The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, 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.

He said that no individual or institution should be considered above the law.

Fagbemi said 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 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.

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

He 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, as well as use the Centre to promote access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities.
On his part, a former President of the NBA, Osigwe Afam (SAN), said disagreement and criticisms were essential elements of democracy, provided they did not incite violence or advocate the violent overthrow of government.

Afam also 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.

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.

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.