“Stop Encouraging Rebellion Against Egbe Amofin” — Yoruba Lawyers Forum Warns Alegeh SAN Over NBA 2026 Presidency
Consensus Is Not Imposition” Defends Akinboro’s Adoption,Vows To Resist Manipulation In 2026 Presidential Election
The Yoruba Lawyers Forum, Egbe Amofin O’odua, has issued a strong warning against attempts to undermine its consensus decision on the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidential election, accusing former NBA President and Trustee, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, of encouraging rebellion within the fold.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, and Secretary, Adetunji Osho, the Forum said it received with concern the letter from the Mid-West Bar Forum conceding the NBA presidency to the South-West, but was alarmed by subsequent developments after the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu.
The Forum recalled that the Mid-West Bar Forum, in its letter dated August 22, 2024, had formally conceded the 2026 NBA presidency to the South-West, a decision later adopted at the Pre-NEC meeting in Enugu in line with the Association’s micro-zoning arrangement. It said the move was meant to reinforce the long-standing rotational tradition within the NBA, designed to guarantee fairness, inclusiveness, and stability in the leadership of the Association.
Egbe Amofin accused Mr. Alegeh of undermining this arrangement by openly canvassing support for a candidate outside the consensus process. “To descend into the partisan fray by openly campaigning against the consensus candidate of an entire regional bloc is, to put it mildly, unbecoming,” the Forum stated, stressing that Alegeh’s actions risk fracturing the unity of the Bar.
The group further explained that its adoption of Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, as the South-West consensus candidate was the outcome of a rigorous, transparent, and participatory process in which all aspirants, including Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya (SAN designate), were duly considered. It said Akinboro emerged as the most suitable based on competence, experience, and broad acceptability.
Egbe Amofin warned that any attempt to ridicule or undermine this decision would not be tolerated, insisting that “regional consensus, rotational fairness, and inclusivity must not be sacrificed on the altar of individual ambition.”
The Forum also raised concerns over what it described as “ferocious solicitation of votes” by some aspirants and their agents, alleging misuse of institutional influence to sway the process. It vowed to resist every attempt to manipulate the election, whether openly or covertly, declaring: “Our resolve is clear: we shall interrogate the process, call out those who seek to compromise it, and defend the NBA against becoming anyone’s personal fiefdom.”
While thanking lawyers like Mr. Bayo Akinlade for speaking up against these trends, the Forum reaffirmed its support for Akinboro as the consensus candidate of the South-West. It pledged to remain vigilant in defending fairness, transparency, and the democratic integrity of the NBA.
“The Nigerian Bar Association deserves leadership that is born out of fairness, transparency, and due regard for established principles,” Egbe Amofin stated. “A transparent, free, and fair election, anchored on principles already agreed upon by all regions, is not negotiable.”
The statement was copied to the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, members of the National Executive Council, Trustees, and all past leaders of the Association.
