In the grand narrative of Nigerian history, few names resonate with as much quiet power and lasting influence as Chief Folake Solanke, SAN. As the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria, she didn’t just enter a male-dominated legal profession—she redefined what leadership, excellence, and perseverance look like for generations of women.
Born in an era when women were often relegated to the background, Solanke broke convention, choosing ambition over limitation. Her journey from a Latin and Mathematics teacher in England to one of Nigeria’s most revered legal minds is as inspiring as it is trailblazing. She is not just a legal icon, but also a public servant, international leader, writer, and lifelong advocate for women’s rights and empowerment.
This is the story of a woman who shattered ceilings long before the phrase became popular. A woman of many firsts—whose legacy continues to pave the way for others to dream boldly and lead courageously.
Foundations of a Fearless Mind
Born on March 29, 1932, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Folake Solanke (née Odulate) was destined for brilliance. Her father, Chief Jacob Sogboyega Odulate, was no ordinary man—he was a pharmacist, entrepreneur, and inventor of the iconic Alabukun Powder, a household remedy across West Africa. Growing up under his roof meant that young Folake was exposed early to discipline, education, and the power of independent thought.
Her academic journey began at Ago Oko Primary School, followed by Emo Girls’ School, and later Methodist Girls’ High School, Lagos, where she became School Prefect and won top prizes in English and Mathematics. She was the first student in her school’s history to earn a Grade One in the West African School Certificate Examination—a feat that foreshadowed her future as a pioneer.
Despite her academic brilliance, Folake’s early years were not without defiance. When her father attempted to arrange her marriage—a common cultural practice at the time—Folake refused. In doing so, she lost his financial support but gained something greater: the right to determine her own path.
With resilience, she attended Queen’s College Lagos, and later moved to the University of Durham (now Newcastle University) in the UK, where she earned a degree in Latin and Mathematics. That same drive led her to Gray’s Inn, London, where she studied Law before
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Legal Trailblazer – Becoming Nigeria’s First Female SAN
Chief Folake Solanke carved out her legacy in a traditionally male-dominated profession with grace, intellect, and fierce determination. After completing her law studies at Gray’s Inn, London, she returned to Nigeria in 1962 and began her career under the mentorship of the late Justice Michael Adeyinka Odesanya. She also taught Latin and Mathematics at Yejide Girls Grammar School in Ibadan.
Her legal brilliance soon caught the attention of Chief Rotimi Williams, one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds, who brought her into his chambers as a junior counsel. There, she honed her advocacy skills, built her reputation in the courtroom, and quickly established herself as a formidable legal force.
In 1981, Folake Solanke shattered one of Nigeria’s most significant legal glass ceilings when she became the first woman in Nigerian history to be conferred the prestigious title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). This momentous achievement earned her the honor of being the first Nigerian woman to wear the silk gown, an iconic symbol of senior legal distinction.
Her elevation to SAN wasn’t just a personal milestone but a seismic shift in the legal landscape. It validated the dreams of countless young Nigerian girls, showing them that gender was no barrier to professional excellence. She became a symbol of resilience, often emphasizing the importance of hard work, ethical practice, and staying true to one’s values in a challenging system.
Her success as a legal practitioner—boasting a 90% win rate in court cases—cemented her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most successful advocates, and set the tone for what would become a career defined by many “firsts.”
Breaking Barriers Beyond the Courtroom
Chief Folake Solanke’s influence extended far beyond the courtroom. A woman of intellect, conviction, and vision, she used her legal expertise and leadership abilities to champion social justice, women’s rights, and education—long before these causes gained mainstream recognition in Nigeria.
In 1972, she was appointed the first female Commissioner in the Western State of Nigeria and Chairperson of the Western Nigeria Television Broadcasting Corporation (WNTBC). These roles gave her the platform to shape public policy and challenge stereotypes in a time when women were barely visible in political or public leadership.
Solanke also made her mark globally. She rose through the ranks of Zonta International, an organization dedicated to empowering women through service and advocacy. After multiple bids, she was finally elected in 1994 as the 42nd International President—becoming the first African and the first non-Caucasian to hold the role in the organization’s history since its founding in 1919. Her presidency inspired not only African women but also women across the Global South to believe in the power of representation.
Her leadership style—grounded in excellence, dignity, and clarity of purpose—left an indelible mark on every organization she touched. As a vocal advocate for women in law, she was a trailblazer in FIDA Nigeria (International Federation of Women Lawyers), serving as its first Nigerian president and mentoring generations of female lawyers.
Solanke’s leadership didn’t end in the boardroom or courtroom. She carried her advocacy into classrooms, churches, and public forums, using every available platform to push for gender equity and societal transformation.
Her story is a testament to what happens when brilliance meets boldness—and a reminder that true leadership is not confined by profession or title.
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Woman of Firsts – A Lifetime of Honors and Impact
Chief Folake Solanke’s life is a collection of historic milestones. From the courtroom to the global stage, she has earned her place as one of Nigeria’s most decorated and respected legal icons. But beyond the accolades, the path she paved for others defines her legacy.
In 1981, Solanke became the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), a groundbreaking moment that shattered gender ceilings in the country’s legal system. She also became the first Nigerian woman to don the silk gown, symbolizing top-tier legal excellence.
Her achievements have been widely recognized both nationally and internationally. She was honored with the prestigious Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and the Yeyemofin of Ife chieftaincy title by the Ooni of Ife in recognition of her contributions to law and society.
In 2012, she received the International Bar Association’s Outstanding International Woman Lawyer Award at the World Women Lawyers’ Conference in London—cementing her legacy as a global legal force.
Beyond the honors, Solanke has been a committed educator, speaker, and author. Her memoir Reaching for the Stars and subsequent publications offer insight into her journey, values, and the challenges she overcame. Her list of “firsts” isn’t just a personal record—it’s a blueprint for women who dare to lead, speak up, and change the world.
What Folake Solanke Represents Today
Chief Folake Solanke, SAN, is more than a legal pioneer—she is a living symbol of excellence, resilience, and trailblazing leadership. Her story continues to inspire generations of women in law, public service, and advocacy in Nigeria and across Africa and the globe.
She represents the audacity to dream big and break barriers in male-dominated spaces. Her appointment as the first African and non-Caucasian president of Zonta International in 1994 remains a monumental feat, showing what’s possible when talent meets purpose.
Even in her 90s, Solanke remains deeply engaged. She continues mentoring young lawyers, championing women’s rights, and lending her voice to pressing societal issues. Her writings and lectures—on everything from legal advocacy to social justice—reflect a sharp intellect and an undiminished passion for impact.
In today’s Nigeria, where gender equality and youth empowerment are still evolving conversations, Folake Solanke stands as a beacon—a reminder that progress is possible, and pioneers like her have already laid the foundation.
Her legacy reverberates through her books, public speeches, or presence at legal gatherings: you can lead, rise, and redefine the status quo.
In every sense of the word, Chief Folake Solanke is not just a woman of firsts—she is a woman of lasting influence.