Legal luminary and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb(UK), has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the NBA Ikeja Branch on the occasion of its 2025 Annual Law Week. In a goodwill message delivered to commemorate the event, Akangbe lauded the Branch for its consistency in thought leadership and commended the theme of this year’s celebration, “Preserving the Legal Profession for Tomorrow,” describing it as both timely and necessary.
In his remarks, Akangbe called for bold and practical reforms to secure the future of the legal profession in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for better remuneration for young lawyers, the adoption of technology to enhance the speed of justice delivery, and financial independence for the Bar. He also called on the legal community to hold accountable those who deliberately frustrate the course of justice, stating that “the future won’t preserve itself — it’s on us.”
Read full statement below;
I heartily congratulate the Branch Executive Committee, the Planning Committee, and the entire membership of NBA Ikeja Branch on the occasion of your 2025 Annual Law Week!
Your chosen theme, “Preserving the Legal Profession for Tomorrow” speaks directly to the heart of what matters most today. It’s not just timely, it’s absolutely necessary.
To truly safeguard the future of our noble profession, we must start confronting a few hard truths:
1. Lawyers, especially young ones, deserve better remuneration.
2. We must embrace technology to speed up justice.
3. The Bar must find ways to fund itself, for over-reliance on the Executive Arm of Government threatens our independence.
4. And yes, we must call out and sanction lawyers who aid in delaying justice.
The future won’t preserve itself — it’s on us. And conversations like the ones you’re hosting this week are a step in the right direction.
I commend NBA Ikeja for always raising the bar.
Wishing you a successful and impactful celebration!
Warm regards,
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb(UK).
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch
