A major milestone was recorded in the legal profession in Ogun State on Tuesday as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu-Ode Branch, commissioned its long-awaited Bar Centre, an ultra-modern facility donated by the Bamofin of Ijebu Land, Chief Aderibigbe Adedeji, SAN.
The project, described by stakeholders as the first completed Bar Centre among NBA branches in Ogun State, is expected to serve as a hub for legal practice, professional development, research, mentorship and administrative activities for lawyers in Ijebu Land.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Chief Adedeji disclosed that the project comprises two sections. The first is the main hall, while the second is a two-storey secretariat housing offices for NBA executives, a 20-seater boardroom, reception area, business centre, lawyers’ lounge, changing rooms, conveniences and a law library.
According to him, the facility represents more than a physical structure, describing it as the foundation of a broader vision aimed at advancing legal practice and nurturing future generations of lawyers.
“This project is the beginning of a vision, not the vision itself. The vision is to make this place a workstation that will produce successful professionals and inspire younger lawyers to attain the highest heights in the profession,” he said.
The legal luminary explained that the centre would facilitate continuing legal education through conferences, seminars and training programmes, in line with evolving professional standards and legal reforms.
Chief Adedeji recounted how he became involved in the project after being approached by the Chairman of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch, Prof. Fassy Adetokunboh O. Yusuf, about three years ago. What began as a casual discussion eventually culminated in his commitment to deliver the project.
In his welcome address, Prof. Yusuf expressed profound appreciation to Chief Adedeji for undertaking and completing the landmark project and while talking guest around the premises he also disclosed that, as his personal contribution towards enhancing the facility, he sponsored the construction of the Bar Centre’s cafeteria to complement the donor’s vision and further improve the functionality of the complex for members of the branch.
Chief Adedeji further expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government for granting the necessary approvals that enabled the project to become a reality and appealed to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, to assist with the construction of a paved access road leading to the facility.
According to him, initial plans to access the centre through the court premises were abandoned after security concerns were identified, making a dedicated access road necessary.
The donor dedicated the facility to the memory of the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, whom he credited for supporting the realisation of the project.
Representing the Ogun State Ministry of Justice, the Permanent Secretary described the commissioning as a historic achievement, noting that the facility was the first completed Bar Centre among NBA branches in the state.
He commended Chief Adedeji’s generosity, describing the donation as a remarkable example of professional responsibility and service to the legal community.
“This is more than the unveiling of a building. It is the laying of a foundation for greater collegiality, learning, welfare and service to the Bar and to Ijebu Land,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the centre would provide an environment where lawyers could interact, learn, grow professionally and better serve society.
Earlier, elder statesman and former NBA Ijebu-Ode Chairman, Chief O.B. Okuboyejo, traced the history of the branch’s quest for a permanent Bar Centre, revealing that the struggle dated back to 1999 when he assumed office as chairman.
According to him, members of the branch initially operated from a small section of a garage allocated by the judiciary and had for decades dreamt of owning a befitting facility.
He disclosed that successive chairmen pursued the vision through fundraising efforts and donations from members and well-wishers, but the project remained elusive despite several attempts.
Chief Okuboyejo recalled that the branch had already secured approvals and commenced foundation work when news emerged that Chief Adedeji was willing to undertake the project.
He admitted that many members initially found the offer difficult to believe, particularly when the donor proposed demolishing the existing structure and constructing an entirely new facility from the foundation level.
“I thought it was too good to be true. We had pursued this dream for many years. The first time I returned to the site after hearing about the project, the roof was already up. I asked whether the gentleman was a magician,” he said.
While expressing gratitude to the donor, Chief Okuboyejo described the project as a lifelong gift to the legal community and future generations of lawyers in Ijebu Land.
He, however, expressed disappointment over the absence of some key government and judicial officials at the commissioning ceremony, noting that the significance of the occasion deserved wider official recognition.
The commissioning formed part of activities marking the 2026 Annual Law Week of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch and attracted legal practitioners, government officials, members of the Bench and Bar, and distinguished guests including Balogun Adesegun Adebayo, NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch Chairman (1996–1999); Mr. Kunle Olujobi; Mr. Olaitan Olusegun; Otunba Tokunbo Owotomo, retired Permanent Secretary; Prince Adesoji Adedeji; Dr. A. Adebayo; Mr. Bidemi Ademola Bello, SAN; and Mr. G.T. Adeiye, the incoming Chairman of the branch.
Mr. G. T. Adeiye, the incoming chairman of the branch
Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed that the new Bar Centre would not only strengthen legal practice in Ijebu Land but also stand as a lasting legacy of philanthropy, professional excellence and commitment to the advancement of justice.
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