My love for dogs influenced my career choice – Animal lawyer
United States-based Nigerian attorney, Motunrayo Esan, speaks to FATTEH HAMID about how she chose to become an animal lawyer despite it not being a major area of practice in Nigeria
What do you do as an animal lawyer?
My name is Motunrayo Esan. I am from Afao-Ekiti, Ekiti State. I was born and raised in Ibadan, Oyo State. I do many things but in one word, you can call me an animal lawyer. I am licensed to practice in Nigeria and the United States. I teach Animal Law in institutions of higher learning, serve on many boards of animal welfare NGOs, and occasionally, you just might find me in court for an election petition!
What’s your educational background?
I went to Bodija International Primary School, Ibadan, Oyo State, for my primary school. Then, I went from Primary 4 to JSS1. I went to Adesoye College, Offa, Kwara State, when I was nine years old to start secondary school. For my degree, I went to Babcock University and studied Law. I obtained my first master’s degree in Law from Babcock University as well. My second master’s degree is in Animal Law from Lewis and Clark Law School.
You said that you’re an animal lawyer. That’s an unusual profession for a Nigerian. How did that come to be?
Honestly, I can’t tell for sure how it all started. I think it started with my love for dogs. My father is a dog lover and it just generally rubbed off on me. I would take care of the many puppies we had at home, make sure they were well-fed, and take them to their vet appointments and checkups. Although I was always complaining, I developed a bond with them. At the time, it was nothing significant. My career started when I had to choose a dissertation topic. That is where it developed beyond just passion. I got involved in the law. The first thing that got me serious was when I saw that the Oyo State Dogs Law allows for an animal without an identifiable owner to be ‘destroyed’. Yes. ‘Destroyed’ is the exact word used in the statute. It was at that point that a light bulb flickered in my head and six years later, it is obvious now that the dog law was only the starting point that reflected the poor state of animal protection in Nigeria.
When you decided that you were going to be an animal lawyer, did you consider the fact that it’s not lucrative in Nigeria?
As I previously said, I made the decision when researching my final-year project. When I was charting out my career path, I did not consider whether it was going to be lucrative or not. I simply wanted to be valuable and do real work. I knew that all other things would fall into place. I guess it depends on your standard of what lucrative means, but I will say it is a really rewarding career, more rewarding than money. Besides, I have other things I do. It’s just that it is my animal law accomplishments that have put me on the global map.
When you told your parents about the idea of being an animal lawyer, how did they take it?
One thing I will always be grateful for is the support I continue to receive from my parents. My parents and my brother are at the very top of my supporters’ club list. However, they still make jokes about what I do and call me ‘voice for the voiceless’ in jest.
It is established that you’re passionate about animals; do you find joy in doing this?
Absolutely. It’s such a fulfilling life; I love being able to sit at major tables and call the shots for a better world for animals. Because I have studied extensively and appreciate the jurisprudence of how laws protect animals, I am well equipped to have a smooth sail in drafting legislation, writing policies, training enforcement officers, and my favourite, teaching students. Additionally, there is joy in being number one at something.
Do you think Nigeria needs to reform its animal laws?
Yes and no. I say this because even if we did not reform any of our laws, the already existing laws are sufficient to cause a significant change. There is a belief that Nigeria doesn’t have animal laws. This is false. For example, Nigeria’s Animal and Diseases (Control) Act contains some of the strongest farmed animal protection legislation in the world. It requires that farmed animals in transport stop every 12 hours to feed, drink and rest. The US has more restrictions and theirs is even for 28 hours. More than double ours. But then again, who even knows that this law exists, and even if they knew, who will enforce it? Yes, we need specific laws like a standalone statute that is squarely with animal cruelty but the Criminal Code we already have has strong protections in sections 450 and 495. To date, there have been no prosecution despite the animal fighting sport going on in many communities. Nigeria might be ahead in black letter legislation, but we are certainly at the back in terms of enforcement of already existing laws.
We have some endangered species in Nigeria that are going extinct. Do you think some laws or reforms can be made around this to see to their survival?
Nigeria has an Endangered Species Act. We are also a party to CITES, which is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Laws are not the challenge. There are two points I have to make. First, we need people to begin to care. Second, we need people who care to be in positions of authority. The regular man does not care if caracal cats are extinct or if alligators are sold in front of Eko Hotels and Suites. The next man probably does not care if the construction of a refinery is destroying one of Nigeria’s forest reserves. Many people are just in search of the next meal. So, Nigeria’s climate is not one where we can expect to see individuals with placards petitioning. But that is why education is powerful. With proper training and equipping of the Ministry of Environment, I see tremendous possibilities for the protection of wildlife in Nigeria.
You have published extensively on global animal laws and the need for the Western world to change their narrative that animal protection in Africa is zero. How’s this going?
My major aim was to change the incorrect narrative that the global south was at the bottom of the scale in terms of animal protection. I think I have succeeded in contributing to the field in that major significant way. I’ve worked with the University of Cambridge in researching and publishing the world’s first animal law textbook. That is one accomplishment that I am very proud of. But there is still more to be done. I am part of projects seeking to write more textbooks for Animal Law students, especially in Africa. I continue to present my work at major conferences and I get invitations to write book chapters very frequently. So, to answer your question, it is going on well and the work keeps increasing but it will always be a pleasure.
You’re associated with some leading organisations in the world in animal protection as an attorney. How’s this going, especially in the area of educating people on the importance of animal protection?
