The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has commended the legal teams led by Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and Akinlola Kehinde, SAN, for their exemplary advocacy, professionalism, and commitment to mentoring young lawyers during proceedings held on 23 June 2026.
The commendation came from the Presiding Justice, Hon. Justice Adebukunola I. Banjoko, alongside members of the panel, Hon. Justice Okon Efreti Abang and Hon. Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewunmi, following the hearing of an appeal filed by Zenith Bank Plc against Paulyn Abhulimen, SAN and another party.
Zenith Bank Plc was represented by a legal team led by Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, of Greenfield Chambers, while the 1st Respondent was represented by a team led by Akinlola Kehinde, SAN, of Akinlola Kehinde & Partners.
At the commencement of proceedings, both Senior Advocates sought and obtained the leave of court to allow their junior colleagues, Grace Ehusani, Esq., and Oluwagbemileke Kehinde, Esq., to conduct the appeal on behalf of their respective teams.
During the proceedings, counsel to the 1st Respondent moved a Notice of Preliminary Objection, while counsel to the Appellant responded by drawing the court’s attention to arguments contained in the Appellant’s Reply Brief, which had been deemed properly filed and served.
In adopting the appeal, counsel to the Appellant introduced the matter, identified the relevant processes filed, and guided the court through the pertinent portions of the Record of Appeal. Counsel to the 1st Respondent subsequently adopted the Respondent’s Brief of Argument.
Following the adoption of briefs, Justice Banjoko praised the manner in which counsel conducted the proceedings, describing their advocacy as civil, professional, and exceptional. The Court particularly noted the preparedness of counsel to the Appellant, observing that she had all relevant information properly arranged, enabling a seamless and effective presentation.
The Court further held that the outstanding performance displayed by counsel on both sides reflected the quality of mentorship they had received from their principals. According to the panel, their conduct demonstrated the value of effective legal pupilage and deliberate investment in the development of younger members of the Bar.
The Justices commended Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and Akinlola Kehinde, SAN, for fostering a culture of mentorship and for entrusting significant appellate advocacy responsibilities to younger lawyers. The Court encouraged other senior practitioners to emulate their example in nurturing the next generation of advocates.
Justices Abang and Oyewunmi echoed the commendation of the Presiding Justice, emphasizing the importance of preparation and competence in appellate practice. They stressed that counsel should always be adequately prepared and avoid wasting judicial time by searching through records when called upon to address the court.
The commendation stands as a significant endorsement of mentorship, professionalism, and excellence in legal advocacy, underscoring the crucial role senior lawyers play in shaping the future of the legal profession.
