A presidential aspirant in the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Elections, Prof. Foluke Dada-Lawanson has queried the legitimacy of the Mr. Isiaka Olagunju SAN-led Egbe Amofin O’odua, adding that she would not abide by the association’s decision to back Mr. Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN as its sole aspirant for the NBA Presidency.

In a statement she personally made available to CITY LAWYER, Dada-Lawanson stated that the tenure of the Egbe Leadership has lapsed, adding: “Furthermore, I must question the legal standing of the current Egbe leadership. Their tenure has expired, and no extension or interim committee has been properly constituted. Any decision made by this body is, in my view, ultra vires and of no legal effect. The suppression of branch chairmen and secretaries at the AGM, coupled with the open display of campaign materials for a specific candidate by members of the same caucus that moved and supported motions, further illustrates the bias that permeated the proceedings.”

The Egbe Amofin Governing Council has Olagunju as Chairman, with Oluwatoyin Bashorun SAN as Vice Chairman. The Board of Trustees comprises eminent Bar Leaders including Chief Niyi Akintola SAN (Trustee Secretary), Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, Mrs. Funke Adekoya SAN, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN and strangely, deceased Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu SAN.

She lampooned the process that threw up Akinboro as lacking in transparency and “procedural fairness,” saying that it “is unacceptable and casts serious doubt on the legitimacy of the entire process.”

Below is the full text of the statement.

Statement on the 2026 NBA Presidential Election and the Egbe Amofin O’odua’s Endorsement Process

I feel it necessary to address the recent developments within the Egbe Amofin O’odua concerning the selection of a consensus candidate for the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election. This statement is my account of events, offering my perspective on a process that I believe has been fundamentally flawed and inequitable.

On June 28, 2025, the Egbe Amofin O’odua held a meeting in Ibadan, which I was unable to attend due to pressing family commitments.

I later learned that a committee had been formed with the stated purpose of engaging with aspirants for the office of NBA President and reaching a consensus. This committee subsequently contacted me to participate in an online meeting on July 27, 2025. While I am aware that two other aspirants had similar individual meetings, I have no knowledge of the substance of those discussions.

Subsequently, a joint meeting was convened on August 3, 2025, with all four aspirants. During this meeting, I unequivocally stated my intention to continue my campaign, a journey I have been on for over three years, actively consulting with colleagues across the country. I also presented the committee with my perspective on the principles of equity that should guide their process, highlighting key considerations that I believe are essential for fairness and good conscience.

My concerns are rooted in three main areas:

• Zoning and Equitable Representation: The Egbe’s own zoning policy suggests that the Oyo-Osun region is currently underrepresented. While Oyo State has held the presidency in the past, Osun State has not. As a candidate from Osun State, I believe the principle of equity demands that a candidate from our region, particularly from the Ijesha-speaking community which has never held the presidency, should be given priority. To select a candidate from the Oyo-speaking part of Osun State would be, in effect, a backdoor way of re-electing a candidate from Oyo State.

• Gender Equity: It is a well-established fact that a woman has never been democratically elected to the office of the President of the NBA. I am a female aspirant, and I believe that the very principle of equity that the Egbe purports to uphold mandates that my candidacy be given serious consideration. To be asked to step down would not only be a personal affront but a betrayal of the ideals of gender equality within the legal profession.

• The Flawed Selection Process: The committee’s initial attempt to endorse one candidate, Mr. Muyiwa Akinboro, SAN, failed to gain consensus. The subsequent joint meeting on August 3, 2025, which was presented as a general discussion, turned out to be a “screening exercise” before a six-member panel. This was done without prior notice or any explanation of the parameters or criteria for assessment.

This lack of transparency and procedural fairness is unacceptable and casts serious doubt on the legitimacy of the entire process.

The full extent of the committee’s disregard for due process became evident at the Egbe Amofin O’odua’s Annual General Meeting on August 7, 2025. During this meeting, a “screening report” was presented by Mr. Toyin Bashorun, SAN, and six previously undisclosed criteria were finally announced. This revelation confirmed my suspicion: the committee was operating with a predetermined outcome in mind, working backward from an answer to a question.

Furthermore, I must question the legal standing of the current Egbe leadership. Their tenure has expired, and no extension or interim committee has been properly constituted. Any decision made by this body is, in my view, ultra vires and of no legal effect. The suppression of branch chairmen and secretaries at the AGM, coupled with the open display of campaign materials for a specific candidate by members of the same caucus that moved and supported motions, further illustrates the bias that permeated the proceedings.

My campaign has been a deeply personal and significant investment of time, resources, and reputation. As Dr. Odutola advised, it is crucial for the Egbe to put its house in order early to avoid situations where candidates have already committed significant time and resources . My decision to move forward is not solely a matter of financial investment; it is a matter of principle and a refusal to be sidelined by a process that I believe is flawed.

I find it insulting that a group of lawyers, who seem to be driven by personal interests and a desire to see their preferred candidate succeed, would suggest that I, a senior member of the bar and the Egbe, step down.

I state unequivocally that I have not and will not step down for anyone. I will continue to consult and campaign for the office of the President of the Nigerian Bar Association in 2026. My faith in God remains my guide in this endeavor.

Thank you!

Professor Foluke Dada-Lawanson, SJD, FICMC, FMC, MNIM, MSCGN, ABR.

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