NBA 2026: Anointed vs Adopted: “Let Egbe Amofin Breath, We Shall defend the NBA against becoming anyone’s personal fiefdom” – Yoruba Lawyers Slams Alegeh SAN in Fiery Letter to Mid-West Bar
The Yoruba Lawyers’ Forum, Egbe Amofin Oodua, has fired a blistering response to the Mid-West Bar Forum over the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election, accusing former NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh SAN, of encouraging rebellion within its ranks.
In a letter dated September 17, 2024, Egbe Amofin acknowledged receipt of the Midwest Forum’s earlier correspondence conceding the NBA presidency to the South-West, but lamented that it had expected a joint meeting in Warri to deliberate on the elections before being suddenly confronted with the Forum’s concession letter.
The Yoruba Forum explained that recent events at and after the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu had forced it to speak out publicly. It cited the intervention of Mr. Bayo Akinlade, former Chairman of the NBA Ikorodu Branch, who raised concerns about the integrity of the election build-up, describing his contribution as a timely defense of the Association’s traditions.
Egbe Amofin then launched a strong attack on Augustine Alegeh SAN, accusing him of partisanship, undermining consensus, and campaigning against the South-West’s chosen candidate. The Forum stressed that past leaders are expected to rise above politics and act as unifying figures, not as divisive campaigners. It described Alegeh’s actions as corrosive, lamenting that he had chosen to act against his own region’s decision, since the Mid-West Bar Forum had already conceded the 2026 presidency to the South-West, a decision adopted at the Pre-NEC meeting in Enugu.
The Forum defended its adoption of Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN as the South-West consensus candidate, insisting it followed a rigorous, transparent, and participatory process. Aspirants were invited and screened, including Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya (SAN designate), before Akinboro was chosen as the most competent and broadly acceptable candidate. It condemned Alegeh’s attempt to ridicule the process by backing a parallel endorsement, warning that such actions breed division, suspicion, and rebellion within the NBA.
Egbe Amofin warned it would not fold its arms while divisive tendencies are introduced into the Association. It issued a caution to desperate leaders of the Bar to desist from what it called ethically reprehensible conduct or face the opprobrium of right-thinking lawyers. It expressed appreciation to Mr. Bayo Akinlade for speaking out and noted that many lawyers are equally alarmed by the personalization of NBA politics.
While affirming its commitment to democracy, Egbe emphasized that democracy must operate within the framework of zoning, fairness, and inclusivity. It raised alarm about reports of vote solicitation and undue influence by agents of certain aspirants and vowed to resist all forms of manipulation. The Forum declared that it would interrogate the process, expose those who seek to compromise it, and defend the NBA from becoming anyone’s personal fiefdom.
In conclusion, Egbe Amofin reaffirmed its unwavering support for Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro SAN as the South-West’s consensus candidate, stressing that he emerged through a credible and transparent process. It insisted that the 2026 NBA presidential election must be transparent, free, and fair, and pledged to remain vigilant, steadfast, and unyielding in the defense of justice, fairness, and the democratic integrity of the Nigerian Bar Association. The letter was signed by Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju SAN, Chairman of the Governing Council, and Adetunji Osho, Secretary, and copied to the NBA President, NEC members, Trustees, past NBA Presidents, and past General Secretaries.
