Change Agent: A look at Richard Ayodele Akintunde efforts

By: Chike Okechuwkwu

Richard Ayodele Akintunde is a highly respected legal practitioner and the Managing Partner at Ayodele Akintunde & Co., a prominent law firm in Lagos, Nigeria, with affiliate offices in Abuja and Port Harcourt.

His distinguished career spans over three decades, marked by notable accomplishments in arbitration, insolvency, and community development. Akintunde holds an LL.B from the University of Ife (1984) and a BL from the Nigerian Law School (1985). He is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (U.K.) and the Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria. Throughout his career, Akintunde has demonstrated a commitment to blending philosophical thought with practical change, particularly in his leadership roles across various legal and community-focused organizations.

Following a series of controversies that plagued NBA elections since 2012, including the EFCC’s involvement in the 2018 electoral process, Akintunde emerged as a reformer. In 2020, he served as Chairman of the NBA Electoral Reform and Audit Committee after being appointed by Mr. Olumide Akpata. The committee’s primary mandate was to audit the elections of NBA National Officers from 2016, 2018, and 2020, and propose necessary reforms. In 2021, these efforts led to the amendment of the NBA’s 2015 constitution.

As Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) in 2022, Richard Ayodele Akintunde exemplified how philosophical ideals could translate into tangible community improvements. Faced with the challenge of a trust deficit in electronic voting, Akintunde applied a rigorous philosophical framework to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in the election process. Recognizing the fundamental importance of trust in any electoral system, he assembled a team of respected legal professionals to oversee the process. His leadership was guided by the belief that ethical leadership and transparency are paramount in fostering trust within a community.

Akintunde’s leadership was pivotal in implementing stringent measures that included thorough vetting of the electronic voting system to ensure its reliability and security. He also prioritized continuous communication with the electorate, promptly addressing concerns and building confidence in the system. By involving credible and well-respected individuals in the process, Akintunde significantly reduced skepticism surrounding electronic voting. His efforts not only ensured a credible election but also reinforced the association’s collective trust in electronic voting.

In fostering the acceptance of election results, Akintunde worked diligently to promote a culture of respect for election outcomes. Drawing on his experience from previous successful electronic votes, such as the NBA Lagos Branch election, he ensured that the electoral process remained transparent and fair. Akintunde emphasized the importance of all candidates, whether winners or losers, respecting the results and working collaboratively for the betterment of the Nigerian Bar Association. His leadership set clear expectations for post-election conduct, stressing the need for unity and cooperation among members, regardless of the election outcome. This approach helped to create an environment where members were more likely to accept the results, reducing the likelihood of post-election disputes and fostering a spirit of collaboration within the association.

Richard Ayodele Akintunde’s tenure as President of the Business Recovery & Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) from December 2021 to 2023 reflects his dedication to practical change. Under his leadership, BRIPAN saw significant advancements in the training and certification of business rescue and insolvency practitioners in Nigeria. His administration organized notable refresher courses and workshops, including those for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos and senior management staff of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). These efforts led to a remarkable increase in BRIPAN’s membership, growing from 413 in 2021 to 1,330 in 2023.

One of Akintunde’s key initiatives was optimizing the membership experience by revitalizing the BRIPAN member database and resuscitating the BRIPAN Directory. He upgraded the organization’s email system to MailChimp and revitalized its social media presence. Additionally, he established the group’s online newsletter, “From the President’s Desk,” which became a vital communication tool for members. Akintunde’s initiatives, such as these, were not merely administrative; they were strategic efforts to empower professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to effect change in their communities.

A significant milestone during his tenure was the launch of the member directory at the BRIPAN 2022 International Conference, enabling users of insolvency services to connect with practitioners across Nigeria, thereby enhancing the accessibility and visibility of BRIPAN’s members. Akintunde also introduced a social innovation called “Members’ Night Out,” providing members with opportunities for recreation, networking, and soft skills training in a relaxed environment. His focus on mentorship, networking, and capacity building demonstrated his belief that sustainable community development starts with well-equipped and well-connected professionals who can drive change from within.

