Born on the 17th of April, 1957, in the serene town of Olle – Bunu, Kogi State, John Olusola Baiyeshea, SAN, has carved a distinguished career path marked by legal excellence, public service, and a profound commitment to community development.

Sola Baiyeshea, as he is fondly known, embarked on his educational journey at St. Barnabas’ Primary School, Ilorin, from 1966 to 1971. His academic prowess continued to shine as he pursued his secondary education at Fatima College Ekan-meje, Kwara State, graduating in 1976. The pursuit of knowledge led him to Kwara State College of Technology (School of Basic Studies) from 1976 to 1978, and subsequently, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, where he obtained his LLB (Hons) with Second Class Upper Division in 1981.

The legal odyssey continued as Sola attended the Nigerian Law School in Victoria Island, Lagos, graduating in 1982. His commitment to legal excellence was evident early on when he served in the Legislative Drafting Department of the Kaduna State House of Assembly during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year from August 1982 to July 1983. Simultaneously, he shared his legal knowledge as a part-time lecturer at the College of Business & Administrative Studies, Kaduna Polytechnic.

Sola Baiyeshea’s professional journey advanced as he joined the chambers of Bayo Aluko-Olokun&Co. in Kaduna, where he served as Counsel from July 1983 to October 1983. This experience laid the foundation for his subsequent role as a State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Kwara State, from November 1983 to October 1986.

In November 1986, Sola Baiyeshea founded John Olusola Baiyeshea & Co., a legal practice based in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he has demonstrated legal acumen and leadership for over three decades.

Beyond his legal practice, Sola Baiyeshea has played pivotal roles in various capacities. Notably, he served as a member of the Board of Kwara State Council for Arts & Culture from 1989 to 1991. His commitment to public health was evident as he represented public interest on the National Technical Committee on Blood Transfusion of the Federal Ministry of Health from 2006 to 2010.

In the legal sphere, Sola Baiyeshea’s achievements are underscored by his appointment to the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee-LPPC from 2010 to 2014, responsible for conferring the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on deserving individuals.

Active in professional associations, Sola Baiyeshea is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, where he has held various roles, including General Secretary of the Ilorin Branch from 1990 to 1992. His contributions extend to the national level, as he served on the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2005 and from 2010 to 2012.

Sola Baiyeshea’s commitment to education and legal development is evident in his role as Chairman of the Continuing Legal Education Committee of the NBA Ilorin Branch in 2005. Additionally, he chaired the Human Rights Committee of the NBA Ilorin Branch from 1993 to 1995.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Sola Baiyeshea was conferred with the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2007, a professional honor that speaks to his legal prowess and dedication to the principles of justice.

Beyond the courtroom, Sola Baiyeshea has engaged in community service, serving as the Legal Adviser to the Nigerian Red Cross Society Kwara State Branch from 1995 to 2003. He also contributed significantly to public enlightenment through the Police Public Enlightenment Programme on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Ilorin, Kwara State, from 1991 to 1995 and 1997 to 2001.

Sola Baiyeshea is not only a legal luminary but also a man of faith and community spirit. He has served in various capacities within the United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA), including as an Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor, and an ordained Reverend.

His dedication to Christian activities is further highlighted by his involvement in the Gideon’s International, where he served as Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the Ilorin East Camp from 2000 to 2008.

Sola Baiyeshea’s multifaceted journey is punctuated by numerous awards, including recognitions from the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Journalists, and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Students Association of the University of Ilorin, among others.

In his pursuit of knowledge and collaboration, Sola Baiyeshea has attended leadership training at the Haggai Institute in Singapore in 2001 and participated in the Advocates International conferences in Ghana (2002) and Kenya (2007).

His global perspective is enriched by visits to countries such as the Republic of Benin, the United States of America, The Gambia, Singapore, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Argentina, the UK, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Australia, and Japan.

Beyond his professional engagements, Sola Baiyeshea finds joy in sports and hobbies, including football, jogging, walking, basketball, and table tennis.

In the rich tapestry of John Olusola Baiyeshea’s life, the threads of legal expertise, community service, and faith weave together to form a narrative of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.