By Titus Eleweke
Renowned human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has challenged the newly elected President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, to undertake sweeping reforms and restore confidence in the legal profession.
Ejiofor, in his weekend column titled “Weekend Musings: The New Baton at the Bar: Beyond the Ceremony, the Real Work Begins,” said the new NBA administration must move beyond the excitement surrounding the transition and confront the challenges affecting lawyers and the justice system.
He urged the NBA leadership to enforce professional discipline without fear or favour, insisting that there must be “no sacred cows” in the fight against misconduct.
According to him, a young lawyer should not be disciplined while a senior colleague is excused, just as an unpopular practitioner should not be prosecuted while an influential lawyer is protected.
“The dignity of the profession cannot be selectively defended. The Bar must also turn its searchlight inward,” he said.
Ejiofor also called for stronger protection of judicial independence alongside accountability within the judiciary.
He argued that judicial independence and accountability must go together, explaining that the legal profession should be courageous enough to address allegations of corruption, delay, indiscipline and professional misconduct within the justice system.
The human rights lawyer further drew attention to the welfare and economic challenges confronting lawyers, particularly young practitioners.
He said the NBA should make lawyers’ welfare a measurable policy objective, noting concerns over low remuneration, rising costs of legal practice and unequal access to professional opportunities.
Ejiofor also criticised some logistical challenges experienced during the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, including flooding around the conference venue.
He said the incident highlighted the need for better planning and contingency arrangements at major professional gatherings.
Congratulating Badejo-Okusanya on becoming the 33rd President of the NBA, Ejiofor said her historic emergence should translate into a stronger, fairer, more ethical and prosperous Bar.
“You have made history; now you must make an impact,” he said.
Ejiofor urged the new NBA president to listen to constructive criticism, confront uncomfortable issues and act decisively when necessary.
He expressed hope that the lessons from the Port Harcourt conference would result in concrete institutional improvements before the next annual conference in Abuja in 2027.
“The ceremony is over. The applause has faded. The baton has changed hands. Now, Madam President, the real work begins,” Ejiofor said.
Tags: NBA, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, Nigerian Bar Association, Legal Profession
