PROFESSOR M.I JEGEDE, SANFOUNDER
Professor Jegede founded and was the Principal Partner at M.I. Jegede & Co (“the Firm”) until his demise. He was a retired Professor of Law and a former Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.
He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Law from King’s College, University of London in 1962. He was admitted into the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in 1960 and was called to the English Bar in 1962. In 1963, he was awarded the Sterling Fellowship to study at Yale University for a Master’s Degree in Law (LL.M), which he obtained in 1964. He was registered and admitted to practise Law in Nigeria in November 1964.
Professor Jegede authored “Principles of Equity” (1981) and “The Law of Trusts, Bankruptcy and Administration of Estate”(1999). These books continue to be a valuable resource for law students, law lecturers and practising lawyers.
In addition to several academic essays and articles published in reputable local and international journals, he also contributed chapters in various books edited by distinguished Nigerian Scholars. These contributions include, “Problems of Locus Standi in the Administration of Justice” in“Essays in Jurisprudence” (edited by T. O Elias, assisted by M. I. Jegede); “Service of Process out of Jurisdiction” in “Fundamentals of Nigerian Law” (edited by Professor M. A. Ajomo); and “The Supreme Court’s Attitude Towards Some Aspects of Personal Liberties and Protection of Property Rights” in “The Supreme Court in Nigeria” (edited by Professor A. B. Kasumu).
In his capacity as a legal practitioner, he argued landmark cases such as Joshua Ogunleye v Babatayo Oni (1990); and Federal Civil Service Commission v Laoye (1989) before the Supreme Court.
Professor Jegede also edited journals, law reports and books. From 1971 to 1980, he was the General Editor, Nigerian Journal of Contemporary Law; Chief Editor of the Nigerian Court of Appeal Reports (1977 and 1978 Editions); and Chairman, Editorial Board, Failed Banks Tribunal Law Reports (1998). He was the Chairman and General Editor, MIJ Professional Publishers, which published books authored by distinguished Nigerians such as late Professor (Mrs.) Jadesola Akande’s “Introduction to the Nigerian Constitution” (1999); late Justice T. Akinola Aguda’s “Law and Practice Relating to Evidence in Nigeria” (1980) and “Practice and Procedure of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Courts in Nigeria” (1995); and late Justice Kayode Eso’s “Thoughts on Law and Jurisprudence” (1990).
In his capacity as a legal practitioner, he argued landmark cases such as Joshua Ogunleye v Babatayo Oni (1990); and Federal Civil Service Commission v Laoye (1989) before the Supreme Court.
In April 2006, he was appointed as the Chairman of the National Committee on the Reform of Legal Education in Nigeria (“the Committee”). The Committee was inaugurated by the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo (“AGF”), and presented its report to the AGF on 5th March 2007. On 29th June 2007, he was appointed as the Pioneer Chairman of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board by the Nigerian Bar Association. He held this position until 2011.
In his latter years, Professor Jegede could still be found in Chambers on an almost daily basis where he continued to see clients and provided encouragement, support and invaluable advice to the younger lawyers.
Professor Jegede passed away on 13th June 2015 at the age of 81.