How UNILAG Law Faculty Shaped My Legislative Success – Dayo ‘Bush’ Alebiosu

The Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush Alebiosu, has described the University of Lagos Faculty of Law as a key institution that significantly influenced his effectiveness in public service, particularly during his time as a federal lawmaker.

Speaking at the unveiling of the renovated Law Annex Lecture Hall at the Faculty of Law, Alebiosu said the institution played a pivotal role in his work while serving in the House of Representatives, where he chaired the House Committee on Treaties and Agreements.

According to him, despite being trained as an architect and not a lawyer, the demands of legislative leadership required deep legal understanding. He explained that he sought guidance from Professor Akin Oyebode, a respected scholar of international law, who assembled a team of experts and students from the faculty to support his committee’s work.

“That collaboration helped us produce some of the best bills, policies, and legislative frameworks for the country,” Alebiosu said, noting that the support from the faculty demonstrated how strong collaboration between academia and public institutions can strengthen governance.

He added that the experience left him with lasting gratitude for the institution and reinforced the importance of bridging the gap between “town and gown” through practical partnerships in public service.

The Commissioner made the remarks during the ceremony held in honour of retired Supreme Court Justice George A. Oguntade, an event that brought together members of the bench, bar, academia, and government officials to celebrate the renovation of the learning facility.

Reflecting on his relationship with Justice Oguntade, Alebiosu said the jurist had long been a father figure in his life, having known him since birth, and that this personal bond made his participation in the project especially meaningful.

The ceremony featured remarks by the Dean of the Faculty, Abiola Sanni, who emphasized the importance of continuously improving educational facilities to shape future legal minds. The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, respected scholars, and members of the legal community were also in attendance.

In his address, Justice Oguntade encouraged students to uphold integrity, discipline, and strong character, stressing that these values remain essential to sustaining the credibility of the legal system.

The event concluded with a guided tour of the renovated lecture hall, which was championed by Olugbenga Ajala and supported by several donors committed to the advancement of legal education.

Other donors include Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala, Esq, Olayinka M. Ajeniya, Esq, Femi Oyewole, SAN, Mr Kingsley Orpala, Esq, Omotayo Oyewole, Michael Ojomo, Esq, Olukayode Adebola, Esq, Arc. Tosin Adeoye and Afolakemi Ogunde, Esq.

Alebiosu commended the initiative as a major investment in the future of legal education and a reflection of how collaboration between professionals and academic institutions can produce a lasting impact on society.