Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, Dr. Tunde Okewale recently received an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal, presented by HRH Princess Anne of Great Britain. The
The OBE recognises distinguished regional or county-wide roles in any field, through achievement or service to the community, including notable practitioners known nationally.
“From Morning side estate, Hackney. to receiving an OBE at Windsor Palace, my journey shows anything’s possible if you dare to dream and ask ‘What if?’ I was the first in my family to go to university, supported by a charity that believed in me. My mantra? ‘What you do isn’t who you are. But who you are makes it all possible.’ This means your actions show the world your true self, and your character creates your path.
Recounting his personal trajectory, Okewale says he got where he is today by never being afraid to ask for help and by working hard. He grew from asking every customer at Sainsbury’s [supermarket] for a chance, to now being a Barrister and helping others through Urban Lawyers, a charity he founded.
Urban Lawyers focuses on educating young people from under-represented backgrounds about their legal rights, as well as tackling the diversity issues within the legal profession by providing workshops to schools and community groups, mentoring, coaching and networking opportunities.
Says Okewale: “This OBE isn’t just for me. It’s for everyone who’s been part of my journey and for every young person dreaming big. Remember, if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. Dream big, work hard, and keep asking ‘What if?”