A Tribute to Funke Agbor, SAN: Hard Work, Integrity, and Compassion Personified
By Dan Agbor, Senior Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
At least two people will be surprised to see this tribute: Michael, Funke’s colleague, who asked if I would write it, and Funke herself, who knows that I do not typically share my thoughts on such occasions.
But here we are.
On November 3, Funke Agbor, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, will turn 65 and formally retire from Dentons-ACAS Law. Her firm is marking the moment with celebrations and a commemorative book of tributes—a most fitting gesture for someone who has left such an indelible mark on the legal profession.
Initially, I resisted the idea of writing a tribute, feeling my relationship with Funke was too personal rather than professional. But upon reflection, I realised that having had the privilege of a ringside seat through much of her professional journey, I am uniquely placed to offer insight into the person behind the accolades.
Funke’s story as a lawyer cannot be told without acknowledging the professional shoulders on which she stood early in her career. When I met her, she was working with the late Mr. Fola Sasegbon—one of Nigeria’s foremost shipping lawyers. Joining his firm in 1984, after completing her LLM in Commercial and Shipping Law at University College London, was a pivotal decision that shaped both her career and her character.
Funke was the only other lawyer in Sasegbon’s firm, which meant she quickly became the go-to for complex, high-stakes assignments—boarding speedboats to serve arrest orders on vessels or flying to offshore rigs to handle emergencies. From the outset, she understood the value of hard work and never sought refuge in the notion of gender-based limitations. Funke has never been a "female lawyer"; she has always simply been a lawyer—committed, capable, and courageous.
In 1993, Funke took another bold step, joining her friends Sola Adepetun and Afolabi Caxton-Martins as a partner in the newly formed firm now known as Dentons-ACAS Law. Moving from being one of two lawyers in a small but prestigious firm to becoming one of 15 partners in a global practice of over 50 lawyers is a testament to her determination and foresight.
And that brings me to the adjectives that define her:
Hard-working — Unquestionably so.
Determined — Once Funke starts something, she will finish it, no matter the time, effort, or competing obligations (and there have been many: two children, sports practices, the works).
Professional — Always calm, skilful, and morally grounded.
Fair and compassionate — I have never heard her speak ill of anyone, a rare and admirable quality in a lawyer, particularly one in partnership.
These traits were deservedly recognised in 2016 when she was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Her lifelong dedication to the field was further acknowledged in 2021, when she was elected President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, a body she has served with devotion for over four decades.
Although Funke is formally retiring from her firm, I understand she will continue to handle significant cases—proof that her passion for the law remains undiminished.
So, to Funke: at (only!) 65, your story is far from over. I join your partners, colleagues, and friends in wishing you a joyous birthday and many more years of impactful and fulfilling work.
With admiration and warmest regards,
Dan Agbor
Senior Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie
