- The NBA faced backlash after video criticism of “junior lawyers” receiving special recognition at its 2025 Annual Conference in Enugu
- NBA AGCPC Chair Emeka Obegolu stated the panel choices reflected President Afam Osigwe’s mandate for an all-inclusive Bar
- Dino Melaye’s participation was unplanned; he filled in after three panellists failed to appear, speaking on maritime security and legislative oversight
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has defended its decision to include former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye, activist Deji Adeyanju, and several young lawyers as panellists during its recently concluded Annual General Conference held in Enugu.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Chairman of the NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee (AGCPC), Emeka Obegolu, SAN, said the inclusion of these individuals was consistent with the association’s core values of inclusiveness and diversity.
The conference, which concluded just days ago, sparked online controversy after a video emerged showing lawyer Timothy Tugbiyele criticising what he called “special recognition” given to individuals he labelled as “very junior lawyers.”
Responding to the backlash, Obegolu clarified that the inclusion of these voices was not arbitrary but aligned with the NBA President’s mandate for an all-inclusive Bar.
“When the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, constituted and inaugurated the AGCPC, he charged us with a singular mandate – to give Nigerian lawyers and guests a memorable experience,” Obegolu said. “Within that overall charge was a specific directive to ensure that his promise of an all-inclusive Bar was reflected in all facets of the 2025 conference programme.”
Obegolu acknowledged that some attendees questioned the presence of figures like former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, Deji Adeyanju, and Dino Melaye. However, he emphasised that all panellists contributed within the scope of their expertise.
He noted that Chidoka participated in a session titled “Setting Forth at Dawn” due to his early rise to public service, while Kanayo O. Kanayo moderated the same panel as a Nollywood pioneer who had achieved success at a young age.
Regarding Adeyanju, Obegolu explained that the activist appeared in a human rights panel alongside senior legal practitioners. “May that day never come when we refuse to feature young lawyers even though we talk about inclusiveness,” he remarked.
Obegolu also addressed Melaye’s appearance, clarifying that the former senator’s participation had not been prearranged.
“Three panellists did not show up, and we appealed to Senator Dino Melaye to step in,” he explained. “I wonder who would object to having a former legislator, a senator at that, speaking on such an issue—maritime security from the perspective of legislative oversight. But then, what do I know!”
The AGCPC chairman reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to offering a platform for young professionals and unconventional voices in its programmes, asserting that inclusivity is essential to the Bar’s growth and relevance in modern Nigeria.
As the debate continues online and among legal professionals, the NBA appears resolute in its position—that the future of the legal profession must include a diversity of voices, experiences, and perspectives.
Kekere-Ekun set to succeed Ariwoola, to become second female Chief Justice of Nigeria
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun was set to succeed Ariwoola as the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). This would make Kekere-Ekun the second female CJN in the history of Nigeria.
The incumbent, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, would be retiring as a result of the mandatory retirement age of 70 for a chief justice of Nigeria, which is provided in section 291(1) of the Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
