LEGIT NG
Festus Keyamo is a well-known Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and politician who has left an indelible mark on the country’s legal landscape and political scene.
With a dynamic career spanning law, advocacy, and governance, Keyamo’s contributions have sparked admiration and debate.
In this short article, Legit.ng we’ll highlight five exciting aspects you should know about Festus Keyamo.
1. Born to a Deltan father and Yoruba mother
He was born Festus Egwarewa Keyamo on January 21, 1970, in Ughelli, Delta State, Nigeria, to Pa Matthias Keyamo who hails from father hails from Effuruna and Mrs Caroline Abeni Keyamo, a Yoruba woman who hails from Ogun State.
Festus Keyamo developed an early passion for law. He studied law at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma-Edo State and was later called to the Nigerian Bar in 1993.
2. Human Rights Advocacy/Gani Fawehinmi protege
Yes! Festus Keyamo was once a protege of the legendary legal icon Gani Fawehinmi with whom he started his legal career in 1993.
His stint under the tutelage of Fawehinmi lasted for two years, and he went on to start up his chambers as an independent lawyer.
Keyamo’s commitment to human rights and social justice has been a driving force throughout his career. He gained prominence as a human rights lawyer, fearlessly taking on cases that exposed injustice and corruption.
His advocacy work often targeted police brutality, electoral irregularities, and constitutional rights violations.
3. Landmark Cases/Counsel to Asari Dokubo/P-Square/Bola Ige’s murder case
Keyamo’s legal activism has led him to handle several high-profile cases challenging the status quo. He was pivotal in advocating for justice during Nigeria’s tumultuous political periods, challenging election results and representing individuals who faced human rights abuses.
His legal prowess was put to the test when he became the legal representative of the rebel leader of the Niger Delta Militants, Mujahid Asari Dokubo was being charged with a treasonable felony. Keyamo was also part of the legal counsel in charge of the murder of the minister of justice, Chief Bola Ige.
Keyamo was notable for being the legal counsel to Africa’s mega-music duo, Peter and Paul Okoye, popularly known as P-Square.
