Israel Egbekunle is a young Nigerian lawyer and legal scholar. He graduated with First Class honours in Law from Igbinedion University, Okada, and with another First Class honours from the Nigerian Law School. He has gained valuable experience through internships with leading firms, including Templars, Banwo & Ighodalo, Ikeyi Shittu & Co., and J.O. Fabunmi & Co. He has demonstrated strong leadership as the Chief Judge of the Law Students’ Association (LAWSA), Igbinedion University, and actively contributes to causes around environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction. His participation in the Humanitarian Assistance in West Africa (HAWA) Workshop reflects his commitment to bridging the gap between law, climate action, and community resilience. He represents a new generation of lawyers who are determined to combine professional achievement with meaningful contributions to society. In this interview by GRATEFUL OGUNJEBE, he speaks about his academic feat, the Nigerian legal system, among other things.
When and why did you decide that studying law was the best decision for you? What or who inspired this decision?
I cannot point to a single moment when I decided that studying law was the best decision for me. It was less defined and more of a natural progression. I have always enjoyed meaningful conversations, wide reading, identifying underlying interests, and expressing my views in ways that were both assertive and reflective.
As for what inspired the decision, I would say it was God. I believe that God orders the steps of His children, and in my case, He aligned my natural inclinations with studying law. I can now say it was not accidental; it was purposeful. The more I leaned into it, the more I saw how well it fit.
How would you rate the kind of legal education you received from Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State? What makes the law faculty and university stand out for you?
I would describe my legal education at Igbinedion University as a defining period in my academic and personal development. The Oba Erediauwa College of Law offered a rich and balanced learning environment, shaped by a faculty that brought together both seasoned academics and practicing professionals. Some lecturers were actively engaged in legal practice, which gave us practical insights into how legal theories are applied in real-world scenarios. Others were distinguished scholars who had made significant contributions to legal academia, including emeritus professors and Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).
What makes the law faculty and the university stand out for me is not simply the quality of training, but the philosophy behind it — being Authentic (IUO, Authentic). Looking back, I see it not as a place that gave me all the answers but as one that equipped me with the tools to keep asking the right questions. To me, that is the true hallmark of a worthy legal education.
You graduated with First Class honours from Igbinedion and the Nigerian Law School. How would you describe this feat, and what made it possible for you?
It has been truly humbling. For me, graduating with First Class honours at both Igbinedion University, Okada, and the Nigerian Law School is less about the titles themselves and more about the process that led there. It meant long hours of study, constantly setting aside distractions, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. There were moments of intense pressure and even setbacks, but each challenge became an opportunity to grow, refocus, and press forward with greater determination.
What made this feat possible was, first and foremost, the Grace of God. I also relied heavily on a structured routine that kept me grounded and consistent. I approached my studies with discipline and intentionality, always setting clear goals and holding myself accountable to them. In addition, I was fortunate to have mentors and colleagues who challenged me to aim higher and supported me through the process. Their encouragement and example played a significant role in shaping my mindset and pushing me to give my best, for which I am so grateful.
Which areas or aspects of law fascinate you more, and why?
The truth is, I find myself drawn to different aspects of law depending on the matters I am working on. Each time I begin to settle into one area, another presents itself, and so rather than committing prematurely to a single area, I have chosen to remain open and curious. I am enjoying the learning process of how different branches of law intersect and how they shape outcomes in practice.
Whether it is corporate transactions, dispute resolution, regulatory advisory, or public interest work, each area offers its own unique way of thinking. I find that incredibly enriching. Although you never can tell, I may soon discover my “one true love” in law sooner than expected. For now, I am open, curious, and enjoying the discovery.
Tell us about your project topic, its major findings, and its relevance in Nigerian society.
My research project was titled ‘The Justiciability of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy under Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution: Lessons from Other Jurisdictions.’
My findings showed that while Chapter Two captures Nigeria’s highest social aspirations, Section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution has made these provisions non-justiciable, meaning citizens cannot directly enforce them in court. The research, therefore, recommended a combination of judicial innovation, legislative action, and strategic public interest litigation to make these rights effective in practice.
In terms of relevance, it speaks directly to Nigeria’s struggle with poverty, inequality, and governance failure. Hence, making Chapter Two enforceable would not only strengthen accountability but also ensure that constitutional promises translate into tangible social welfare for the ordinary citizen.
Were you involved in any leadership endeavours as a student? How did you manage your studies with your leadership activities and still make First Class?
Yes, I was actively involved in several leadership roles during my time as a student, and those experiences were deeply formative. I served as the Chief Judge of the Law Students’ Association, Chairman of the Annual Law Students’ Association Lecture Committee, and Editor-in-Chief of the Law Students’ Association Editorial Board at Igbinedion University. I also contributed nationally as a member of the New Frontier Committee of the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria, among other engagements. These roles were not merely titles — they were platforms for service, collaboration, and personal growth. They taught me how to lead with purpose, communicate effectively, and manage competing priorities without compromising on quality.
Balancing leadership responsibilities with academic excellence was certainly demanding, but I believe that discipline, focus, and intentionality made all the difference. I learned early on that time is a resource that must be managed with precision. I did not simply rely on schedules — I built systems that allowed me to stay ahead, prioritise tasks, and remain accountable to both my academic goals and my leadership commitments.
However, beyond structure and planning, what truly sustained me was my passion for impact and excellence. I have always believed that if one hundred is the highest possible standard, then it is attainable, and I press hard for it. That mindset shaped how I approached everything. Whether it was preparing for an examination, organising a major event, or mentoring fellow students, I gave each task my full attention and effort.
What does it mean to be a student chief judge, and what lessons did you learn in that role? Do you see yourself becoming a real Chief Judge in the future?