Mentorship was another area Akintunde focused on, aiming to build capacity among budding members through participation and knowledge sharing. To foster collaborations and partnerships, he paid courtesy visits to key stakeholders, including the Management of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the CAC, and honorable judges of the Federal High Court. His commitment to preserving BRIPAN’s legacy led to the resuscitation of the BRIPAN Journal, which is set to be launched in 2024. Akintunde’s administration left a lasting impact on BRIPAN, significantly enhancing the professional development, visibility, and collaboration of its members.

Richard Ayodele Akintunde’s participation in the Tough Tour 2018 was a journey marked by compassion, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to community development. Starting in Kontagora, Niger State, Richard, alongside his friend Tolu Akintimelun (Lawbay), embarked on this adventure not just for the thrill but to make a difference. One of the key moments of the trip was in Zuguma, where Richard encountered the Almajiris, young boys sent by their Islamic scholars to beg for alms. After learning about their plight from a petrol attendant, Richard didn’t hesitate to offer help, reflecting his belief in uplifting the less fortunate and his dedication to community responsibility.

As they journeyed on, Richard’s respect for law and order became evident when he and Lawbay encountered policemen who asked them to identify themselves, following the instructions of their D.P.O. Richard’s willingness to cooperate showcased his understanding that real change is rooted in both respecting societal structures and actively participating in them.

Later, on the Malumfashi-Kafer road, Richard engaged with a young Hausa boy who shared insights about the Almajiris and their cultural background. This conversation deepened Richard’s empathy and his commitment to bridging cultural divides, reinforcing his role as a thoughtful and engaged community member.

The journey also highlighted Richard’s ability to inspire change on a personal level. At a restaurant along Samaru-Kafero road, he encouraged a young boy who was working to support his mother, demonstrating his belief in the power of individual acts of kindness. Throughout the trip, Richard stayed connected with his family, showing his love and responsibility toward them while remaining committed to his broader societal duties. His actions during the Tough Tour 2018 exemplified how one person, driven by empathy and a sense of responsibility, can make a significant impact on the lives of others, making Richard a true agent of change.

Richard Ayodele Akintunde, SAN, serves as a beacon of hope and a bridge between philosophical thought and practical change in community development, particularly in Ondo Kingdom. His role as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Osemawe Youth Empowerment Foundation (OYEF) reflects his commitment to harnessing intellectual ideas for real-world impact. In May 2022, the Osemawe and paramount ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Ademefun Kiladejo, CFR, Jilo III, officially inaugurated the Foundation, with Akintunde at the helm. This Foundation, rooted in the values and traditions of Ondo Kingdom, seeks to empower the youth through initiatives that blend philosophical insight with actionable strategies, thereby ensuring that the kingdom’s future leaders are well-equipped to face modern challenges.

Akintunde’s leadership at OYEF underscores his dedication to community development, not just as a theoretical concept but as a tangible force for positive change. The inauguration of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees at Eko Hotels & Suites, during a Royal Fellowship with members of the Osemawe Palace Forum (OPF), marked the beginning of a new chapter in the kingdom’s history. Through this platform, Akintunde and his fellow trustees are poised to implement programs that address the immediate needs of the youth while fostering a deeper understanding of their roles within the broader society. His approach to community development is a synthesis of philosophical thought and practical action, making him a pivotal figure in the ongoing efforts to uplift Ondo Kingdom.

Richard Ayodele Akintunde stands as a powerful example of how philosophical thought can be harmonized with practical change in community development. Whether through his leadership in legal organizations or his personal adventures, Akintunde consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering trust, accountability, and social justice within the communities he serves. His life and work illustrate that true progress is achieved not just through grand ideas but through the consistent application of those ideas in everyday actions that uplift and empower communities.