Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole: From legal practice to Nigeria’s apex court

Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole, JCA, is a distinguished Nigerian judge with more than twenty years of experience in the legal field, including roles in private practice, the High Court, and the Court of Appeal.

He was recently confirmed by the Senate as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, marking a significant achievement in his judicial career.

Background

Born on May 13, 1965, Oyewole hails from Ila-Orangun Local Government Area of Osun State.

He began his formal education at AUD Primary School, Ijebu-Ode, between 1971 and 1972. He later attended St Richard’s Primary School, Eleyele, Ibadan, from 1973 to 1976.

His secondary education was at St Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, where he studied from 1976 to 1981 and laid the foundation for his future career in law.

He proceeded to the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1985. He attended the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986.

Early legal career

After his call to the Bar, Justice Oyewole undertook his National Youth Service Corps assignment as a Legal Officer with the Public Complaints Commission in Makurdi, Benue State, between 1986 and 1987.

He later worked as Counsel in the Chambers of Afolabi Adeniran & Co from 1987 to 1988.

In 1988, he established his own law firm, Olubunmi Oyewole & Co, where he served as Principal Counsel until 2001, building a strong reputation in legal practice.

Justice Oyewole was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on May 22, 2001. His appointment came on the same day as that of Justice Hakeem Olumuyiwa Abiru, who currently serves on the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

During his time on the Lagos State High Court bench, he was in charge of the Criminal Division at the Ikeja Judicial Division, where he handled several notable criminal cases and earned a reputation for diligence and balanced judgment.

On March 24, 2014, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal. At the appellate court, he continued to distinguish himself through well-reasoned judgments and a deep understanding of the law, further strengthening his credentials as a senior jurist.

Personal life

Justice Oyewole is happily married with children. One of his children was elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in October 2025, underscoring the strong legal tradition within his family.

Elevation to the Supreme Court

Justice Oyewole reached a major career milestone when the Senate confirmed his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The confirmation took place on Tuesday 3rd February, 2026 following the presentation and consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, APC, Ondo Central.

With his confirmation, Justice Oyewole is expected to complete the full complement of 21 Justices of the Supreme Court, taking over the slot vacated by the retired former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola, from Oyo State, subject to the conclusion of the formal appointment process.