By Aderemi Bamgbose
Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) representing Ondo Central Senatorial District at the 10th National Assembly, has said that lawyers are the promoters of rile of law and the backbone of the Nigeria’s nascent democracy.
Adegbonmire, who is a Guest Speaker at the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Okitipupa Branch, ‘Law Week”, held on Saturday at Mega School Complex, Okitipupa, Ondo State.
Adegbonmire Lecture titled: “The Role of Lawyers As Social Engineers And Promoters of the Rule of Law” x-rayed the crucial role of lawyers in ensuring the legal system functions effectively.
The senator, represented by Barr. Henry Akingebesote, Chairman, NBA, Ondo Branch, also said that lawyers has been advocates of the masses through litigations, legal advices, human rights and access to justice among others.
He added, that lawyers are barometer for the conscience of all Nigerians and the governmentsnas well as the vanguard of struggle for independence of our great country.
Adegbonmire, mentioned some of the forebears of lawyers like late Aka Bashorun, late Chief Gani Faweyimmi, who are lawyers and human right activists who fought for democracy to thrive in the county
According to him, in spite of several impediments and challenges ranging from corruption, inefficient judicial system, limited judicial system, political interference, ethical challenges among other, Nigerian lawyers have been able to fight their way through to democracy.
“The NBA and other nationalists remained steadfast speaking out at great risk to limb and livelihood against undemocratic forces.
“Today, NBA is not just a professional body but a backbone for legal practice in Nigeria, playing a crucial role in shaping the standards, ethics and direction of legal profession,” Adegbomire said.
Earlier, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, in his goodwill message also said he acknowledged the role of NBA as the voice of the masses during his ride to power as governor of the state
Aiyedatiwa, represented by Hon. Maurice Oripenaye, Chairman, Ilaje East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said his government would bring succour to the masses in all circumstances.
“I am aware of the High Count which was burnt down by EndSARS protesters in 2020, the state government will ensure it’s construction and be handed over to NBA, Okitipupa” Aiyedatiwa said
Meanwhile, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR, representing Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly also urged the NBA to continue to perform their roles as voice of the voiceless and the last hope of the masses.
Jimoh Ibrahim who is also the chairman of the Law Week, represented by one of his aide, Dr. Olusegun Ayodele, urged the NBA to continually uphold the principles of justice, fairness and equity in the society.
Ibrahim, however, donated a sum of N1 million to the NBA in support of the 1,000 capacity NBA Centre under construction in Okitipupa.
Mr Omotola Odusola Esq, Chairman, NBA Okitipupa Branch, urged his said colleagues to be steadfast in defending the principles and functionality of democracy.
According to him, we recognise that democracy is not static construct but dynamic and demands a continual balancing of individuals freedom with collective order.
“Each law week serves as a restatement to the commitment we hold dear in this noble profession, i am elated for the success of the law week with support from all abd sundry,” Odusola said.
Also, Mr Omololu Bagbe, Esq, Chairman, Organising Committee of the Law Week said that he was happy to put the foundation of the 1,000 capacity NBA Centre on ground in 2020, adding that the EndSARS protests affected the completion of the project since then
He said that he was happy for the Law Week which eventually held after four years break (2020) adding that he was confident that Odusola was poised to complete the NBA Centre before leaving office.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by lawyers, politicians, captains of industries, traditional rulers among others as awards given, fund raising for the NBA Centre were highlights of the glamorous event. (NAN)
