The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Dr. Ekezie Onumajulu, has been sworn in as Acting Chairman of the Branch following the impeachment of Prof. Mazi Udegbulem over allegations of financial mismanagement involving the ₦100 million donated to the Branch by the Imo State Government.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday morning, November 11, 2026, barely 24 hours after members of the Branch voted unanimously to remove Udegbulem from office at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held at the NBA Owerri Bar Centre.
The oath of office was administered by a Notary Public and former Chairman of the Branch, Nze J. I. Ogamba, in the presence of other lawyers.
Pursuant to the Uniform Bye-Laws for NBA Branches, Onumajulu is expected to serve as Acting Chairman for three months following the removal of his predecessor.
His inauguration followed a resolution adopted at Tuesday’s Extraordinary General Meeting directing the Vice Chairman to assume leadership of the Branch after members voted to impeach Udegbulem.
According to an account of the meeting circulated by members, all 215 members present voted in favour of the former Chairman’s removal, with no dissenting vote, bringing his tenure to an end about four months after he assumed office.
The impeachment followed months of disagreements over the management of the ₦100 million donated by the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma to facilitate the participation of Branch members in the 2026 NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The controversy led to the constitution of a five-member investigative committee chaired by Chidi Nworka, which examined the receipt, management and disbursement of the funds.
In its final report dated October 31, 2026, the committee accused Udegbulem and the Branch Treasurer, Olachi Madona Anosike, of financial mismanagement and violations of the NBA Constitution and Uniform Bye-Laws.
The committee questioned ₦34 million allegedly disbursed to five recipients on the day the government donation was received, discrepancies involving approximately ₦42 million reportedly spent on conference logistics and a separate ₦30 million allegedly received by the former Chairman for solar panels and air conditioners.
It recommended an independent professional audit of the Branch’s accounts and disciplinary proceedings against officers found responsible for the alleged irregularities.
Udegbulem had previously denied financial wrongdoing, maintaining that the donation was paid into the Branch’s official bank account and utilised for conference activities, infrastructure projects and members’ welfare.
He also challenged the impartiality of the Branch investigative committee and instituted court proceedings concerning its activities.
However, the dispute escalated during successive Branch meetings, culminating in the November 10 EGM, where members voted to remove him.
Following the impeachment, members adopted the investigative committee’s report and passed additional resolutions concerning the administration and finances of the Branch.
Among the decisions was a directive that banks dealing with NBA Owerri should be formally notified not to honour financial instruments issued by the former Chairman and Treasurer.
The meeting also resolved that Udegbulem should be removed as administrator of the Branch’s WhatsApp platforms, while disciplinary action should be considered against persons accused of disrupting Branch proceedings.
Most importantly, the members resolved that the Vice Chairman should assume office as Acting Chairman, paving the way for Onumajulu’s swearing-in on Wednesday.
The inauguration marks a leadership transition for NBA Owerri following the dispute over the government donation and the subsequent impeachment proceedings.
Onumajulu is expected to oversee the affairs of the Branch during the three-month acting period prescribed under the applicable Uniform Bye-Laws.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
“A Comprehensive Guide To Evidence Law” — Releases Second Edition In Three Volumes, Covering 4,051 Cases
For enquiries and orders, contact: 08035526491 Email: jerryamadisilk@gmail.com
Prof. Jerry Amadi’s Evidence Law, Second Edition (2026), contains 3,314 pages in three volumes, covering the Evidence Act 2011, its 2023 amendment, and 4,051 Nigerian and English cases.
