Alhaji Adetunji Lasisi, a 76-year-old retired soldier and former Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Oyo State, has achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer. Despite the challenges he faced throughout his life, Lasisi remained determined to pursue his passion for Law and was recently called to the bar.
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Born in 1948 in Ilori Alaja, a village in Arulogun under the Akinyele Local Government in Oyo State, Lasisi’s early life was marked by hardship. He lost his father in 1961 and struggled to complete his education. However, his determination and the support of his brother enabled him to finish his commercial four in 1964.
Lasisi’s journey in the military began on February 6, 1966, when he was recruited and posted to the third battalion in Ibadan. He served in the military from the beginning to the end of the Nigerian Civil War, and during this time, he took advantage of the Army’s extramural classes run by the University of Ibadan to further his education. He sat for the GCE in 1977, clearing all six papers, and went on to attend Wesley College for Grade Two. He later earned his NCE from the same institution.
After leaving the military service in 1991 as a warrant officer, Lasisi joined the Nigerian Legion and became the chairman of the legion in Ibadan South-East. In 1993, he contested in a 25-local-government poll and secured 20 votes, becoming the chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Ibadan.
Lasisi’s passion for Law remained strong, and in 2000, he decided to pursue a diploma in Law at the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University). He later joined the first set of students at Lead City University in 2005 to study Law, despite the challenges he faced. He completed his degree programme in 2008/2009 but had to wait until 2019 to attend Law School due to accreditation issues.
In 2022, Lasisi finally enrolled in Law School and was called to the bar on March 6, 2024. His eldest daughter sponsored his Law School education, and he remains grateful for her support and the support of his family throughout his journey.
Lasisi’s military background has greatly influenced his leadership style and approach to serving the Nigerian Legion and its members. He made positive changes during his tenure, ensuring that the decree created for the legion in 1988 was utilized effectively to benefit all members, including the disabled.
As a lawyer, Lasisi aims to help the oppressed and underprivileged, particularly those in prison who are first-time offenders and lack the means to pay fines or hire legal representatives. He plans to offer pro-bono services to these individuals, charging only for the filing of papers and not for appearances or other charges.
Lasisi’s unique background and perspective as a retired soldier and lawyer position him to make significant contributions to the legal community and society as a whole. He hopes to settle people by providing them with land for farming and assisting them in starting new lives after their release from prison.
Through his Yusuf Adetunji Memorial Education Foundation, established in 2019, and his ongoing support for the school in his village, Lasisi continues to give back to his community and inspire others to pursue their dreams, regardless of age or background.
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