Judiciary

NBA Raises Alarm over Osun JUSUN’s Prolonged Strike

By Web News 195

By Adenitan Akinola

The Forum of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Branches in Osun State has said that the ongoing shutdown of the judicial arm of government may plunge the state into a constitutional crisis capable of inviting a declaration of a state of emergency if urgent steps are not taken.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and other top state officials, the association described the prolonged industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) as a direct threat to law, order and democratic stability.

“We want Your Excellency to note that the prolonged paralysis of the Judiciary may also attract escalated Federal attention, considered as inability of the State to maintain law and order through its Judicial institutions and lead to constitutional breakdown, which, in extreme scenarios, may justify a declaration of a state of emergency, which we do not pray for in Osun State.” The NBA said.

The letter, dated December 8, 2025, and signed by Mauruf Adeniran, Chairman Osogbo, Niyi Akinsola Chairman Ikirun, F.O Ajani Chairman Iwo, Ayodele Olawoye, Chairman, Ife and Raymond Oki Chairman, Ilesa branches, called for immediate intervention to avert what it termed a looming breakdown of governance.

The crisis began on September 22, 2025, when JUSUN embarked on an indefinite strike over unpaid allowances, delayed promotions and the alleged non-sitting of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Since then, all courts in the state have remained closed, leaving litigants stranded, commercial transactions halted and criminal justice completely stalled.

According to the NBA, its various branches have made several attempts at brokering peace, including holding meetings with JUSUN leadership, the Chief Judge, and the Attorney-General.

The association blamed the stalemate mainly on the alleged refusal of government-appointed members of the Judicial Service Commission to honour invitations to attend a meeting convened by the Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo.

This development, the lawyers said, had crippled the only lawful platform through which JUSUN’s grievances could be deliberated upon and resolved.

“Despite those extensive efforts, no concrete progress has been made, as the JSC has continued to fail to sit due to the refusal of government-appointed members to attend the convened meeting.”

The NBA warned that the absence of a functional judiciary amounts to a direct assault on the rule of law, saying that more troubling, is the fact that the situation has left Osun State exposed to heightened criminality, human rights violations and economic stagnation, posing serious security risks.

In the letter, the Bar leaders stressed that the paralysis of the judicial system could attract the attention of the Federal Government. According to them, when a state is unable to maintain law and order through its judicial institutions, it may be considered to be in constitutional distress an extreme situation that can justify a declaration of a state of emergency.

The association noted that such a scenario would be detrimental to Osun’s image, economy and political stability and urged the governor to act swiftly to avoid forcing the state into the hands of federal emergency administrators. “We do not pray for this in Osun State,” the association emphasized.

The NBA further explained that the judiciary was not just another arm of government, but the stabilizing pillar of democracy. Its continued shutdown threatens the very foundation on which justice, peace and good governance are built. “When it is shut down, the State itself becomes exposed and vulnerable,” the letter added.

The lawyers therefore urged Governor Adeleke to direct JUSUN to suspend the strike and return to work within seven days. They also demanded assurances that the union’s grievances would be addressed through a time-bound and transparent process jointly supervised by the JSC and the Bar.

Additionally, the association called on the governor to immediately mandate the Attorney-General and all JSC members appointed by him to attend all meetings convened by the Chief Judge. Such action, they said, is necessary to restore the Commission to full operation and rekindle public confidence in government.

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Security

Police Lose Officer in Rescue of Edo Customary Court President

By Web News 429

The abducted Edo Area Customary Court President, Mrs. Precious Aigbonoga, has regained her freedom.

The Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Chidi Nwabuzor, who confirmed her rescue on Thursday, said that a police officer was killed during the operation.

Nwabuzor also said Aigbonoga was rescued by the military and police team at a place called Scorpion Hill inside the forest where she was held.

Aigbonoga was kidnapped on Monday around Ugoneki area on her way to Igueben Local Government Area, Edo, where she serves as President, Igueben Area Customary Court.

The Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin Branch, led by Chief Nosa Edo-Osagie, thanked God and those who stood by the family, including the NBA as well as the security agencies who made the release possible.

Also, a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary, Festus Usiobaifo, stated, ”A source told the chairman and his team (Dream Team) that his honour was rescued unhurt in the early hours of today, 12th day of January 2023.

”It was gathered that in the process of rescuing the victim, there was an exchange of heavy gunfire between the police and the bandits which led to one of the gallant police officers paying the ultimate price.”

Usiobaifo said the chairman appreciated the police and also commended them for their prompt intervention in the rescue.

The chairman also commiserated with the state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara, on the loss of the officer.

He said that the chairman and his team appreciated Nigerians, especially members of the Benin Bar, for standing by Aigbonoga’s family during her time in captivity.

NAN/Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Technology

Technology No Longer a Luxury, It’s Our New Way Of Life, Says Osinbajo

By Web News 683

PRESS RELEASE

VP adds: “With tech innovation, the democratization of law and justice now on fast-track”

Technology and the innovations it entail has defined a new way of life, taking technology away from the realms of luxury into the arena of everyday endeavours whether in the professions or in matters of lifestyle generally.

