The 28th Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu-Ode Branch, came to a colourful close on Friday night as the outgoing Chairman, Chief Prof. Fassy Adetokunboh O. Yusuf, formally handed over leadership of the branch after a two-year tenure marked by landmark achievements, including the completion of the ultra-modern Bamofin Adedeji Bar Centre.
The event, which attracted judges, magistrates, senior advocates, legal practitioners, government officials and distinguished guests, also featured the inauguration of a new executive committee led by Mr. Gbenga Tajudeen Adeiye, who will steer the affairs of the branch for the next two years.
For many participants, the evening was as much a celebration of Prof. Yusuf’s administration as it was the beginning of a new chapter for the branch.
Under his leadership, the branch witnessed significant infrastructural growth, enhanced professional engagement and the successful delivery of projects that many members described as transformative for the legal community in Ijebu Land.
One of the major highlights of his tenure was the completion and commissioning of the Bamofin Adedeji Bar Centre, a project widely regarded as a milestone in the history of the branch. The facility, donated by Chief Aderibigbe Adedeji, SAN, provides a permanent and befitting home for legal practitioners in the area.
Prof. Yusuf also earned commendation for strengthening the intellectual and professional profile of the branch through impactful law week programmes, advocacy initiatives and sustained engagement on issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice as well as personally building the Fassy Yusuf Cafeteria beside the Bar Center.
The outgoing chairman received warm tributes from members and guests who praised his dedication, visionary leadership and commitment to the growth of the branch.
The dinner and awards ceremony equally provided an opportunity to recognise individuals and institutions whose contributions have supported the development of the legal profession and the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch.
Among those honoured were Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Chairman of the Government Advisory Committee Chief Wole Okuboyejo, former Minister of State for Health Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, and Chief Aderibigbe Adedeji, SAN, whose donation of the Bar Centre received special acknowledgement.
A particularly emotional moment came when the immediate past Secretary of the branch and newly sworn-in Vice Chairman, Mrs. Elsie O. Olaniyi, ACArb, Notary Public, was specially recognised for her exceptional service and commitment to the association. The honour, accompanied by a personal token from Prof. Yusuf, drew prolonged applause from members and guests.
The NBA Ijebu-Ode Football Team was also celebrated and presented with a trophy for emerging victorious during the sporting activities organised as part of the Law Week.
Following the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Prof. Yusuf formally handed over the reins of leadership to Mr. Gbenga Tajudeen Adeiye, who was sworn in alongside other members of the newly elected executive.
Also inaugurated were Mrs. Elsie O. Olaniyi as Vice Chairman, Mrs. Mojisola Adebanjo as Secretary, Mr. Dele Okenla as Treasurer, Tolulope S. Ajayi, Esq- Assistant Secretary, Abiola A. Ogundile, Esq- Financial Secretary, O. O. Adekoya, Esq- Social Secretary, Olufadeke Osinloye, Esq- Welfare Secretary
High Chief O. O. Ogunsefunmi, Esq- Publicity Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Adeiye paid glowing tribute to the outgoing administration, acknowledging the solid foundation laid by Prof. Yusuf and pledging to build upon its achievements.
He assured members that his administration would prioritise welfare, professional development, discipline, continuous legal education and the promotion of the rule of law.
Adeiye unveiled plans to establish a dedicated welfare fund, strengthen the proposed NBA cooperative society, facilitate land acquisition opportunities for members and improve participation in NBA national conferences and programmes.
The new chairman also promised to maintain an open-door policy and ensure that members remain actively involved in decision-making processes.
On the issue of professional ethics, he pledged to strengthen disciplinary mechanisms within the branch in response to concerns raised by judges, magistrates and senior lawyers regarding misconduct among some practitioners.
He further assured that the branch would continue to defend citizens’ rights, uphold the rule of law and constructively engage government on policies affecting the public interest.
As the curtains fell on the 2026 Law Week, members reflected on the accomplishments of the outgoing administration while expressing optimism that the Adeiye-led executive would consolidate on the progress recorded under Prof. Fassy Yusuf.
The successful transition marked the end of a significant chapter in the history of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch and the beginning of another phase aimed at advancing professional excellence, members’ welfare and the pursuit of justice.
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