Prominent legal practitioners, judges and scholars have called for renewed commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence and ethical legal practice as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu-Ode Branch, held its 28th Annual Bar Lecture as part of its 2026 Law Week activities.
The event, held at the newly commissioned NBA Bar Centre in Ijebu-Ode, featured renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, as keynote lecturer. The programme also included a plenary session moderated by A. D. Sosanwo, Esq., Chairman of the Law Week Planning Committee and outgoing Vice Chairman of the branch, alongside Mrs. Elsie O. Olaniyi, ACArb, Notary Public, outgoing Secretary and Vice Chairman-elect.
Panelists included Hon Justice A. A. Omoniyi, High Court Judge, Ogun State Judiciary, Mr. M. B. Ganiyu, Principal, M. B. Ganiyu & Co., and former Chairman of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch, and Mr. Bayo Akinlade, Frontliner, Duty Solicitor Network, Past Chairman NBA Ikorodu Branch.
Delivering a lecture titled “Strengthening the Rule of Law in a Democratic Nigeria,” Falana SAN expressed concern over what he described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic system, warning that conflicting judicial decisions and undue influence on the judiciary could undermine public confidence in governance and electoral processes.
According to him, Nigeria’s democratic experience remains fragile and requires urgent reforms to safeguard judicial credibility and constitutional governance.
The senior advocate criticised contradictory court pronouncements on political and electoral matters, warning that inconsistent judgments could create uncertainty ahead of future elections and weaken democratic institutions.
Falana also renewed calls for full financial autonomy for the judiciary, arguing that genuine judicial independence cannot exist while judges remain dependent on the executive arm of government for welfare packages, official vehicles and other benefits.
“The Constitution has guaranteed financial autonomy for the judiciary. Unless we implement it fully, we cannot completely free judges from executive influence,” he stated.
The lecture was followed by a robust discussion on ethics and professionalism in legal practice, with panelists identifying professional misconduct among some lawyers as a major challenge affecting the administration of justice.
Participants highlighted concerns ranging from poorly prepared court processes, incessant adjournment requests and disregard for professional etiquette to declining respect for senior colleagues and inappropriate courtroom conduct.
Justice Omoniyi stressed the need for stricter enforcement of professional standards, insisting that lawyers who violate ethical rules must face appropriate sanctions.
He noted that disciplinary measures remain necessary to preserve the integrity of the legal profession and improve the quality of justice delivery.
The panel also raised concerns over the growing involvement of some lawyers in land-related businesses, warning that such activities could create conflicts of interest and contribute to unethical conduct in property disputes.
Prince Akinlade, on his part, emphasised the importance of continuous professional development, ethical reorientation and mentorship as essential tools for preserving the dignity and credibility of the legal profession.
Speaking with journalists after the session, the outgoing Chairman of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch, Prof Chief Fassy Adetokunboh Olore Yusuf, observed that challenges confronting the rule of law extend beyond lawyers alone.
While acknowledging concerns about professional misconduct within the Bar, he noted that the justice sector also faces challenges involving judicial officers and other stakeholders, stressing that strengthening the rule of law requires collective responsibility.
Prof. Chief Fassy Yusuf urged lawyers, judges, public officials and citizens to uphold the principles of justice, accountability, integrity and fairness in order to deepen democratic governance and strengthen public confidence in the legal system.
Participants at the lecture unanimously agreed that building a stronger democracy requires not only an independent judiciary but also a legal profession anchored on ethics, discipline, professionalism and unwavering commitment to justice.
Other prominent juries at the event include The Hon. The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, FICMC, FHNR., Hon. Justice Adebisi F. Segun, President Customary Court of Appeal, Abeokuta, Hon. Justice C.C. Ogunsanya, Administrative Judge, Ijebu ode Judicial Division, Hon. Justice O H. Oyajinmi, Chief Registrar, Ogun State Judiciary- Mr. O. L. Oke, DCR Legal- Mr. S. O. Banwo, Mr. I. M. Orekoya, Administrative Chief Magistrate, Ijebu Ode magisterial district and many more.
The Annual Bar Lecture was one of the major highlights of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch’s 2026 Law Week and attracted judges, legal practitioners, academics, government officials and members of the public from across Nigeria.
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