Faculty Profile: Jidé Afolabi

Jide Afolabi is a Canadian lawyer and civic leader known for his commitment to accessible justice, Indigenous governance, and community-centred policy work. He brings over two decades of legal experience spanning wills & estates, corporate law, Indigenous law, international trade, and public policy negotiation.

Jide began his academic journey at Carleton University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Law and Political Science in 1995, completing a five-year program in just three years through academic distinction. He continued his legal training at Osgoode Hall Law School (York University), receiving his LL.B. in 1998, and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2000. He furthered his studies with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the London School of Economics, concentrating in comparative Aboriginal law.

After articling at Blake, Cassels & Graydon in Toronto, Jide built a diverse legal practice focused on high-impact work. His early career included service as Counsel with federal legal tribunals and government departments, where he handled administrative and international trade matters. He later served as Chief Federal Negotiator with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, playing a key role in the negotiations that led to the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement Act — one of Canada’s largest self-government agreements to date. He has also served as an adjudicator for the Social Security Tribunal of Canada.

Jide founded probatePRO in Ottawa, where he focuses on wills and estates, corporate, and Indigenous legal services, helping individuals and organizations navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and integrity.

Beyond his legal practice, Jide is deeply engaged in public service and community advocacy. He has held leadership roles in non-profit policy organizations such as nextOttawa, where he served as Managing Director, and has been active in mentoring and civic inclusion work. He has also pursued municipal leadership, including a campaign for Ottawa City Council focused on justice, equity, and community development.