… Calls for stronger collaboration to protect judicial independence

… Commissions NBA Ikare-Akoko new bar, library centre

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has reaffirmed the supremacy of the constitution, urging legal practitioners across the country to uphold justice, protect citizens’ rights and promote the rule of law, declaring that no individual or institution should be considered above the law.

Fagbemi stressed this during the commissioning of the Kofo Salam-Alada Bar and Library Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikare-Akoko branch, Akoko North East Local Council Area of Ondo State, describing the facility as a crucial addition to the legal profession.

According to the Minister, the centre will provide opportunities for intellectual exchange, professional collaboration, mentorship and continuing legal education, stressing that lawyers bear responsibilities beyond their professional expertise.

He listed such responsibilities to include protecting individual rights, strengthening peaceful coexistence and ensuring that justice remains fair, inclusive and accessible to all, irrespective of social status, financial circumstances, ethnic origin, religious beliefs or political affiliation.

“No individual or institution should be above the law, and everybody should be below the law to be protected,” Fagbemi stated.

He urged the NBA Ikare-Akoko branch to make the centre a hub for legal discourse, professional development, community engagement and ethical legal practice.

The Attorney-General was further called.
for stronger collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, the NBA and other stakeholders to strengthen justice institutions, protect judicial independence and uphold constitutional governance.

The Minister also urged lawyers to embrace technological innovation, continuous learning and high professional standards, and to use the centre to promote access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities.

He congratulated Kofo Salam-Alada, a former Chief Director of Legal Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria, on the honour, describing him as a professional whose contributions had positively affected Ikare-Akoko and the entire Akoko community.

On his part, a former president of the NBA, Osigwe Afam (SAN), said disagreement and criticism were essential elements of democracy, provided they did not incite violence or advocate the violent overthrow of government.

Afam called for a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and fairness to guarantee credible elections and public acceptance of the results.

He also called on political actors to shun electoral violence and allow candidates to campaign freely and voters to exercise their rights without fear.

The chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko branch, Omotan Ogunmodede, said the centre would help young lawyers overcome some of the financial challenges associated with legal practice.

He explained that access to a free library would enable young practitioners to conduct research and improve their professional competence, while those without offices could use the facility to meet clients.

Salam-Alada, in his response, said his commitment to Akoko land was motivated by his love for his community and his desire to give back to his place of origin.

He explained that friends and associates who had benefited from his mentorship and support contributed to the establishment of the centre, adding that he was surprised the facility was named after him.

“I did not build it. Friends built it. I never expected it. I’ve never seen myself as special,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the socio-economic development of Akoko land and Ondo State, urging other indigenes to contribute to the progress of their communities.

A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Taofeeq Abdulsalam, who said he was the first chairman of the NBA branch, commended the initiative, noting that Salam-Alada’s goodwill helped mobilise support for the project.

Abdulsalam said the commissioning had brought traditional rulers and prominent Akoko indigenes together, expressing hope that the development would strengthen unity and cooperation among the people.