Our Team

The Impactful Team of the British Columbia Black Advocacy Society

Our Board of Directors

Meet the Board of Directors of the British Columbia Black Advocacy Society

John Kehinde Atoyebi
John Kehinde Atoyebi

A highly accomplished adjudicator, criminal justice expert, human rights advocate, and certified EDI professional, with over a decade of experience spanning legal practice, judicial administration, and consulting…

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Ismail Muftau
Ismail Muftau

A seasoned legal professional with extensive expertise in civil and criminal litigation, labour and employment law, corporate insolvency, debt recovery, arbitration, mediation, and legal scholarship…

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Michael Opeoluwa Fagbohun
Michael Opeoluwa Fagbohun

A researcher, mentor, climate action advocate, and non-profit leader. Michael Fagbohun is a seasoned information professional and an advocate for youth empowerment, climate action, and academia…

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Dr. Samsel Kenston, MD, MPH
Dr. Samsel Kenston, MD, MPH

A physician, public health leader, and educator committed to advancing health equity through research, advocacy, and policy development…

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John Kehinde Atoyebi

John Kehinde Atoyebi is a highly accomplished adjudicator, criminal justice expert, human rights advocate, and certified Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) professional with over a decade of experience spanning legal practice, judicial administration, and consulting.

He holds multiple advanced law, intellectual property, and diversity leadership qualifications, including an LL.M in Human Rights Law and a Master’s Degree in Intellectual Property Property and Sustainable development.

John has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing justice, human rights, and organizational equity.

As an Ombudsperson Officer in British Columbia, he investigates systemic issues, evaluates fairness complaints, and ensures administrative accountability across public sector organizations.

Previously, as a Magistrate and District Court Judge in Nigeria, he championed restorative justice and non-custodial measures, helping decongest correctional facilities and improve access to justice for marginalized populations.

In the corporate sphere, John served as a Consultant at Veza Consulting Limited, where he supported organizations in embedding EDI principles into their operations.

His expertise includes developing strategies for inclusive workplaces, assessing organizational commitments to diversity, and conducting educational programs to advance equity and advocacy for underrepresented groups.

John has also held academic roles, including as a Graduate Volunteer Lecturer in International Human Rights Law at the University of Ilorin, where he championed human rights education and facilitated programs on advocacy and diversity.

His extensive experience in legal research and education underscores his intellectual rigour and commitment to capacity-building.

Beyond his professional engagements, John has contributed significantly to community service and governance.

As Secretary of the Vancouver General Hospital Thrift Store Board of Directors, he maintains organizational policies, archives communications, and ensures governance efficiency.

Additionally, his leadership in interfaith initiatives, such as trauma healing and peacebuilding in Nigeria, highlights his dedication to fostering societal harmony.

John, a published author, has written extensively on intellectual property rights, human rights, and ethical issues in emerging legal frameworks.

His work reflects a profound understanding of legal, social, and cultural dynamics, making him a valuable asset to boards seeking visionary leadership and diverse perspectives.

John has African ancestry and has travelled and lived in Africa, Europe, Asia and now North America.

John’s diverse skill set in governance, advocacy, and intercultural communication, coupled with his deep commitment to equity and justice, positions him as a strategic thinker and collaborative leader who brings transformative insights to any boardroom.

Ismail Muftau

Ismail Muftau is a seasoned legal professional with extensive expertise in civil and criminal litigation, labour and employment law, corporate insolvency, debt recovery, arbitration, mediation, and legal scholarship.

Called to the Nigerian Bar, Ismail is also a member of the Law Society of British Columbia, currently in the final stages of his licensure to practice law in Canada.

He currently works with a criminal defense law firm in British Columbia, contributing to the just administration of justice.

Previously, he served as a Court Clerk at BC Provincial Court, ensuring smooth courtroom operations, precise documentation, and effective communication with legal stakeholders.