 In fact, the advance of technology is now fast-tracking the democratization of law and justice in Nigeria, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

 Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Thursday in his keynote at the Virtual Law Pavilion Technology Conference with the theme “A New Paradigm in Justice Delivery”. Also at the event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro, SAN, and others addressed the theme of the 2020 Legal Tech Conference.

 According to him, “No one believed the day would come when the Supreme Court would, as it has now done, endorse Virtual Court Proceedings. Or that the day will come when e-filing of court processes will be considered medically safer than physical filing of court processes. 

“Today, even judges, especially older ones, will of course prefer virtual processes to in-person proceedings. Technology and the fourth industrial revolution, are no longer luxuries but they are the inevitable substructure of our new way of life.

 “For the administration of justice system, change has surely come and I am personally excited to see how easily our entire judicial system is willingly adapting to innovation.”

 Speaking further on the impact of technology, the Vice President said with technology and innovation, the democratization of law and justice is now on fast-track. 

According to him, “Tech companies must now innovate even more. We must now have purpose-built virtual-proceedings software that take into account the various needs of trials and other court proceedings. 

“There will be opportunities for retraining of judicial personnel, lawyers, and paralegal staff, the new normal calls for new skills and new ways of doing old things and doing away with many old habits.”

On the need for the entirety of Nigeria’s justice sector to embrace “the new normal”, the Vice President said though no one had predicted that a time would come when authorities would endorse virtual court proceedings, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the adoption of technology for all court processes.

 Referring to the Chief Justice of Nigeria at the event, the Vice President noted that “already, my Lord, the Chief Justice has set the example of adaptation to the new paradigm.”

 Prof. Osinbajo urged lawyers and stakeholders in the justice sector to be prepared for the times ahead by finding alternative and better ways of delivering legal and associated services.

 He said “the next few years will see even more changes. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a bigger role in our court systems, I am told that Law Pavilion is already pioneering an AI-Powered-Speech-to-Text- Transcription System to replace writing in long hand and even the traditional slow stenographic recording. 

“There is also the AI-Powered Document Review System that helps judges quickly extract authorities and laws cited in any legal documents, outlines and analyses the principles relied upon automatically, in seconds. This is aside from the comprehensive court proceedings software that they have now perfected.”

 Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said “…nothing can ever be the same again. Legal practice is also in a flux. Artificial Intelligence will make research a million times faster, the lawyer may no longer be required for several categories of legal advice. 

“There are already apps updated to the latest positions in legislation and case law. The lawyer must become a multi-disciplinary, multi-tasking tech savvy person of affairs,” recalling a description he gave to students of law at a recent function.

 He restated the commitment of the Buhari administration to support technology companies to drive the gradual shift of systems, in the country, to the ‘new normal’.

 In his contribution, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammed said the judiciary which plays a crucial role in the economic development of Nigeria, must embrace changes within the environment so that it will continue to remain relevant in the scheme of things.

 The Legal Tech Conference is organized by the Law Pavilion in partnership with TELNET Nigeria Ltd. The conference is a 2-day virtual event featuring other speakers including Supreme Court Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola; Ondo State Chief Judge, Olarenwaju Olutoyin Akeredolu; Borno State Chief Judge, Kashima Zannah; Ekiti State Attorney General and Justice Commissioner, Olawale Fapohunda; and Mr Dapo Akinosun, Partner, SimmonsCooper, amongst others.

 Laolu Akande,

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity,

Office of the Vice President.

13th August, 2020.

Judiciary

Olumide Akpata Emerges 30th President of NBA

By Web News 906

Olumide Akpata has emerged President of the Nigerian Bar Association with 9891 Votes

Mr Akpata polled 9,891 votes to defeat two senior advocates – Mr Dele Adesina and Dr Babatunde Ajibade.

Ajibade polled 4,328 votes and Adesina 3,982 votes.

Mr Akpata polled 9891 votes (54.3%) out of 18, 256 total votes cast.

The results of the elections were announced by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA) Mr Tawo.E. Tawo.

Other elected officers for the various offices include Mr John Aikpokpo-Martins as NBA First Vice President with a total of 6,010 votes.

Mr Adeyemo Kazeem emerged NBA Second Vice President with 8,794 votes, Mrs Joyce Oduah was elected NBA General Secretary with 8, 979 votes, while

Mrs Uchenna Nwadialo polled 7,314 votes to emerge NBA’s Assistant General Secretary.

Mrs Mercy Agada was elected NBA Treasurer unopposed, Mr Nnamdi Anagor emerged the financial secretary unopposed while Mr Olukunle Edun was elected NBA Welfare Secretary with 9,001 votes.

Dr Rapulu Nduka emerged the NBA Publicity Secretary with 11,964 votes while Mr Naza Afam polled 6,490 votes to emerge NBA Assistant Publicity Secretary.

