The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Dutse Branch has received a goodwill message from Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, FCIArb(UK), former Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, as it commences its 2025 Law Week. The event, themed “Upholding Justice through Ethical Advocacy,” focuses on the pivotal role of integrity and professional ethics in the delivery of justice.
In his message, Akangbe commended the branch for choosing a theme he described as both timely and necessary, stressing that justice cannot thrive in the absence of character among those entrusted with its dispensation. He noted that while corruption in the judiciary often draws public criticism, its roots can sometimes be traced to lapses within the legal profession itself, urging lawyers to lead the charge in restoring honour and credibility to the justice system.
Read full statement below;
I congratulate the Executive committee, planning committee and the entire membership of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dutse Branch, on your 2025 Law Week, themed “Upholding Justice through Ethical Advocacy.”
This theme is both timely and necessary. There can be no true justice if the individuals who oversee its delivery lack character. Corruption in the judiciary does not begin in the courtroom, it begins at the Bar. Judges are appointed from the rank of lawyers; what we do not possess, we cannot offer. Indeed, most unethical practices within the judicial system bear the fingerprints of legal practitioners.
However, the mistakes of a few should not lead to labelling all our judges as corrupt.
Many of them still serve with honour, integrity, and a strong sense of justice.
The truth is clear: no structural or systemic reform can succeed without ethical reform. As we seek to uphold justice, we must begin with ourselves – restoring integrity, honour, and courage to the practice of law.
I commend the Dutse Branch for this bold focus, and I wish you a successful and impactful Law Week.
Warm regards,
LATEEF OMOYEMI AKANGBE, SAN, FCIArb(UK)
Former Chairman NBA Lagos Branch.
