Life And People
Roland Otaru (SAN) And The Practice Of Law In Nigeria -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
Roland Otaru is a thorough-bred professional who believes in playing according to the rules. He does not believe in short cuts and quick fixes. He believes in professionalism and sound ethical conduct. He does not believe in half measures.
Many people have different notions about the legal profession. Some think it is a profession for the nobles and the gentry. Some think of it as a cult-like profession that only those who “belong” can thrive. Some also think of it as profession that is meant for the bourgeoisie and the connected members of the society. While others ignorantly and derogatorily refer to it as profession for noise-makers, liars and trouble-makers. The obvious implication of the public perception of the legal profession is that it is a misunderstood vocation; it is a profession that commands prestige. It is a profession not for the Lilly-livered but for the stout-hearted. It is no place for the slothful or pettifoggers. Therefore climbing the ladder of success in the profession would require hard work and a high level of dedication and commitment.
Those who realize this basic truth about the learned profession never sleep on duty. And one of those who have shown great love and uncommon commitment to the practice of the legal profession in Nigeria is Barr Roland Itoyah Otaru (SAN) who has carved a niche for himself in the practice of law in our country. It is said that some people are born great; some have greatness thrust on them while others achieve greatness. Roland Otaru case is a combination of both being born great and achieving greatness. Early in his life as attested by those who know him, he manifested great leadership qualities. He also accomplished most of what he has in life by dint of hard work which he believes has no substitute for success.
Interestingly, it appears his foray into the legal profession was not by accident or choice but by divine inspiration. Upon is birth in 1959, it is said that his father had christened him Lawyer following prophesy and direction from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) where the family worship.
Roland Otaru is a thorough-bred professional who believes in playing according to the rules. He does not believe in short cuts and quick fixes. He believes in professionalism and sound ethical conduct. He does not believe in half measures. He pursues every course he believes in passion and sincerity of purpose. He is strict disciplinarian who believes in dispassionate application and enforcement of the law. To him the enforcement of the law is the panacea to the multifarious problems confronting the nation. He is of the notion that the shoddy enforcement of the law in Nigeria is responsible for the scourge of corruption, crime and social vices and by implication the low level of national productivity that is plaguing the nation. Indeed, Roland Otaru is unarguably a patriotic citizen who sleeps, wakes and dreams Nigeria. He believes in justice and the rule of law and the defense of the defenseless. He is a humanist and a social advocate. At different times in the course of his career, he has deployed his time and personal resources to defend people for no pecuniary gains and has won many landmark cases that have redefined our legal landscape.
But, beyond his love for justice and legal profession, Chief Otaru is a very social being who identifies and fraternizes with his colleagues and his people. His birth and orientation in a multi-cultural environment positively shaped his views about life. He is a member of the prestigious Ikoyi Golf Club, Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos Country Club and Honorary member of Etsako Club ’81. He unanimously elected the first president of Ikpozoma Old Students Association when the association was formed early in the year 2020.
Roland Otaru has a very impressive resume. He is versatile and multi-talented. He is versed in legal jurisprudence as well as in business. He has voracious appetite for learning. He has degrees in many fields of human endeavors. He is actively affiliated to many professional bodies at home and abroad some of which he is a fellow. He has attended many courses and participated in many seminars and conferences in different fields. He has many publications and lectures to his credit.
He is a leader. He has both natural and acquired leadership skills. From his secondary school days in Okpella till date he has always played leadership roles wherever he is. His professional colleagues, members of his community as well as his Christian brothers always see him as a leader. Those who work in his chambers refer to him as an attorney with a difference; the lawyers’, lawyer. He is a mentor and an inspiration to many around him. And despite his personal accomplishments, he is still humble, simple and manifestly honest, ethical and moral in his disposition. He does his job without fuss and craving for publicity. Many trust in his natural abilities and his capacity for advocacy as well as his integrity and truly he appears not to have disappointed anyone except may be the criminal elements in the society whom he had made to face the law.
No doubt, his appointment as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) over fifteen years ago, the very first from his part of the country, which elicited much excitement among his clients and his Afenmai people did not come to me as a surprise. As a learned colleague I know he would get there. It is a long expected and well-deserved honor. His elevation is a call for higher responsibility which I believe with no scintilla of doubt that he would leverage on to continue to serve the people as one who earnestly believe in the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Accordingly, for his role and various accomplishments, he has a litany of awards and societal recognition too numerous to list here, both from institutions at home and abroad. I congratulate Roland Otaru for his contribution to growth of legal profession in the country. I also wish to congratulate the privilege committee of the learned profession for recognizing the contributions of my friend Roland Otaru. The legal profession has always display its penchant for merit. No doubt, the bar and the bench have always been the place of excellence.
Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK
