In a profession defined by rules, precedence, and argument, Oluwafunmilola Salami has carved a career that transcends the courtroom. For him, law is not merely a career, it is a platform for transformation, a path to empowerment, and a means to create lasting impact for individuals, businesses, and communities.
His journey is a testament to grit, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose. As the founder of The Maverick Forte Legal Epicentre, Oluwafunmilola has built more than a legal practice, he has built a movement that safeguards dreams, champions justice, and nurtures a generation of lawyers and clients who believe in the power of purpose driven legal practice.
What makes Oluwafunmilola’s story deeply inspiring is his willingness to turn trials into lessons and to transform personal challenges into collective victories. His career, marked by setbacks and breakthroughs, reflects the resilience that defines him. From facing prejudice early on to building a legal epicentre with a vision for change, he has become a beacon for young lawyers and entrepreneurs who aspire to lead with integrity.
In this conversation, Oluwafunmilola shares his journey, challenges, victories, and vision for the future of law as a force for justice and transformation.
CA: Oluwafunmilola, your story begins with resilience in the face of resistance. You are the first legal practitioner in your family. Can you share what those early days looked like for you?
Oluwafunmilola: It was far from easy. I faced rejection not because of lack of competence, but because of bias, most notably because of my faith. I remember being turned down by a prominent law firm because I am Christian, and being harassed by others for the same reason. One incident was particularly terrifying, I was returning from Abia State after being called to serve, and the bus driver fell asleep, almost driving us into the lagoon. These experiences were painful but formative. They taught me perseverance. Today, I look back and am grateful for them because they forged in me a resolve to rise beyond circumstance.
CA: That resilience is central to your career. What inspired you to establish The Maverick Forte Legal Epicentre?
Oluwafunmilola: The dream behind The Maverick Forte Legal Epicentre is simple, to create a special purpose vehicle that empowers people to achieve their goals, protects vulnerable business plans, and bridges gaps in the legal landscape. We work to safeguard intellectual property, register business ideas, and preserve growth while shielding clients from exploitation. Ultimately, we exist to deliver value and prevent others from falling victim to hidden pitfalls in business and civil interactions.
CA: The legal profession is known for its demands and challenges. How did you navigate the pressures, especially in your early years?
Oluwafunmilola: Giving up was never an option. I remember waking up at 3:30 a.m. daily for over a year, commuting to work to avoid traffic and stay ahead. My punctuality was even a point of contention with my boss. I knew life does not smile on the faint hearted, so I kept learning and mastering my craft despite verbal abuse and challenges. I developed a mindset of discipline and perseverance.
CA: That mindset has clearly served you well. How has your legal experience shaped your approach to challenges and opportunities today?
Oluwafunmilola: I think with clarity and address issues dispassionately. Law is about logic and sound argument. I apply this mindset in my practice and in life, objectivity over sentiment, facts over assumptions. This approach helps me assess human conduct and interpersonal relationships with fairness and precision.
CA: You published a book at just 20 years old while still in law school. What does that achievement mean to you?
Oluwafunmilola: That was a defining moment for me. It taught me that the light within us can spark influence beyond ourselves. I believe true legacy is not just in titles or wealth, but in the value and impact we leave behind. For me, that book was an expression of my desire to inspire and awaken minds.
CA: Looking ahead, what vision do you have for your practice and your personal legacy?
Oluwafunmilola: I want to expand as an inter state legal practitioner, extending beyond the southwest to impact more lives. My aim is to be a large employer of labour, giving opportunities to both paralegal and legal professionals. I see success as a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, mastery, and aligning with values that endure.
CA: Finally, what advice would you give to those aspiring to make an impact in law or any field of their choice?
Oluwafunmilola: Never trade your peace and fulfilment for temporary comfort. There will be trials, but the greatest victories come from persistence and clarity of purpose. Win the battles in your mind first. Anchor your work in values, and build systems that will carry your vision forward.
