The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), yesterday urged legal practitioners to defend citizens’ fundamental rights and uphold the rule of law.
He made it clear that nobody should behave in a manner that suggests they are above the law.
Fagbemi spoke at the inauguration of the Kofo Salam-Alada Bar and Library Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko branch in Ondo State.
The minister said the law must apply equally to public officials and private individuals, regardless of their positions or influence.
He warned against discrimination and favouritism in the administration of justice.
“No individual or institution should be above the law, and everybody should be below the law to be protected,” Fagbemi said.
The AGF urged lawyers to discharge their duties with integrity and courage, noting that public confidence in the justice system depended on their commitment, alongside that of judges, to fairness and accountability.
He said the legal profession extended beyond courtroom advocacy to protecting individual rights, promoting peaceful coexistence and ensuring that justice was accessible to all.
Fagbemi also called for stronger collaboration between the Bar and the Bench to improve justice delivery, reduce delays in court proceedings, and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.
The minister urged the NBA to use the new centre to promote legal education, professional development, mentorship, and ethical practice, particularly among young lawyers.
But he said the newly built facility should also serve as a platform for legal discourse and community engagement, with particular attention to vulnerable and underserved communities.
Fagbemi also called for closer cooperation among the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, the NBA, and other stakeholders to strengthen justice institutions, protect judicial independence and uphold constitutional governance.
He urged lawyers to embrace technological advancements and continuous learning to meet the changing demands of the profession
The minister congratulated Salam-Alada, a former Chief Director of Legal Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), describing him as a professional whose contributions had benefited Ikare-Akoko and the wider Akoko community.
Former NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) said disagreements and criticisms are essential to democracy, provided they do not incite violence or advocate the violent overthrow of government.
Osigwe urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing that transparency and fairness were necessary for credible polls.
The former NBA president urged political actors to shun violence and allow candidates to campaign freely while voters exercise their rights without fear.
The Chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko branch, Omotan Ogunmodede, said the centre would ease some of the financial challenges facing young lawyers.
He said its free library would provide access to research materials, while lawyers without offices could use the facility to meet clients.
Salam-Alada said his investment in the project was driven by his commitment to community development and a desire to give back to his place of origin.
The lawyer stated that friends and associates who had benefited from his mentorship and support contributed to the project, adding that he was surprised when the centre was named after him.
Ogunmodede promised to continue supporting the socio-economic development of Akoko and Ondo State, urging other indigenes to contribute to their communities.
A former Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker Taofeeq Abdulsalam lauded the initiative, saying Salam-Alada’s goodwill helped mobilise support for the project.
Abdulsalam, who was the pioneer chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko branch, expressed optimism that the new facility would strengthen unity and cooperation among the people.