“I Stand With NBA Lagos Protest” — Akangbe SAN Slams Navy For Flouting NICN Judgment, Insists No Institution Is Above The Law

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Navy over its refusal to comply with a judgment of the National Industrial Court in Suit No: NICN/LA/67/2023.

In a statement issued on Friday, Akangbe expressed sadness at the Navy’s declaration of Vice Admiral Dada Olaniyi Labinjo (Rtd) as a deserter, describing the move as a flagrant violation of the court’s authority.

He warned that such actions undermine the rule of law, erode public trust in state institutions, and could plunge society into anarchy.

“No institution military or otherwise stands above the law. Court judgments must be obeyed, for they are the bedrock of civility and justice,” the senior advocate stated.

Akangbe called on Nigerians of good conscience to resist what he termed “illegal acts of the Nigerian Navy” and to remain steadfast in defending the rule of law, which he said is indispensable to the survival of democracy.