As the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Garki Branch marks its 2025 Annual Law Week, renowned legal luminary and former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, has delivered a powerful goodwill message urging legal professionals to embrace technology as a vital tool for deepening transparency, accountability, and access to justice. Speaking in alignment with the theme of the event, “Law, Technology and Society,” Akangbe emphasized the transformative role of digital innovations in justice delivery and democratic governance.
Citing advances such as virtual court proceedings, electronic transmission of election results, and digital evidence management, Akangbe noted that resistance to technological reform often stems from a fear of disruption to entrenched interests. Quoting Lord Denning, he warned against stagnation in the legal system, encouraging members of the legal community to champion innovation that aligns with the aspirations of a progressive society.
Read full statement below;
I extend warm congratulations to the Executive Committee, Law Week planning committee and entire membership of the NBA Garki Branch as you commemorate your 2025 Annual Law Week.
The theme: Law, Technology and Society, could not be more timely. Technology has become an inevitable force in shaping the future of justice delivery and democratic governance. From virtual courtrooms to digital evidence management, and even the electronic transmission of election results, the legal profession must not shy away from the tools that can deepen transparency, accountability, and access to justice.
As Lord Denning wisely observed in Parker v. Parker (1953): “If we never do anything which has not been done before, we shall never get anywhere. The law will stand still while the rest of the world goes on…”
Indeed, those who resist technological reforms in our electoral process often do so not out of caution, but from a deep-seated fear that technology may frustrate their desperation. They do not wish the people’s will to prevail.
Let this Law Week inspire a bold embrace of innovation and a renewed commitment to justice that serves society’s best aspirations.
Congratulations once again.
Warm regards,
LATEEF OMOYEMI AKANGBE SAN, FCIArb(UK)
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch
