Egbe Amofin Oodua has called for the suspension of the proposed National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, scheduled to hold in Awka, Anambra State, over alleged procedural irregularities and what it described as divisive tendencies in the leadership of the Association.
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The group made the call in a statement dated May 5, 2026, and signed by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Aare Isiaka Abiola Olagunju, SAN, and the Secretary, Adetunji Oso, SAN.
According to Egbe Amofin Oodua, its attention was drawn to recent developments surrounding the proposed NBA NEC meeting, particularly concerns relating to the issuance and withdrawal of notices to some NEC members.
The group noted that, under established rules, protocols and long-standing traditions of the NBA, NEC meetings are expected to be convened with adequate notice, customarily not less than 21 days, to allow meaningful participation by members from across the country.
It, however, alleged that certain NEC members were initially issued notices in compliance with the 21-day requirement, but that the notices were withdrawn less than 24 hours later, particularly in respect of members perceived to hold dissenting or critical views about the forthcoming NBA elections.
Egbe Amofin Oodua further alleged that fresh notices were subsequently issued to the same category of members less than 24 hours before the scheduled meeting in Awka, thereby undermining their ability to make necessary logistical arrangements, including transportation, accommodation and security.
The group described the development as procedurally questionable and inconsistent with the principles of fairness, inclusiveness and institutional integrity which the NBA is expected to uphold.
“This sequence of events, if accurately represented, is not only procedurally questionable but also deeply inconsistent with the principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and institutional integrity that the Nigerian Bar Association has historically upheld,” the statement read.
Egbe Amofin Oodua said the legal profession occupies a unique position in the defence of the rule of law, due process and democratic values, and must therefore ensure that the NBA remains above reproach in its internal governance processes.
The group warned that any action creating the appearance or reality of exclusion, marginalisation or selective participation could deepen existing divisions within the Bar and erode public confidence in the Association as a custodian of justice and equity.
It stressed that the strength of the NBA lies in its unity, diversity of thought and commitment to due process, adding that any departure from these values, particularly at the highest level of leadership, requires urgent reflection and corrective action.
Accordingly, Egbe Amofin Oodua called on the NBA leadership to suspend the NEC meeting and reaffirm its commitment to established rules and procedural fairness.
The group said all NEC members must be given adequate, reasonable and effective notice of meetings to avoid actions that could be interpreted as targeting or excluding perceived dissenting voices.
It further warned that any decision taken at the NEC meeting under the present circumstances could be tainted by questions of legitimacy.
“The legacy of the great men and women who built the Nigerian Bar Association must not be compromised by actions that suggest arbitrariness or disregard for due process,” the group stated.
“At this critical moment, restraint, fairness, and fidelity to the rule of law must guide all actions. The Bar must remain a beacon, not a battleground,” it added.
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