The Vice Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Asiwaju Solomon Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, has asserted that the legal profession in Nigeria is not over-regulated contrary to some opinions.
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In an exclusive interview, Awomolo explained that under the Legal Practitioners Act, only the Body of Benchers and General Council of the Bar are granted powers to regulate legal practice in the country.
He outlined the various responsibilities of the Body of Benchers, including admitting new lawyers yearly and enforcing discipline through committees like the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
On purported rivalry between the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Body of Senior Advocates over precedence, the Silk said there has never been any basis for such. He clarified that the NBA is just one member of the Body of Benchers.
Awomolo recounted how the Body of Benchers stepped in to rescue the NBA during internal crises in the 1990s, proving it wields superior authority as the “fathers” of the legal profession.
Regarding the controversial NBA Annual General Conference, he described proceedings as unfortunate and embarrassing but advised focus on integrity when electing future leaders.
The Senior Advocate dismissed notions that the resurfaced Law Society of Nigeria poses competition for the NBA. He said Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of association.
Awomolo advocated creating a National Constitutional Court to handle political cases instead of overburdening regular courts. He also suggested restricting Supreme Court appeals to constitutional matters and others with leave of court.
He lamented poor remuneration of judicial officers, disclosing that the Chief Justice of Nigeria earns less than N500,000 monthly. Awomolo said the Body of Benchers is engaging the federal government to review pay and welfare packages for judges.
The Silk expressed confidence in the new Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi’s ability to uphold rule of law and high ethical standards.
Overall, Awomolo provided insight into regulatory framework and key issues affecting Nigeria’s legal profession during the detailed interview.
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