Hairat Balogun

Hairat Aderinsola Balogun, née Alatishe, OON (born 1941) is a Nigerian lawyer, the first female Attorney General of Lagos State.

Early Life and education Hairat Balogun was born on 10 October 1941, the daughter of a well-off Muslim cocoa buyer Alhaji Jinodu Alatishe (The Balogun Of Ijebuland). She travelled to the United Kingdom aged twelve to attend secondary school there, before studying for the bar at Lincoln's Inn. She was called to the English bar, aged 21, on 5 February 1963 In 1981 she was elected as the first Secretary-General of the Nigerian Bar Association, and held the office until 1983.

Hairat Balogun is a Life-Bencher and was the first female Chairman of the Body of Benchers. She was also the first female member of the council of the International Bar Association. In 2016 she was recognized with an award in the Nigerian Legal Awards (NLA).

Chief Judge of Lagos State (1999–2001) Hairat Balogun served as the Chief Judge of Lagos State from 1999 to 2001, during Nigeria’s return to democratic rule. She was responsible for overseeing the administration of justice in Lagos State, ensuring court operations ran effectively during a major political transition period. Her tenure is officially listed in the Lagos State Judiciary historical records of Chief Judges.

Retirement and later life After serving as Chief Judge, she continued contributing to legal development and professional organisations in Nigeria. She later engaged in legal writing and professional mentorship.

Legacy Hairat Balogun is widely regarded as one of the prominent female figures in Nigeria’s judiciary. Her service as Chief Judge of Lagos State is considered significant in strengthening judicial administration during Nigeria’s democratic transition period. She is also recognised for her contributions to legal education, professional development, and women’s participation in law.

Works To Serve in Truth and Justice, 2011