Akpata expressed appreciation to NBA members for electing him the President, and promised that NBA would record transformation during his administration.

Similarly, Oduah and Edun (General Secretary and Welfare Secretary) thanked God and their supporters for the election, and pledged to live up to their campaign promises

Mr Akpata is a graduate of Law from the University of Benin.

He is a Senior Partner at Templars, a leading commercial law firm.

He will lead the NBA in the next two year.

The new executives will be sworn in at a later date.

FRCN Abuja

Education

Schools Resumption: Nigerian Bar Association Cautions Oyo State Government

By Web News 1120

Press Statement

The attention of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ibadan Branch, is drawn to a directive of the Oyo State Government issued on 15 June 2020 as it concerns the resumption of pupils and students in Primary 6, Junior Secondary School Class 3 and Senior Secondary School Class 3 for academic activities on Monday, 29 June, 2020. 

The rationale for the resumption of the above categories of student is to enhance their preparation for forthcoming state and national examinations.

As at today, Oyo State has recorded 575 confirmed cases of Covid-19, 242 recoveries and 7 deaths. We sympathise with the bereaved and pray for the speedy recovery of those who are infected. We must state that the comparatively low figures above are due to the mercy of God and are direct consequences of the proactive steps taken by the State Government to curb the spread of the deadly disease. We commend the state government under the leadership of our Governor, His Excellency, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE on the efforts put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The new directive for resumption of pupils in final classes in primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools is predicated on the assumption that in the next two weeks Covid-19 would have been eliminated or reduced to the barest level. This may be a very ambitious expectation.

The Government of Oyo State has in the past year invested heavily in education and it is of utmost importance that this huge investment be complemented by policies that focus on the best interest of children. Section 3 of the Child’s Rights Law of Oyo State provides:

In every action concerning a child, whether undertaken by an individual, public or private body, institutions or service, court of law, or administrative or legislative authority, the best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration. (Emphasis supplied)

It is our considered view, and judicial authorities have confirmed this position by recognizing the presumption, that children are naturally playful. One may be demanding too much from them to observe necessary safety precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Regrettably, some of our adult citizens still carry on their activities as if Covid-19 does not exist. In this context, we have not laid down good examples for our children to emulate.

Despite the efforts put in place by the government, particularly the protocols regarding social distancing and use of face mask, majority of our citizens do not adhere to these protocols. Even our transporters ignore safety measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. It is our considered view that opening our schools at this time may create a veritable avenue for community spread of this infectious disease.

There are instances of spikes in infection rates in some countries as a direct result of premature resumption of schools. In Western Cape Province, South Africa, 98 teachers, 1800 students tested positive for Covid-19 almost two weeks after school resumption. Three weeks after Israel reopened the doors to all its schools, 347 pupils and teachers tested positive. These are territories which have better health infrastructure than we do in Nigeria.

While it is desirable that our children, particularly those in the final classes of their present programme, prepare adequately for the state and external examinations they are to write in the nearest future, the immediate concern of Government and all stakeholders should be to secure the constitutional right of our children to life as well as their rights to survival and development and to enjoy the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health guaranteed by the Child’s Right Law of Oyo State, other relevant national laws and norms contained in regional and international instruments. 

In our humble opinion, only children who are alive and in sound health can sit and pass examinations. It is only through these healthy children the investment of government and parents and guardians will not be wasted.

On the auspicious occasion of the International Day of the African Child celebrated today, the 16th day of June, 2020 we call on the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, to reconsider the decision that schools some pupils and students resume on the 29th day of June, 2020, until there is sufficient scientific evidence that positively indicates that the safety and well-being of our pupils and students, their teachers and other workers, their parents and guardians and other family members, and the good people of Oyo State, are guaranteed.

We therefore appeal to the Government of Oyo State under the dynamic leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde to rescind the decision to reopen schools. We are assured of a decision in the best interest of children.

Dated this 16th day of June, 2020 

Oluwole Akintayo 

Chairman 

Akeem A. Okelola Secretary

Lifestyle

Followers’ Unreasonable Requests, Main Cause of Mismanagement – Prof. Olorunnisola

By Web News 991

Unaffordable requests from political office holders have been identified as a major cause of mismanagement of the nation’s resources.

Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, Professor Ayo Olorunisola stated this at the fifth edition of the interactive workshop of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter.

At the program called “My Profession”, Professor Olorunnisola noted that the nation’s economy was not being properly managed because political office holders were trying to meet up with the demands of their followers which they cannot naturally fulfil.

He called on Nigerians to stop putting their personal demands on political office holders, and allow them to concentrate on governance.

Speaking on the legal profession, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan Branch, Dr. Oluwole Akintayo called for discipline among members to maintain the integrity of the profession.

The Vice-Chairman, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Kola Lawal, said the workshop was organized for professionals from various fields to interact and to enlighten secondary school students how they can choose their careers.

The workshop was attended by students from various secondary schools in Ibadan.

Sunday Ogunyemi