‘Technology has made legal practice less cumbersome’

August 24, 2025 by Gbenga Bada

Oluwatodimu Ige is the Principal Partner at Oluwatodimu Ige and Associates. Fondly called Oga theLawyer, he is also a social media content creator and legal influencer with an impressive followership across the different social media platforms. In this interview with Gbenga Bada, he speaks about his career, passion for justice, social media advocacy amongst other issues. Excerpts:

What inspired you to study law?

The journey to study law was a bit hectic, filled with stumbling blocks, but resilience and a firm focus on the target saw me through. My passion for helping others and hatred for injustice motivated my study of law.

What challenges did you face early in your legal career, and how did you overcome them?

I started my law firm relatively early in my career, and I had to be proactive because I had a clear idea of where I wanted to be— at the top. Hard work, speed, loyalty, and quality were my watchwords.

At what point did you decide to start your firm, and what was that transition like?

I started my firm in 2017, and I had to hit the ground running with a mindset of building a practice that would be a force to reckon with in Africa and the world.

How have digital tools and technology shaped the way you run your practice today?

The importance of technology and digital tools cannot be overstated. They have helped make the job easier to execute, research easier to carry out, and allow for transborder reach to clientele and relationships.

What inspired you to start your social media advocacy platform, Oga thelawyer, and what was your vision when you began?

I started the page in January 2019 because I discovered a serious gap in knowledge. Most people were and still are unaware of their rights, and lack an understanding of how the law works. I felt a strong need to bridge the gap and educate people in a less formal way that would not bore them, but in a friendly and easily understandable manner.

With over 200,000 followers, how do you decide what kind of legal content to share with your audience?

I usually produce content to educate my followers, and issue a call to action for them to stay on the right side of the law. To achieve this, I analyse trending issues, new laws, and messages sent to my inbox by followers who seek clarification.

What are the most common legal questions you get from the public?

Landlord and tenant-related questions, dissolution of marriage, police-related matters, and debt recovery issues are usually top of the line. But, people also ask other law-related questions, while some reach out to get some form of comfort.

How do you manage backlash or legal pushbacks that arise because of your online content?

At times, some people make harsh comments that border on distrust, stemming from the perceived inapplicability of our laws, or the lack of equality. Some even go as far as saying I have not been realistic when, in the actual sense, I am only stating what the law provides for, and educating them about their rights.

In what ways has Oga_thelawyer influenced your traditional legal practice?

I have had to do more research to be on top of my game. Also, colleagues look up to me as a “master of law” who should always uphold the ethics of our profession. Clients have high expectations as well. I cannot afford to drop the ball, or let them down.

What role do you think digital legal education plays in improving access to justice?

Digital legal education makes access to information easier. People can, at the press of a few buttons, gain access to rich and comprehensive materials on any topic agitating their minds. The implication of this is that people have been able to self-educate, speak out when they feel their rights have been breached, and we have seen regulatory bodies yield to the call to action on social media.

How has your upbringing or family background influenced your professional path?

Growing up, I had access to quality education and quite a large number of books, thanks to my parents, and that gave me a thirst for excellence and making a difference.

Your expertise spans several complex areas of law. How do you stay updated and effective across all of them?

I am an avid reader, and I also stay abreast of issues by watching documentaries and anything that will broaden my knowledge.

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Which area of legal practice do you find the most fulfilling and why?

I always like to help out, particularly indigent people who are oppressed. Going to court to assist them makes me feel fulfilled. Educating them on social media also gives me a sense of fulfilment.

Can you share a memorable case or deal that profoundly impacted your professional outlook?

One particular experience that really shifted my professional mindset was handling a transborder transaction. Before then, I used to think within local frameworks—Nigerian law, Nigerian clients, Nigerian terrain. But that deal opened my eyes. It made me realise something profound: there are no walls anymore, because the world is one big global marketplace. The laws might differ, the jurisdictions may vary, but the principles of value, clarity, and competence are universal.

That transaction taught me that if you want to thrive in today’s legal and business landscape, you must position yourself to engage beyond borders. You must learn to speak the language of global relevance. Whether it’s tech, finance, entertainment, or real estate; the world is your playing field. That case didn’t just impact my outlook; it completely upgraded my ambition.

