The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Thursday called on the Oyo state government to rebuild the current security architecture in the state in order to address the rising wave of insecurity.
According to the Association, the recent kidnapping incidents in the capital city is an indication that more needs to be done to provide a safer and more secure atmosphere for lives and property.
The Association spoke through the Chairman, Ibadan branch, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, at the press conference to herald the 2025 NBA Ibadan Law week.
Noting that the security situation in the state calls for a serious concern, Lawal lamented that Oyo state, once regarded as one of the safest in Nigeria had gradually lost its security advantage due to weakened vigilance and failing security structures.
He said, “Oyo State used to be the most secure state in Nigeria. The security architecture was very tight, but I think the present administration has relaxed, and that’s the effect we are seeing. We can only urge the government to come together, look at the security architecture, and return it to where it was so we can build on it.
“We know the security situation is bad. The federal government and the military are doing their best, but the state government must sit down and look for the best solutions. It is getting very close to us. The recent kidnap of a lady within the capital city and not in the bush shows that nobody is safe.
“We can only urge the governor to ensure that he brings together his security team to rework and rejig the architecture. There is need for the governor and the Commissioner of Police to sit down and look at the security architecture for the people to be more safer and secure.”
Lawal also appealed to the Commissioner of Police in the state to urgently overhaul the state’s security framework, saying, “The Commissioner of Police must rejig the security architecture of the state. We must make sure that lives and properties are safe.”
Speaking on the forthcoming event, he said the 2025 NBA Ibadan Law Week, which will run from Friday, December 12 to Wednesday, December 17, is expected to feature a blend of intellectual discussions, social engagements, and professional development sessions.
Also speaking on the schedule of events, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and former Oyo State Attorney-General, Oluseun Abimbola (SAN) said the upcoming Law Week has been designed as both a professional and social platform for lawyers.
Abimbola said, “This is not just a business or working event alone. It is also a social event. We will be receiving those newly admitted into the profession. We have invited the governor, members of the executive council, and several dignitaries.”
He said the event with the theme: “Law, ethics and innovation: sustaining the future of legal practice”, highlights the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and the cyber economy on business operations and legal practice.
He said, “AI is an evolution and a revolution. One can propose legislation, but the boundaries of AI are still unfolding.”
According to him, while technological innovation is opening up new opportunities, it is also presenting fresh regulatory challenges.
“These are advancements across various fields. It is not so much about creating too many new laws, but about growing legislation and regulations in a way that allows business to expand,” he remarked.
Abimbola added that although the Central Bank of Nigeria has begun regulating cryptocurrency, the process remains ongoing.
He said, “Regulation is still evolving, and that’s why we now have e-bank structures. It is a continuing evolution of regulation.”
“The Law Week will open on Friday with a soccer competition, followed by a pitch party. Members will gather on Sunday for a thanksgiving service at St. Anne’s Church, Molete, before attending “The Engagement”, a stage play by the University of Ibadan’s Department of Theatre Arts.
“The formal opening ceremony will hold on Monday, with renowned legal scholar Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN) scheduled to deliver the keynote address. The programme will also feature a medical outreach. Tuesday will host a panel session on Lawyer Ethics and Practice, chaired by Justice Bolaji Yusuf of the Court of Appeal, while Wednesday’s discussions will focus on taxation, led by tax expert Teslim Olanrewaju Akinsola (Onigegewura).
“The association will also hold an essay competition in honour of the late journalist Segun Aderibigbe, sponsored by Abimbola, while the annual bar dinner will be chaired by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN).
“Special awards will also be presented to notable individuals, including Hammed Raji, Dotun Sanusi, and the chairperson of BOVAS, in recognition of their contributions to legal development and societal growth.”
