LEKE ADESUYI- LAWYER, WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER

Please tell us about yourself. 

I am an indigene of Ekiti state although I was born and grew up in Ilorin. My early years was quite eventful and my passion growing up has always revolved around hunting, farming, and any form of expressive art. I studied law at the University of Ilorin and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2006.

What was it like moving to Canada as a Nigerian trained lawyer?

The transition to Canada as a Nigerian-trained lawyer is a mix-bag of various experiences. My biggest challenge was deciding which professional route to follow because the opportunities as a lawyer in Canada are numerous. However, to make the best of it, it requires some investment in personal development. Looking back, I am glad I stuck to what I loved the most and the payoff has been satisfying. Labour and employment law have always been of great interest to me.

You appear to be a very creative person, you write, are into photography and also a labour relations specialist. What exactly would you say you are and how do you juggle everything together?

I get this question a lot and sometimes I wonder how I combine my creative passion with my professional life. I am a meticulous planner and enjoy compartmentalization. I also take advantage of the beauty of spontaneity. I am never far from my camera which gives me the flexibility to catch great moments and views. I also write on the go; much of my poetry is written between train rides, ferry trips and even while on business flights! I do believe passion finds expression no matter how busy we are.

How did you discover these different sides of you?

I have always had an artistic side. But I developed them later as a coping mechanism and a way to distress from a somewhat busy professional life. For instance, I took my photography more seriously at the onset of COVID-19 because I worked from home and would often hike after I log off for the day.

Why did you study law and what was the most interesting thing about studying law?

I can’t say precisely why I studied law, but as an arts student with a deep love for literature, it appeared to be a natural trajectory. However, I loved being a law student, I felt empowered by the education I was getting and the quality of my law lecturers, especially when they shared real-life experiences as legal practitioners. It made a lot of difference in shaping what I wanted to be after attending the Nigerian law school.

What’s the most challenging thing about being a lawyer?

The expectation from you as a lawyer is quite heightened. Lawyers are expected to “know things” “have answers” and stay objective even in situations where we struggle with what is right, just ethical, or even legal. You are under constant scrutiny which sometimes doesn’t have a defined line between your professional and personal life. Regardless, I’d rather still be a lawyer.

What advice do you have for lawyers who are trying to find their true purpose?

Being a lawyer does not mean self-expression has to be banished to the backroom of our existence. Law is capable of positively amplifying our talents if well channelled. Take advantage of opportunities to share your passion with others, positive reinforcement helps a lot. Therefore, finding real purpose and living it is validly compatible with being a lawyer.