Many famous Nigerian actors are law graduates. Meanwhile, some of these actors branched out to read law and then move on with their dreams and passions. Famous men like Kenneth Okonkwo, even Richard Mofe Damijo and Femi Adebayo as well as Kanayo O. Kanayo, etc. followed the profession up until the level of the mandatory Call to Bar, which automatically gives them the physical right to practice the course. The spotlight is now beaming on these well-known actors who should be rather tagged ‘Men of the Bar’ in the Nollywood Industry.
Kenneth Okonkwo
Nobody ever thought that Ken was going to grow into a well-known actor or even a legal practitioner. He first got his degree in “Business Administration” at the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, Enugu State. Interestingly, Kenneth’s love for acting ignited after concluding his university program. Kenneth Okonkwo is now a SAN, he was called to the bar after he proceeded to obtain a law degree.
Richard Mofe Damijo
Richard Mofe Damijo ( known by many as RMD) was also called to the bar. He is on the list of the top-rated actor with awards to his name. He is from Warri in Delta State and was once a Commissioner of Culture in the State when “Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan” was in power. Richard has proved to be a world-class actor, his love for acting led him to read theatre arts at the University of Benin. He later went on to study law at the University of Lagos and was called to the bar. Richard is married to the broadcaster (now a communication consultant), Jumobi Mofe Damijo née Adegbesan.
Femi Adebayo
He is a product of the renowned actor who is also the maker of the film “Chief Adebayo Salami”. Femi’s Dad, Chief Adebayo is famous as Oga Bello. Femi Adebayo was called to the bar and had practiced in the “property and commercial law” chamber before he hung the wig and gown to concentrate on his full-time career as a filmmaker. Femi hails from Ilorin in Kwara State, he attended the University of Ilorin where he got a Bachelor’s degree in the department of “Law”. Femi is also a Master of Arts degree holder in the ” Theatre Arts” department. Femi kick-started his career as an actor since the year 1995 and has long been achieving honors and awards to his name.
Kanayo O. Kanayo
Modestus Onyechere Anayo (although known by fans as Kanayo O. Kanayo), was called to the bar years after he commenced his career in acting, he is a member of “certified legal professionals” in Nigeria. Kanayo O. Kanayo hails from a town, Nru Umueze Oboama sited in “Ezinihitte Mbasie” in Imo State.
This list of ” Nollywood’s Men of the Bar” is not exclusive but for the time being, we will be stopping here. Keep refreshing this page for updates.