Correct. I play leading roles in some of the top animal advocacy organisations globally, both legal and non-legal. I am on the executive committee of the Animal Law Section of the Oregon State Bar, and I am on the board of Animal Charity Evaluators. It is all very interesting and demanding at the same time. I established my NGO, Green Thumb Initiative. I did this to improve animal welfare in Nigeria. We have training sessions and courses that help with this continual education and training of stakeholders in animal protection. I also launched a project for investigating Nigerian zoos and abattoirs so that people will begin to see what the situation is and rethink many things. I have always maintained the position that animal law education is what will liberate animal suffering. If people do not know, they cannot act.
How are you pushing for the same level of education and awareness in Nigeria?
This has been the crux of my recent efforts. My NGO is dedicated 100 per cent to this. I am liaising with Babcock University to begin to consider having a course on world animal protection, although it is likely that this will fall under the already existing environmental law heading. More so, I continue to speak where it matters because my expertise gives me access. For example, I have recently joined the team of ProVeg Nigeria to begin to invite the government to issue guidelines on healthy eating and safe diet in Nigeria; there is too much to be done.
Many will say that you’re a vegan. Are you?
I saw this question coming. No, I am not – yet.
Do you see a lot of Nigerian lawyers in the coming years embracing Animal Law?
Absolutely! It is an emerging aspect of Law, although it is largely funded by grants as animals cannot speak for themselves. I also think it is a good pathway for a person who is passionate about both law and animals to combine interests and make an impact.
Would having a lot of animal lawyers in Nigeria aid the protection of animals in the country?
For sure. Many societal movements advance on the wings of legal activism. If more voices are speaking, more things can be done. More money can be made available. More attention can be gathered. This has a ripple effect on animal protection because the more people have an interest, the more research can be done. And the more research is done, the more advancement we can make.
So far, how will you describe your experience in the industry?
It has been both exciting and challenging at the same time. It’s been exciting because I get to pioneer a field. My expertise has helped me to be familiar with the legal regime on animal protection in other jurisdictions and that is essential for me in channelling the path in Nigeria and ensuring not to fall into the pitfalls of other jurisdictions. It’s also very exciting to be able to hear new animal law issues from time to time. I recently got a call from a client who wanted to will property to their pet. This is the type of thing that is exciting.
It has been challenging in the sense that the major problem is that people do not understand the concept. When you attempt to begin regular conversations about animal protection, people just want to know if it will affect their diet or not. In reality, it is not just about food choices. While food choices are important, it is not all that there is to animal protection. It is simply an element. Other elements include conservation, protection of endangered species, animals in captivity, and one that is of particular concern to me, farmed animals. Despite these challenges, it is only a matter of time. That’s how movements start. They start as a minority view.
Do you sometimes feel that you should have chosen another path in Law rather than Animal Law?
Never!
What was your childhood like? Who were your parents and what was your family like?
My father’s name is Chief Ayodeji Makanjuola Esan, and my mother is Chief Bamgbola Modupeola Esan. Both of them are senior lawyers. My grandfather was Chief Raphael Makanjuola Esan, who was a Senior Advocate of Nigeria before he died. My mother’s elder brother is a lawyer and my father has two siblings who are also lawyers. Needless to say, it is in the family. My brother is the odd one out as he is a senior engineer in a multinational. I come from a highly educated family filled with many high achievers. My childhood was filled with fun memories and excellent experiences. My parents were big on education and exposure and did all they could to give me the best. My family is a fun family and our events are always filled with laughter and camaraderie.
Not much is known about your relationship status. Are you married?
I am not married yet.
With your profile, a lot of men would want to seek your hand in marriage. How do you handle this?
I handle every situation that comes my way with wisdom.
What drives you?
There is a dissatisfaction I have always had with mediocrity. Not just in Animal Law but even with smaller things like making my bed in the mornings or sticking to my prayer time. My drive is to always give my best. I am discontent whenever I know I could have done better. I have found that great people always give their best. Yes, it is hard and uncomfortable but that is how to advance. If it were easy, it would not be a narrow path. I always think about some of the Israelites who just died in the wilderness and I just mutter under my breath that I will not die in the wilderness. I will get to the Promised Land and help others get there as well. I understand that I have already sustained an outstanding level of acclaim in my field, but I have not even started yet, compared to the Promised Land that I am going to. It is this Promised Land that drives me.
For other young lawyers like yourself, especially with early careers, what would be your advice for them?
My singular advice will be to have a narrow-focus vision of what you want from your career. It is worth sitting down and pondering on for a whole day, weeks even. That is what I did. When I did my first big legal internship with Udo-Udoma and Belo-Osagie, I watched the partners change my perspective on hard work. Some of the partners were the first to get into the office and the last to leave at night. They worked so hard. One would expect that the partners, having reached the peak of their careers, would be relaxed and enjoying themselves. That was not the case with them. They were just as zealous as first-year associates. They put in the work.
After studying them for the duration of the internship, I found out that many other big lawyers are like that as well. They just work so hard. I then drew up a list of different people across many fields who had sustained a level of value and productivity that I desired, and I studied them extensively and began to tweak my life and shut out distractions. Any young lawyer must be bold enough to act. Imagine your future and just go ahead and out in the work. And don’t stop until what you see in your mind is what is. As Jesus taught us in John 8:38, ‘If you say you are the sons of Abraham, then do the works of Abraham’. Sit down, look at people who are where you want to be, and go ahead and do what they do. It is not magic.
