The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Warri Branch is set to host an insightful fireside chat with Chief Thompson Joseph Onomigbo Okpoko, SAN, OON, FCIArb, on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The virtual session, scheduled to begin at 3 PM (WAT)/2 PM (GMT), will open at 2:45 PM (WAT) on Zoom.

Chief Okpoko, born in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State, is a distinguished litigation, corporate, and commercial lawyer with over 55 years of experience. Educated at Holborn College of Law, University of London (LL.B. Hons, 1969) and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LL.M, 1970), he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971.

As founder and principal partner of Thompson Okpoko & Partners, Chief Okpoko has contributed to landmark judgments in areas including strict compliance on letters of credit, issue estoppel, expert evidence, negligence, criminal law, and land law. Initially focused on litigation in the High Courts, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, he later expanded his practice to cover property, land, oil and gas, arbitration, and corporate law.

Chief Okpoko is widely credited with introducing the principles underlying plea bargains in Nigerian criminal prosecutions. He has also provided pro bono legal services to disadvantaged individuals and communities, handling land and chieftaincy matters and representing major oil companies.

A past Chairman of NBA Warri Branch, Chief Okpoko played a pivotal role in resuscitating the Nigerian Bar Association from a six-year dormant period and served as the 18th National President of the NBA from 1998 to 2000. He has strengthened Nigeria’s legal and judicial institutions in various capacities, including Vice Chairman (2012) and Chairman (2013/2014) of the Body of Benchers, a Life Member of the Body of Benchers, and a member of the Constituent Assembly for the 1989 draft Constitution. His efforts also contributed to the 1999 Constitution through his role on the Constitution Debate and Coordinating Committee in Western Nigeria.

Chief Okpoko was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on February 25, 1987. He has also served as a pioneer member of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Refugees Appeals Tribunal (1991–1996), and the National Judicial Council (2000–2004). He has contributed to the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and chaired the Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Honored with the chieftaincy title of “Omolori-Okpe” by HRM Orhue I, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Chief Okpoko is a respected member of the Okpe Traditional Council. He holds the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria.

Recognized for his integrity, thoroughness, and forthrightness, Chief Okpoko remains an active and highly respected practitioner of law, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s legal landscape.

The fireside chat promises to offer invaluable insights into the peculiarities of the legal profession, with participants encouraged to register via this link.

For updates and live coverage, follow NBA Warri on social media:

  • Instagram: @nbawarri
  • X (Twitter): @nbawarri
  • Facebook: NbaWarri

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