanya & Co. and Tunde Odanye & Co., where he ascended to partnership positions, demonstrating his legal acumen and leadership qualities.

5. In June 1993, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Richard co-founded Laniyan, Akintunde & Ibrahim, a partnership renowned for its prowess in commercial law, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). His tenure as the firm’s Managing Partner solidified his reputation as a visionary leader.

6. Richard currently serves as a Senior Partner at Ayodele Akintunde & Co., a leading law firm with offices in Lagos and Abuja. He spearheads the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit, offering strategic legal counsel to a diverse clientele.

7. He was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2016, a testament to his legal prowess and integrity.

8. Richard Ayodele Akintunde is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom) and the International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL).

9. Richard’s commitment to excellence is further exemplified by his role as the President of the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, he has played pivotal roles in the Nigerian Bar Association, serving in various capacities, including Chairman of electoral committees and council members.

10. Beyond his professional endeavors, Richard Ayodele Akintunde finds fulfillment in his family life. He is happily married to Abegbe Oluwatoyin Akintunde, with whom he shares a son.