The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has charged Nigerian lawyers to remain steadfast in defending citizens’ rights, promoting access to justice and strengthening the rule of law, stressing that neither individuals nor institutions should be placed above the law.
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Fagbemi spoke on Saturday during the commissioning of the Kofo Salam-Alada Bar and Library Centre of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikare-Akoko Branch, Ondo State, where he urged members of the legal profession to recognise that their responsibilities go beyond courtroom advocacy and knowledge of the law.
“No individual or institution should be above the law, and everyone should be under the law to be protected,” the Attorney-General said.
He said lawyers have a duty to protect individual rights, promote peaceful coexistence and ensure that justice remains fair, inclusive and accessible to all Nigerians, irrespective of social status, financial background, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
Fagbemi described the newly commissioned Bar and Library Centre as a valuable addition to the legal profession in the area, saying it should become a centre for intellectual exchange, mentorship, professional collaboration and continuous legal education.
He urged the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch to maximise the facility by using it for legal discourse, professional development, community service and the promotion of ethical standards among lawyers.
The AGF also called for closer collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association and other stakeholders in the justice sector, stressing the need to strengthen institutions and safeguard the independence of the judiciary.
According to him, a strong justice system requires not only functional institutions but also lawyers who are committed to professional integrity, continuous learning and the defence of constitutional rights.
Fagbemi consequently encouraged legal practitioners to embrace technology and continuously update their knowledge to meet the changing demands of legal practice.
He particularly urged the branch to use the new centre to expand access to justice for vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society who might otherwise be unable to obtain adequate legal assistance.
The Attorney-General also congratulated the person after whom the centre was named, Kofo Salam-Alada, a former Chief Director of Legal Services at the Central Bank of Nigeria, describing him as a distinguished professional whose contributions had positively affected Ikare-Akoko and the wider Akoko community.
Speaking at the event, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, SAN, stressed the place of dissent and criticism in a democratic society, saying citizens must be free to express contrary opinions provided such expressions do not incite violence or advocate an unlawful change of government.
Osigwe also turned attention to the 2027 general elections, calling for a level playing field and urging the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and credible.
The Chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch, Omotan Ogunmodede, said the new centre would help address some of the challenges confronting young lawyers by giving them free access to books, research materials and other resources required for professional development.
He added that the facility would also serve as a meeting point where lawyers without private offices could receive clients and conduct professional engagements.
Responding, Salam-Alada said his continuing commitment to the development of Akoko was driven by his affection for the community and his desire to give back.
He explained that he did not personally construct the centre, saying it was built by friends and mentees who had benefited from his support over the years.
“I did not build it. Friends built it. I never expected it. I’ve never seen myself as special,” Salam-Alada said.
A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and pioneer Chairman of the NBA Ikare-Akoko Branch, Rt. Hon. Taofeeq Abdulsalam, also commended the initiative.
Abdulsalam said Salam-Alada’s goodwill had attracted widespread support for the project, noting that the commissioning brought together traditional rulers and prominent sons and daughters of Akoko.
He expressed hope that beyond serving the immediate needs of lawyers, the centre would contribute to stronger professional relationships and greater unity within the Akoko community.
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