In yet another significant development for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential race, Mr. Ebun Sofunde, SAN, one of Nigeria’s most senior and respected legal practitioners, has officially endorsed Tobenna Erojikwe for the position of NBA President.
Sofunde, a founding member of his law firm and one of the most senior Senior Advocates of Nigeria in active practice, brings considerable weight to this endorsement. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1972 and conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1988, Sofunde is widely respected in the legal community. The 2016 Chambers Global Directory described him as a “widely respected litigator,” noting his extensive experience in both commercial and public law litigation.
In his endorsement, Sofunde revealed that he had engaged in in-depth discussions with Erojikwe about the current state of the Bar. He stated, “I have had an opportunity to discuss a range of issues regarding the current state of the Bar with Mr Tobenna Erojikwe and find his ideas of the future direction of travel for the Bar very refreshing.”
Sofunde’s endorsement goes beyond mere approval, expressing confidence in Erojikwe’s ability to lead the NBA through its current challenges. He emphasised, “I feel extremely satisfied and confident to endorse him as a candidate that I am not only proud to call my President, but one that has the wherewithal to lead the NBA out of woods and reach for greater heights.”
The senior advocate’s statement suggests that Erojikwe’s vision for the NBA aligns with the needs of the association, as perceived by one of its most experienced members. This endorsement could potentially sway many undecided voters, particularly those who hold Sofunde’s opinions in high regard.
Concluding his endorsement, Sofunde made a direct appeal to NBA members, stating, “Therefore, I believe Tobenna is the MAN for the job and implore you to vote for him in the forthcoming elections.”
This endorsement from such a senior figure in the Nigerian legal community adds significant credibility to Erojikwe’s campaign. It suggests that Erojikwe’s ideas and vision for the NBA resonate not only with younger lawyers but also with highly experienced practitioners who have witnessed the evolution of the association over decades.
As the NBA presidential election approaches, this endorsement could potentially influence the discourse surrounding the candidates’ qualifications and visions for the association. It remains to be seen how other senior members of the Bar will respond and whether this will prompt further high-profile endorsements in the final stretch of the campaign.
The upcoming NBA election is poised to be a crucial moment for the association, with the chosen leader expected to navigate the complex challenges facing the legal profession in Nigeria. Sofunde’s endorsement suggests that many see Erojikwe as uniquely qualified to lead this charge, potentially setting the stage for a transformative period in the NBA’s history.
