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Interview

September 24, 2025

Interview Session with Oyebanji Saidat Damilola

by: Lawverse

Your journey has been filled with incredible resilience. How did being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy just months before your Bar Finals shape your mindset and approach to success?


I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy just two months before my Bar Finals. It was honestly one of the most difficult periods of my life, but I refused to let it define me. I maintained my study routine and turned the challenge into fuel for success. That experience showed me how powerful the mind is. I realized that when you choose positivity in the middle of a storm, you will always find the strength to keep moving forward.

 

You mentioned learning the word “mother” in a way most children don’t. How has your early childhood experience of loss and resilience influenced the way you see the world today?

Losing my mother at a tender age shaped my world in ways I couldn’t fully understand as a child. It forced me to grow up quickly and learn independence early. Though painful, that loss gave me resilience and fueled my commitment to becoming a stronger and better version of myself.

 

At Lagos State Model College, you turned ridicule into motivation by immersing yourself in an English textbook. What did that moment of finding your ‘voice’ teach you about turning weakness into strength?

That moment taught me that the difference between who you are now and who you want to be lies in the actions you take. That English textbook wasn’t just a book; it was God’s way of showing me the greatest hack to success: dedication and focus. By immersing myself in it, I found my voice and realized that dreams are achievable when you are willing to put in the required effort.

 

You described your father as your anchor and muse, despite the sacrifices he had to make. What role has his belief in you played in shaping your legal career aspirations?

My father didn’t have the privilege of being educated, but his passion for education was indefatigable. He had always dreamed of raising a doctor and a lawyer. From a young age, he saw potential in me and kept nurturing it. I remember in 400 Level when I sent him my results — 4 A’s, 2 B’s, and 1 C. I was sad, because I knew it might affect my chance of graduating with a First Class. But he was overjoyed and told me I could still achieve it if I truly believed. Even now that he is no more, I still draw courage from his words because I know he is cheering me on. His belief in me continues to fuel my determination to pursue excellence in law.

 

From being mocked in secondary school to emerging as the Overall Best Graduating Student in your Diploma-in-Law program, what kept you motivated through those difficult transitions?

What kept me motivated was the zeal to become a better person. While growing, I realized that people are usually more willing to listen to your story when you succeed. That’s why one of my favorite quotes is: ‘Success has many relatives, but failure is an orphan.’ Holding on to that truth pushed me to turn every challenge into a reason to strive harder.

 

How did your academic journey at Lagos State University, especially moving from the Diploma program into the Faculty of Law, change your perspective on what it means to fight for your dreams?

My academic journey at Lagos State University showed me that no dream is out of reach if you are willing to put in the effort and, most importantly, put God first. Moving from the Diploma program into the Faculty of Law taught me that success is not just about talent but about consistency, faith, and hard work.

 

Many bar aspirants face self-doubt, especially when setbacks arise close to critical exams. What strategies did you use to push through panic attacks and physical challenges during your preparation?


I prepared myself mentally for the exam right from day one. I made sure to rest well, take necessary breaks, and study at my own pace while focusing on reading smart. Above all, I involved God Almighty every step of the way, and that gave me the strength to overcome panic and physical challenges.

 

Beyond personal resilience, your story reflects a deeper theme of hope and faith. What message would you like bar aspirants and young lawyers to take away from your journey?

My message is simple: believe in yourself, believe in your dreams, and trust God to bring them to fulfillment. Push yourself, strive for the best, but don’t be too hard on yourself. You are more than enough, and with faith and persistence, your dreams are within reach.

 

If you could go back and speak to your younger self, the girl mocked for her grammar and struggling with self-doubt, what would you say to her?


I would tell her to keep her head up and not be too hard on herself. Mistakes are a part of life, and what truly matters is turning the lessons into growth rather than carrying the shame. I would remind her that every stumble is shaping her into someone stronger than she realizes.

 

Your story is still unfolding. What’s next for you, and how do you hope to use your journey to inspire or mentor the next generation of aspiring lawyers?


As long as I live, I believe the sky is only my starting point. I’m committed to constantly becoming a better version of myself. Someone who inspires others and guides junior colleagues not to repeat the mistakes I made. I’m even working on starting a YouTube channel dedicated to teaching law students, especially those in law school, how to tackle complex topics and approach exam questions with confidence. For me, the journey is not just about my success but about opening doors for others.”

 

 

 

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