‘A Lawyer Should Never Sell Out his Client to the Opponent’
I am Fidelis Edewede Eireyi. I am from Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. My late father Honourable Eireyi Egbele, was the pioneer District Customary Court President in Uzea-Uromi Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State in the 70s. This gave me the inspiration, to read law.
I attended Olilin Primary School Uzea-Uromi, where I had a short stint for three years, before proceeding to Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Agenebode, where I obtained my primary school certificate.
I attended St. John's College, Fugar. In St. John's College Fugar, I excelled academically, and socially as a maintenance prefect from 1977 to 1978 session. I obtained my secondary School Certificate in 1978. I was very good in athletic. I broke and set many records in the school and in Etsako Local Government Area in defunct Bendel State in 100 metres boys, 100 meters huddles boys, 200 meters boys and long jump boys.
After St. John’s, I proceeded to Federal School of Arts and Science, Ondo, where I Obtained High School Certificate in 1984.
I studied Law at the University of Benin, attended Law School, and was subsequently, called to the Bar.
I am presently an executive member of the Nigerian Bar Association - Benin Branch, holding the position of Welfare Secretary.
I m also a member of Rotary Club of Benin. As a Rotarian, we are on the threshold of history, as we begin the countdown to eradication of polio globally.
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyers, and if so, what were the main challenges?
I have faced so many legal challenges, since I was called to the Nigerian Bar. Prominent among these challenges, was during the time of my pupillage; a tough endeavour, indeed. Where I did my pupillage, I wasn't paid salary for the period of eight years I stayed. I have a wife and children, to cater for. There was house rent, school fees, and other bills to pay.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer?
My worst day as a Lawyer, was during my pupillage period. My very first day at the chambers, I was sent to the High court by my principal, to move a contentious motion. In moving the motion, I inadvertently told his Lordship that, the court must hear the motion first before going into the substantive suit, and a court who failed to adhere to that, is a kangaroo court. His Lordship flared up, and said that he would try me for contempt of court. At this juncture the senior Lawyers there present in court, started pleading with His Lordship not to commit me for contempt of court, adding that, that was my first day in court after my being called to the Bar. His Lordship, graciously forgave me.
What was your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
My most memorable experience as a Lawyer, was my first criminal case at the Federal High Court, Benin City. I appeared for a client, arguing his bail application and handling the substantive suit. I charged my client a fee of N1 million, for the bail application and the main suit. The bail was granted, and I was very happy when the case was disposed of in favour of my client, and I was paid my fees.
Who has been most influential in your life?
The most influential person in my life, is my beloved wife, Mrs. Saadatu Eireyi, who has been my pillar. She has always encouraged me, in my legal practice. She assisted me immensely, during my Law School period and during my pupillage. She was never discouraged that I was passing through hard times. She has often told me that, hard times do not last forever. During my pupillage she also encouraged me to open my Law Chambers, even when the financial means was not there. She sourced for the finance, with which I opened the office. I remain grateful to her.
Why did you become a Lawyer?
I became a Lawyer, because of the interest I had in the profession. Lawyers are respected members of the society, wherever they are. There are so many job opportunities, open to a Lawyer. A Lawyeris the light of the society.
What would be your advice to anyone wanting a career in Law?
My advice to any person who wants to take up a career in law, is that they must be hardworking, have integrity and be honest. They must realise that, the legal profession is a noble profession for gentlemen. A Lawyer should not sell out his client, to the opponent. A Lawyer should not put money as a major consideration, in pursing the interests of his clients.
If you had not become a Lawyer, what career would you have chosen?
If I had not become a Lawyer, I would have chosen to be a Clergyman.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years time, I see myself as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. I also hope to see myself, as a Life Bencher. I see myself contributing to the role of the legal profession, in national development in Nigeria. Especially, creation and sustainability of democracy and good governance. It is generally believed that, if more Lawyers should get involved in governance, the country will be better for it.