The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Nyanya-Karu Branch is set to return to stability following the decisive intervention of NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, in resolving a leadership crisis that erupted during the Branch’s tumultuous general meeting on April 22, 2025. The resolution, announced after a stakeholders’ meeting, restores the Augustine Ibolo-led Executive Committee, dissolves the interim Caretaker Committee, and paves the way for fresh elections, reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to constitutional governance and internal democracy.

The crisis began at the Nyanya-Karu Branch’s April 22, 2025, general meeting, where members passed a vote of no confidence against Branch Chairman Sir Augustine Ibolo and his Executive Committee. The action was triggered by allegations of financial misappropriation, abuse of power, suppression of dissenting voices, and manipulation of branch meetings. Citing Article 10 of the NBA Uniform Bye-Laws, members established a three-member Caretaker Committee, chaired by Elder Morris Osakwe, to manage the Branch’s affairs and organize new elections.

The move sparked controversy, with questions raised about the procedural compliance of the dissolution and the legitimacy of the Caretaker Committee. The dispute threatened to deepen divisions within the Branch, prompting urgent intervention from the NBA national leadership.

Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, convened a stakeholders’ meeting with representatives from both the dissolved Executive Committee and the Caretaker Committee to address the impasse. After a thorough review, Osigwe acknowledged the legitimacy of members’ grievances but noted that the process of dissolving the Ibolo-led Executive Committee and installing the Caretaker Committee did not fully comply with the NBA Uniform Bye-Laws.

Exercising his constitutional authority, Osigwe issued the following directives to restore order:

  1. Dissolution of the Caretaker Committee: The interim committee led by Elder Morris Osakwe was immediately dissolved.
  2. Restoration of the Ibolo-led Executive Committee: The Augustine Ibolo-led Executive Committee was reinstated as the substantive leadership of the Branch.
  3. Formation of an Electoral Committee: A five-member Branch Electoral Committee (ELECO), chaired by NBA Third Vice President Mrs. Zainab Aminu and including NBA National Welfare Secretary Mr. Nyada Auta, was constituted to conduct free, fair, and credible elections within the shortest possible time.
  4. Management of Communication Platform: The Branch’s WhatsApp platform will be temporarily managed by the NBA Third Vice President pending the completion of the electoral process.

Elder Morris Osakwe, in a notice to Branch members, graciously accepted the NBA President’s decision, commending Osigwe’s “bold and reconciliatory leadership.” He expressed gratitude for the support received during the Caretaker Committee’s brief tenure, stating, “No sacrifice is too great for the unity and advancement of our dear Branch. It was truly an honour to serve, and I remain committed to the growth, peace, and progress of the NBA Nyanya-Karu Branch in any capacity.”

Members have been urged to rally behind the reinstated leadership and support the upcoming electoral process under the supervision of the NBA national body. The Ibolo-led Executive Committee is expected to resume duties immediately, focusing on stabilizing the Branch ahead of the elections.

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