In Nigeria, as Counsel at Jackson, Etti & Edu, Ismail managed complex litigation cases spanning corporate and commercial law, labour and employment law, and corporate insolvency.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK, and has gained significant experience in arbitration and mediation.

Ismail holds a Master of Laws (LL.M Research) from the Peter A. Allard School of Law, University of British Columbia, where his thesis focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), its implementation challenges, and solutions for overcoming them.

He served as the Vice President Academic of the UBC Graduate Students Society from 2022-2023 and his exemplary leadership earned him the Graduate Students Leadership and Service Award in 2023.

Beyond his legal career, Ismail is deeply committed to equity and inclusion.

He volunteered with the UBC Medical School Writing Group from 2020 to 2024, contributing to the development of EDI initiatives in the admissions process to support Black students.

He also volunteers with the Community Legal Assistance Society, assisting complainants in drafting human rights claims.

Additionally, he is an active volunteer with the Low Entropy Foundation.

With robust skills in legal writing, advocacy, and community engagement, Ismail remains dedicated to driving meaningful impact in the legal profession and broader community.

Michael Opeoluwa Fagbohun

Researcher | Mentor | Climate Action Advocate | Nonprofit Leader

Michael Fagbohun is a seasoned information professional and an advocate for youth empowerment, climate action, and academia.

With a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees in Information Science, Michael’s career reflects his dedication to academic excellence and impactful community development.

Renowned for his passion for social entrepreneurship, Michael founded the Enactus Covenant University team in 2016 and led it to remarkable successes.

Under his leadership, the team executed green projects benefiting over 1,000 rural dwellers in Ogun State, Nigeria.

These initiatives secured top placements at the Enactus Nigeria Annual National Competitions and represented Nigeria at the Enactus World Cup, including in Silicon Valley (2019) and online (2020).

In 2021, the team earned the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) Award in the “Whole System Approach” category, making Covenant University the first African university to receive such recognition.

Michael’s expertise also extends to capacity building.

He has trained African youth under programs with the African Development Bank and Microsoft, inspiring future leaders and innovators.

As Chair of the Icon of Change Initiative (2018–2023), he led initiatives addressing social inequalities.

He continues to serve as a Board Member for the Shella Quest Foundation and the Dudu Aid Society, organizations dedicated to supporting marginalized communities.

An accomplished researcher, Michael has authored over 35 publications, encompassing areas such as knowledge organization, metadata systems, semantic web technologies, and community-based learning.

His ability to integrate research with social advocacy underscores his commitment to using information science as a tool for societal transformation.

Recently, Michael completed the SCOPE Cohort 4 Program with MOSAIC, aimed at equipping professionals to better support and represent marginalized populations.

His participation enhances his effectiveness as a board member and aligns with his advocacy for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Michael remains steadfast in creating opportunities that empower underrepresented groups and drive systemic change.

Through his multifaceted roles as a mentor, leader, and advocate, Michael exemplifies a life dedicated to sustainable impact and social justice.

Dr. Samsel Kenston, MD, MPH

Dr. Samsel Kenston is a physician, public health leader, and educator committed to advancing health equity through research, advocacy, and policy development.

With extensive experience spanning several continents, Dr. Kenston’s career highlights the intersection of health systems improvement, environmental justice, and cancer prevention.

With a career rooted in global health leadership, Dr. Kenston has held significant roles in the Ghana Health Service, the Zhejiang Health Directorate in China, the World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland and Canada’s public health sector.

Dr. Kenston also brings extensive leadership experience from his time as President of the Graduate Students Society at UBC and as a UBC Senator, where he worked to advance academic policies promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

His passion for community-centred health advocacy aligns with his commitment to the British Columbia Black Advocacy Society’s mission of fostering an inclusive and equitable future.

Dr. Kenston champions the well-being and prosperity of Black individuals and other underserved communities in British Columbia through collaborative partnerships, research, and community-building.