At the Alao Aka-Bashorun CON Memorial Lecture held on Thursday, 17th July 2025, during the Ikeja Branch Law Week, Mr. Tobenna Erojikwe delivered a powerful message that echoed the frustrations and concerns of many within the legal profession. Speaking on the topic, “Fall in the Standard of the Legal Profession, Who Do We Blame?”, he addressed the uncomfortable reality of a failing system and emphasized the need for collective responsibility. According to him, “There is a poor legal system; everybody must start being interested in what belongs to everyone. We must change the system.”
Mr. Erojikwe’s remarks cut to the heart of the matter, the decline in legal standards is not the fault of one person, institution, or generation. It is the result of years of neglect, lack of accountability, and a failure to reform critical aspects of legal education and practice. He lamented the absence of a solid post-education training regime, noting that young lawyers are often left to navigate the profession without proper guidance, mentorship, or continuous learning structures that should support their growth.
The legal profession, he argued, cannot thrive in a system that rewards mediocrity or ignores the importance of ethical conduct, excellence, and innovation. To preserve the legal profession for tomorrow, Mr. Erojikwe urged lawyers, young and old to take ownership of the system and work together to build a more accountable, inclusive, and forward-thinking legal culture. This includes advocating for reforms in legal education, active participation in bar activities, and ensuring that professional standards are upheld at all times.
As the week-long Law Week came to a close, his message served as a wake-up call to the entire legal community. The responsibility to fix the system lies not only with the leaders but with every lawyer committed to the future of the profession. If tomorrow’s legal system is to be better, it starts with honest conversations today and more importantly, with bold, united action.
