During the heated legal battle that followed Nigeria’s 1979 presidential election, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was seen arriving in court accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Ayodele Soyode, showing the family’s deep involvement in the nation’s legal and political landscape.
Otunba Ayodele Soyode (1944–2011) was a respected legal luminary who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1974. She began her legal journey at Obafemi Awolowo and Co., the law firm founded by her father, and rose steadily through the ranks to become the firm’s principal partner in 1987.
A woman of dignity and distinction, Soyode held numerous traditional titles, most notably the First Otunba Obinrin of the Liyangu Ruling House.
She passed away in 2011 at the age of 66 after a brief illness. She is fondly remembered by her husband, Chief Tayo Soyode, and their three children: Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of Nigeria’s former Vice-President; Mr. Ladipo Soyode; and Dr. Femi Soyode.
●Sources: Tunji Ogunleye via NNP / awolowolegal.com
