The 3rd plenary session at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch Annual Law Conference held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, sparked a heated and candid conversation on the topic, “Integrity and Professional Conduct in Legal Practice.” Leading legal minds called for urgent reforms within the judiciary and legal profession to restore public trust and reestablish the nobility of the Bar.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Osaro Eghobamien, emphasized the need for a comprehensive reformation of the Bar and judiciary. He noted that while the National Judicial Council (NJC) was originally established to drive reforms in the justice system, it has become ineffective and “not fit for purpose.” According to him, without meaningful structural changes, the integrity of the legal system will continue to erode.
Echoing similar sentiments, businessman and panelist Mr. Austin Avuru decried the current state of the judiciary, describing it as a “nightmare” for citizens who have increasingly lost confidence in the legal system. He stressed that any framework that would enhance judicial effectiveness would be welcomed, especially by the private sector, which often relies on a functioning legal system to conduct business.
Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN, criticized the appointment process to the bench, which she said is driven by selfish interests rather than merit. She called for a shift from emotional reactions to rational decision-making in judicial appointments. “There should be sanctions to make everyone sit up,” she said, advocating for stricter accountability mechanisms to improve performance and professionalism across the board.
Another speaker, Akinlawon, SAN, observed that the rising influence of the political Bar has compromised the independence of the judiciary. She urged the legal profession to prioritize self-regulation and uphold the ethical standards of the practice. Similarly, Mr. Soji Apampa pointed out that the crisis of integrity is not limited to the legal field but is a reflection of broader societal issues affecting all professions.
The session made it clear that while the judiciary faces significant challenges, the legal community must lead the charge in restoring credibility, promoting reform, and protecting the rule of law in Nigeria.
Panelists in this session include: Mrs Abimbola Akeredolu, SAN ( Partner, Banwo & Ighodalo), Mrs Titi Akinlawon, SAN (Founding Partner, Akinlawon & Ojomo), Mr Austin Avuru (Non-Executive Director , Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd) and Mr Soji Apampa (Chair, Convention of Business Integrity).
The Panel was Chaired by Mr Osaro Eghobabien, SAN (Managing Partner, Litigation, Arbitration & Dispute Resolution , Perchstone & Graeys).
