A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, has called for collective action to restore integrity and public trust in Nigeria’s justice system.
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Akangbe made the call on Thursday following his participation in the 22nd Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture organized by the NBA Ikeja Branch, which focused on the critical theme: “Integrity Deficiency in the Justice Sector: Whither the Legal Profession?”
In a statement reflecting on the lecture, Akangbe described the event as “an important platform to engage meaningfully with members of the Bar, reflect on the present state of our justice system, and collectively examine the future of legal practice in Nigeria.”
The distinguished lawyer, who is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), emphasized that the gathering provided “a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, interrogate perspectives, and reaffirm our commitment to the core values of integrity, courage, and service that define the legal profession.”
Akangbe noted that the annual lecture series serves a dual purpose: addressing contemporary challenges facing the legal profession while honoring the memory of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN—widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most fearless advocates for justice and human rights.
“Above all, it was an occasion to honour the enduring legacy of Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN — a fearless advocate of justice, accountability, and the rule of law,” Akangbe stated.
Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who passed away in 2009, was renowned for his unwavering commitment to pro bono legal services, activism for the poor and oppressed, and relentless pursuit of accountability in governance. The annual lecture in his honor has become a significant event on the Nigerian legal calendar, traditionally featuring robust discussions on pressing issues affecting the administration of justice.
Expressing gratitude for what he described as “robust conversations” and “collegial engagement,” Akangbe stressed the need for sustained commitment to reforming the legal profession.
“I remain grateful for the robust conversations, collegial engagement, and shared resolve towards strengthening our profession and repositioning the Nigerian Bar for greater relevance, credibility, and impact,” he said.
The senior lawyer emphasized that reform must be collective and deliberate: “Together, we must continue to build a Bar that is principled, progressive, and worthy of public trust.”
The lecture’s theme reflects growing concerns within and outside the legal profession about perceived integrity challenges in Nigeria’s justice sector, including allegations of corruption, delay in case adjudication, compromised judgments, and declining public confidence in the administration of justice.
Recent surveys and public discourse have highlighted erosion of trust in judicial institutions, with calls for comprehensive reforms to restore the integrity and independence of the judiciary and legal practice in Nigeria.
The NBA Ikeja Branch, one of the largest and most active branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, has maintained the Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture as a flagship intellectual event, consistently attracting senior members of the Bar, judicial officers, and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
The lecture series has over the years tackled various critical issues affecting legal practice and the administration of justice in Nigeria, providing a platform for candid conversation and policy recommendations.
As the legal profession continues to grapple with questions of ethics, integrity, and public perception, events like the Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture provide crucial opportunities for introspection, dialogue, and collective action toward meaningful reform.
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