It is another year for members of the Bar in the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode is to host both members of the Bar and the Bench across the country to a national legal discourse as renowned human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, leads discussions on strengthening democracy and the rule of law during the 28th Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu-Ode Branch.
The week-long event, themed “Strengthening the Rule of Law in a Democratic Nigeria,” was officially unveiled during a press conference held at the Bamofin Ade Adedeji Bar Centre within the Ogun State High Court, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division.
Addressing journalists, Chairman of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch, Professor Fassy Adetokunboh O. Yusuf, described the Annual Law Week as a statutory programme of the association designed to review the state of the nation, interrogate contemporary legal issues, promote professional excellence and reinforce the administration of justice.
Professor Yusuf said the theme was deliberately chosen to stimulate meaningful national conversations on constitutional governance, accountability, justice and democratic consolidation at a time when Nigeria continues to confront complex governance and institutional challenges.
The highlight of the celebration will be the Annual Bar Lecture on Thursday, July 9, 2026, where the human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, will deliver the keynote address. The lecture will be followed by a high-level panel discussion involving members of the Bench, the Bar and academia, including Justice Omoniyi of the Ijebu-Ode High Court.
Fielding questions from journalists,
Professor Yusuf who pointed out that Rule of Law is Under threat identified three critical challenges undermining the rule of law in Nigeria—executive recklessness, citizens’ indifference to injustice and persistent disrespect for law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions.
He lamented the increasing culture of silence among Nigerians, observing that many people deliberately ignore wrongdoing by other citizens whenever they are not directly affected.
According to him, democracy can only flourish where citizens possess the courage to speak against injustice and actively defend the principles of accountability and constitutional order.
He also criticised the growing tendency of some citizens to undermine law enforcement officers, violate traffic regulations, evade taxes and attempt to resolve legal issues through bribery rather than lawful processes.
While acknowledging the shortcomings of political leadership, Professor Yusuf insisted that followers equally share responsibility for Nigeria’s present challenges.
He stressed that sustainable national development requires responsible citizenship, obedience to the law and unwavering commitment to civic responsibilities.
“The Nigerian State remains a work in progress,” he said, expressing optimism that continued democratic stability over the next five to ten years would strengthen national institutions and governance.
Week-long
Activities commenced on Friday, July 3, with the official press conference and Jumat Service at the Ijebu-Ode Central Mosque.
The programme continues with a fitness walk and exercise session at the Dipo Dina Stadium on Saturday, July 4, followed by a Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral Church of Our Saviour, Italowajoda-Ijasi, on Sunday, July 5.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the branch will visit, Ijebu Ode Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu-Igbo and Ogbere Police stations on Monday, July 6, alongside other community development engagements.
One of the landmark events of the Law Week will be the commissioning and dedication of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch Bar Centre on Tuesday, July 7.
The facility according to the outgoing branch Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf was generously donated by the Bamofin of Ijebu, Chief Aderibigbe Adedeji.
Expected at the commissioning are the Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun, members of the Ogun State Executive Council, Chief judge of the state, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, judges, magistrates, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other distinguished legal practitioners.
A novelty football match between the NBA Ijebu-Ode All Stars and the NBA Abeokuta Branch Football Team will be held on Wednesday, July 8, promoting friendship and unity within the legal profession.
The celebration will be rounded off on Friday, July 10, with the Annual Bar Dinner, Awards Night and the inauguration of the newly elected Executive Committee that will pilot the affairs of the branch for the 2026–2028 administrative year.
Reviewing his administration’s leadership score card, Professor Yusuf highlighted the successful completion of the Bar Centre project, sustained peace within the branch and the expansion of public enlightenment activities through the branch’s Human Rights Committee.
He noted that disagreements among members were resolved through dialogue and established institutional mechanisms, strengthening unity within the branch.
On behalf of the incoming executive, the Chairman-elect, Gbenga Tajudeen Adeiye, pledged to prioritise members’ welfare, deepen professional development and build on the achievements of the outgoing administration.
As enthusiasm mounts ahead of the Annual Law Week, the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch has called on members of the public, the media and stakeholders across the justice sector to support the activities and join the collective effort to strengthen the rule of law, uphold justice and consolidate Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Among senior members present at the press conference were the incoming Vice Chairman Mrs. Elsie Olaniyi, the incoming Financial Secretary Mrs. Abiola Ogundipe, Publicity Secretary Mrs. Atinuke Ibidapo-Adebajo, the out going vice Chairman Damilare Sosanwo and other principal officers of the branch.