As someone with experience in both local and international negotiations, how would you compare the two contexts?

It is the same game, but different stage and audience. For international negotiations, the bar is raised and the level of delivery is optimal.

What is your approach to dispute resolution, especially in high-stakes arbitration?

My view is that it should be a win-win situation; one can be magnanimous in victory. You need not be rigid. Be flexible and stand your ground when there is a need to.

What distinguishes your law firm from others in the industry?

Loyalty, speed, quality, and integrity.

How do you select or groom legal talent within your firm?

We ensure constant training, a robust reward system, and incentives for every delivery.

What are your firm’s core values, and how do they guide your operations?

Our core values are loyalty, speed, quality, and integrity, and they are at the foundation of everything we do. We don’t just state them; we live them.

Loyalty means we are committed to protecting our clients’ best interests at all times. Speed ensures that we deliver results efficiently, without compromising on quality. And at the heart of it all is integrity. We operate with transparency and honesty, no matter the stakes.

There is zero tolerance for deviation from these values. They guide our decision-making, shape our client relationships, and define how we show up every day. It’s how we ensure our clients always get the best of us consistently.

You sit on the board of several companies. How do you balance these responsibilities with running your firm?

It is all about structure, systems, and delegation. First, I don’t do “vibes and cruise” with my calendar; time-blocking is my superpower. Every board I’m on knows the value I bring, but they also understand that I run a firm. I am intentional with my availability, and I only take up board roles where my impact is strategic, not operational. I’m not here to micromanage. I advise, guide and open doors.

At the firm, I have built a solid team. I don’t just hire bodies; I hire brains. That way, whether I’m in a board meeting, on a flight, or deep in advisory work, the firm keeps moving. Systems run the business, and the team runs the systems.

Also, I’ve learnt that saying “no” is a leadership skill. I don’t take every board invitation. I only sit where I align with the vision and where my presence can shift things meaningfully. Quality over quantity, always.

So yes, it’s a lot, but with discipline, the right people, and a clear sense of purpose, everything flows.

What’s one leadership lesson that has consistently helped you in both law and business?

Clarity before movement; that’s the principle. Before I take any step—whether it’s signing a client, launching a product, or expanding the team—I seek clarity. As a leader, you must know where you’re going and why. Law taught me precision; business taught me vision. Together, they’ve helped me lead with intentionality, not impulse.

How do you balance being a husband, father, lawyer, entrepreneur, and content creator?

Balance, for me, isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about doing the right things at the right time. My family is my first ministry, so they don’t get the leftovers. I have built structure into my life— calendars, boundaries, and non-negotiables. Also, I’ve learnt the power of delegation. You don’t have to do everything yourself to get everything done. And let’s be honest—grace carries me too.

You’re passionate about community development. Can you tell us about specific initiatives you’re involved in?

Absolutely. I am heavily invested in legal literacy; bridging the gap between the law and the people. Through content, workshops, and partnerships, we are demystifying legal concepts for everyday Nigerians. We also run youth mentorship programmes, especially for law students and young professionals, helping them navigate real-life issues beyond the classroom. It’s bigger than law; it’s about legacy.

What advice would you give to young lawyers trying to find their voice or niche in the profession?

Two words: Start now. Don’t wait till everything is perfect before you show up. Explore, experiment, and express. The legal profession isn’t one-size-fits-all; there’s space for your personality, interests and unique voice. Be excellent, stay curious, and don’t let tradition box you in. You are not just building a career; you’re building a brand.

Where do you see Oga_thelawyer and your law firm in the next five years?

Global, but still grounded. In five years, I see the firm operating at an international level, serving both African businesses and global companies looking to enter African markets.

For Oga_thelawyer, the platform will be a full-on legal-entrepreneurial ecosystem: content, consulting, community. Still rooted in authenticity, but scaling with strategy.

Are there any upcoming projects we should watch out for?

Yes, actually! We are launching a digital platform for legal education and business compliance, tailored for startups and SMEs. Think of it as a legal plug for business owners; straight to the point, no jargon. My e-books will be made available to the public soon. Also, there’s a new season of the Oga_thelawyer Masterclass Series coming, focused on helping young professionals monetise their skills the right way—legally and ethically. Community outreaches are in the pipeline too. We move with impact, not just noise.