By Josephine Agbonkhese
A legal practitioner with over ten years of experience spanning intellectual, corporate and property law, Barrister Opeyemi Adebayomi is also a real estate professional and business consultant par excellence. 

Wearing many caps, she is Founding Associate at Comate Solicitors, sits at the helm of affairs at Comate Properties Limited, and serves as Head of Legal at Toff Homes Limited and Game Changers Realtors respectively. 

A graduate of Law from Olabisi Obasanjo University, also in her kitty is a Master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University.

Passionate about legal education, Adebayomi also manages various digital legal education platforms including ‘Ask a Lawyer’ and ‘Legal TV’ where she shares insights on legal trends.

In this encounter with Vanguard, she gives valuable insights into various legal issues including Artificial Intelligence(AI) and intellectual property law, common legal mistakes made during property acquisition, and spousal documentation of property among sundry issues.

You’ve garnered over 10 years of experience in the legal profession with expertise in corporate, property and intellectual property law; which of these fields stirs your creativity the most and why?

While all three fields challenge and inspire me, intellectual property law stands out because of its intersection with innovation and technology. The evolving nature of IP law, especially with digital content, AI, and blockchain, keeps me engaged in continuous learning and problem-solving. However, property and corporate law also excite me because they shape the foundation of businesses and investments.

Tell us about your journey into private law practice and how it all started…

My journey into private law practice was driven by a passion for offering personalised legal solutions. I started my career working in law firms where I gained experience in corporate and real estate transactions. Over time, I identified gaps in how clients—especially business owners and property investors—navigated legal complexities. This realisation led me to establish my practice, where I provide tailored legal and real estate advisory services.

How has it been running your own private law firm and partnering?
Running a private law firm has been both rewarding and challenging. It has allowed me to build a diverse client base, ranging from startups to established corporations. The major challenges include business development, client retention, and adapting to regulatory changes. However, the ability to offer specialised legal services and contribute to my clients’ success makes it worthwhile.

In your opinion, what are two major challenges faced by young lawyers in the legal profession in Nigeria and how can these be managed?

The first challenge is inadequate mentorship and career guidance, which leaves many young lawyers struggling to find direction. This can be managed by encouraging structured mentorship programs and networking opportunities. The second challenge is financial instability, as many law firms offer low salaries. Young lawyers can overcome this by diversifying their skills, leveraging technology, and exploring alternative legal career paths such as legal consulting and entrepreneurship.

What would you consider the biggest legal mistakes most Nigerians make when acquiring properties or entering corporate agreements?

One major mistake is failing to conduct proper due diligence before acquiring property. Many buyers rely on verbal assurances rather than verifying land titles and legal documentation, leading to disputes. In corporate agreements, many entrepreneurs sign contracts without fully understanding the terms, which often results in unfavourable business consequences. Seeking legal advice before finalising transactions can prevent these issues.

What are the risks for married women who choose to have properties solely registered in their husband’s name?

The primary risk is the lack of legal ownership and control over the property. In cases of divorce, separation, or the husband’s demise, the woman may face difficulties asserting her rights to the property, especially if no legal documentation secures her interest. This can lead to inheritance disputes and financial vulnerability.

Are there legal implications or considerations that married women should know regarding property ownership in their husband’s name?

Yes, married women should ensure they have legal documentation that clearly states their interest in the property. This could be through co-ownership registration, a legal agreement, or inclusion in a will. Additionally, understanding the laws of intestacy in Nigeria is crucial to ensuring that their rights are protected in case of unforeseen circumstances.

One of this season’s hottest topics is artificial intelligence; are current IP laws equipped to deal with the emerging issues AI will bring forth?

Current IP laws were not originally designed for AI-generated content, leading to legal uncertainties. One major issue is determining ownership of AI-generated works—whether it belongs to the programmer, the AI system, or the user. Existing copyright and patent laws will need significant reforms to address these challenges and ensure adequate protection for human and AI-assisted creativity.

Which career milestones most stand out to you?

Several milestones define my career, including establishing my law firm, Comate Solicitors and partnering, expanding into the real estate sector with Comate Properties Limited. Additionally, my work in educating the public through social media and online platforms has been fulfilling.

What is the best advice you ever received?

The best advice I received was to always be adaptable and open to learning. The legal profession is constantly evolving, and those who embrace continuous education, technology, and strategic networking will remain relevant and successful.