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The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu Ode Branch, Prof. Chief Fassy Adetokunboh O. Yusuf, has unveiled a comprehensive programme of activities for the branch’s 28th Annual Law Week, themed “Strengthening the Rule of Law in a Democratic Nigeria.”
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Ijebu Ode on Friday, Prof. Yusuf described the Annual Law Week as a statutory event of the association designed to assess the state of the nation, discuss contemporary legal issues, promote professional development, and strengthen camaraderie among members of the legal profession.
He thanked members of the media for their support and partnership with the branch over the years, noting that the week-long event would feature a blend of professional, religious, social, sporting, and community service activities.
The chairman explained that activities commenced with the press conference and would continue with prayers at the Central Mosque, Ijebu Ode, and a social gathering aimed at fostering fellowship and networking among members. A fitness exercise is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, while a thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, July 5, at the Cathedral Church of Our Saviour, Italowajoda, Ijasi, Ijebu Ode.
As part of its commitment to community development, the branch will embark on community service projects on Monday, July 6. This will be followed by the commissioning and dedication of a Bar Centre donated by the Bamofin of Ijebu, Chief Aderibigbe Adedeji, SAN, on Tuesday, July 7.
A novelty football match between the NBA Ijebu Ode All Stars and the NBA Abeokuta Branch Football Team will take place on Wednesday, July 8, while the Annual Bar Lecture, scheduled for Thursday, July 9, will feature renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana as keynote speaker. The lecture will focus on the theme of the Law Week and will be followed by a panel discussion involving members of the judiciary, academia, and the legal profession.
The week will culminate in the Annual Bar Dinner and Awards Night on Friday, July 10, during which the branch’s Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term will be sworn in.
Among those present at the press conference were the Chairman-elect of the branch, Mr. Gbenga Tajudeen Adeiye; the Secretary and Vice Chairman-elect, Mrs. Elsie Olaniyi; Mrs. Abiola Ogundipe, a member of the incoming executive team; and the branch’s Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Atinuke Ibidapo-Adebajo.
Before taking questions from journalists, Prof. Yusuf clarified that he would only entertain questions related to legal matters and issues connected with the Law Week, urging reporters to remain within that scope.
Responding to questions on challenges confronting the rule of law in Nigeria, the NBA chairman identified public silence in the face of wrongdoing as one of the greatest threats to justice and accountability.
According to him, the culture of “see something, say nothing” has significantly weakened efforts to uphold the rule of law.
“People are often not bold enough to condemn what they know is wrong, and this has become a major constraint to the rule of law in Nigeria,” he said.
Reflecting on the achievements of his administration over the past two years, Prof. Yusuf stated that his executive inherited the Bar Centre project at the foundation stage and had successfully advanced it to its present state, making its commissioning possible during the Law Week celebrations.
He also highlighted the peaceful atmosphere that characterised his tenure, noting that disputes within the association were resolved internally without escalating into industrial actions or major crises.
The chairman further disclosed that through the office of the Vice Chairman, which oversees human rights matters, the branch devoted a substantial part of its tenure to public enlightenment campaigns aimed at educating citizens about their fundamental rights and responsibilities.
Speaking on the priorities of the incoming administration, Chairman-elect Mr. Gbenga Tajudeen Adeiye said his leadership would place significant emphasis on the welfare of members.
He assured members of the branch that initiatives aimed at improving professional support, welfare, and engagement would form a central focus of his tenure.
Prof. Yusuf expressed optimism that the 28th Annual Law Week would be impactful and memorable, while calling on the public and media practitioners to support the activities and contribute to strengthening the rule of law in Nigeria.
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