Being the Chief Judge of the Law Students’ Association, Igbinedion University, Okada, meant a lot, depending on the circumstances. Most notably, it required neutrality, diligence, and sound judgment, balancing what the law says with the facts presented before the court. It was a role that demanded objectivity, ensuring fairness, upholding procedure, and consistency in applying the rules, regardless of who was involved.
This taught me ingenuity and composure, how to think on my feet, make tough calls, and lead with both firmness and empathy. It also strengthened my confidence in legal reasoning and decision-making.
As for becoming a real Chief Judge in the future, I would not rule it out. Wherever the path leads, I know those experiences have prepared me to handle responsibility with integrity and grace.
You have interned with law firms such as Templars, Banwo & Ighodalo, Ikeyi Shittu & Co., and J.O. Fabunmi & Co. What key lessons did you take away from these firms, and how have they shaped your career aspirations?
I would say that my internship experience gave me a real sense of what commercial practice looks like beyond theory. One of the most striking lessons was the level of intentionality behind every decision. Nothing is accidental. From how a clause is worded to how a transaction is sequenced, everything is done with purpose. I saw how lawyers balance legal obligations with business realities, how they protect clients’ interests while still enabling deals to move forward. That blend of technical skill and commercial awareness is something I deeply admire, and I am intentionally cultivating the same.
It also taught me the value of clarity, not just in writing, but in thinking. I came to appreciate that legal work is not just reactive; it is proactive. It is about foreseeing potential issues and embedding safeguards before problems arise. That mindset has shaped how I approach challenges, having foresight, precision, and a solution-oriented attitude.
What does law mean to you? You are quoted to have said that “there is no one-size-fits-all approach to law.” What do you mean by this? What kind of lawyer do you want to be?
Oh my, that sounds like something I said way back. When I said “there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to law,” I meant that the law itself is only half the answer. Legal rules and precedents provide a framework, but they do not automatically yield the right solution. The real skill lies in interpreting and adapting those rules to fit the commercial realities and unique circumstances of each client. A technically sound legal solution might look great on paper, but if it does not align with the client’s broader objectives, it becomes a poor decision in practice. That is why I believe the most effective lawyers are not just legal experts; they are problem solvers, strategists, and trusted advisors.
The kind of lawyer I want to be is one who brings value, is solution-driven, marked by excellence, and grounded in integrity. Behind every contract, dispute, or regulation are people striving to build, protect, or transform something. That human element is what keeps me grounded. I want to practise law with empathy and purpose, ensuring that every decision I make reflects both sound judgment and genuine understanding.
You participated in the HAWA Multiplier Module Workshop on humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness. How do you see the law intersecting with humanitarian issues and climate change in Nigeria?
My experience at the HAWA Multiplier Module Workshop highlighted how essential the legal framework is for tackling humanitarian and climate issues in Nigeria.
The law intersects with humanitarian crises by acting as a protective shield through frameworks like International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the National Emergency Management Agency Act, 1999, ensuring aid access and protecting civilians. It also provides accountability, helping to prosecute those who fuel conflict.
For climate change, the law needs to be proactive. Our new Climate Change Act (2021) gives us the legal muscle to pursue mitigation and adaptation goals. Since climate change is a major driver of humanitarian crises, like the farmer-herder conflict, it is critical that our laws governing land use, resources, and environmental protection are strong and effectively enforced.
Have you started practising law and representing people in court?
I have not yet started representing clients in court in a full professional capacity. Having only recently been called to the Bar, I am still at the early stages of my legal practice. However, I am currently gaining practical experience as a trainee associate, which is steadily preparing me for litigation.
That said, I genuinely look forward to the intensity of courtroom proceedings, the firecrackers and pops, as I like to call them.
If you were to change or amend three items in the Nigerian Constitution to make the legal and judicial system more independent and effective, what would they be?
That is an insightful question. First, I would amend Section 6(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution to make Chapter II provisions justiciable. This would empower citizens to legally challenge the State’s failure to provide basic services or protect the environment, turning policy goals into enforceable rights and strengthening accountability.
Second, I would amend Section 81 to grant full financial autonomy to the Judiciary. Although the budget is a direct charge, the amendment would mandate full, upfront release of approved funds to judicial bodies, free from Executive control. Financial independence is essential for judicial independence and democratic integrity.
Lastly, I would amend Section 233 to reduce the Supreme Court’s caseload. The current automatic right of appeal, even in cases with settled facts, causes congestion. A filter mechanism would ensure only cases with constitutional or public significance reach the Court, allowing it to focus on jurisprudential development and reclaim its role as a true constitutional court.
What are the major challenges you face as a fresh lawyer, and how are you managing them?
As a young lawyer, one of the biggest challenges I face is dealing with the sheer volume of competition. The legal space in Nigeria is saturated, with brilliant minds everywhere, all trying to carve out a niche. It is easy to feel like just another name on a long list, but I remind myself daily that the goal is not to be louder, it is to be better.
Another challenge is bridging the gap between theory and practice. Law school gave me the framework, but real-life briefs, client expectations, and courtroom realities are an entirely different experience. I am managing this by reading widely on case law, strategies, psychology, and even business. I shadow senior colleagues, ask questions, and take on tasks that stretch me beyond my comfort zone. While the road may be steep, I am here for the climb. I believe excellence has a way of attracting its own tribe.
Where do you see yourself and your legal career in five years?
In five years, I see myself as a distinguished, well-rounded lawyer, trusted for sound judgment and integrity. Whether I am resolving disputes in The Hague, advising on technology regulation in Lagos, or shaping energy policy across West Africa, I will be somewhere I have earned, mentoring others who are just starting out, and I will still be learning, because the law never stops evolving, and neither should I.
