Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, has stressed the need to respect autonomy and rights in the country.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Basil-Momodu-Esq1.png")
Lawal stated this on Tuesday at the 9th Annual / 5th Memorial Lecture of L.L. Ali, organised by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), Oyo State Branch.
Speaking on the theme “The Nigerian Constitution, the Executive Power, State of Emergency: The Impact on Professionals”, Lawal explained that the nation’s constitution grants the executive considerable authority to maintain order and preserve national security.
On the topic of the lecture, he noted that professionals can safeguard the pillars of democracy, while urging Nigerians to eliminate quacks in the surveying profession.
He commended the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Mr. Gbolagade Adebowale, and the Secretary, Olalekan Dojutelegan, for putting the programme together.
Lawal added that the impact of a state of emergency on civic space and civil liberties cannot be overemphasised, noting that emergencies often come with heightened security presence, curfews, and suspension of rights such as freedom of movement or assembly.
The Oyo NBA boss called for public enlightenment and civic education to inform citizens of their rights, even under emergency conditions.
“A state of emergency must be tempered by constitutionalism, respect for the rule of law, and protection of professional autonomy. In a truly democratic society, emergencies should be addressed not by suspending rights but by reinforcing the resilience of democratic institutions and the dignity of all citizens, including professionals whose work ensures continuity, safety, and justice.
“To preserve democracy, we must remember that the rule of law must never become the first casualty of a crisis.
“The Nigerian Constitution seeks to balance the need for effective governance with the imperatives of human rights and democratic accountability. However, the exercise of emergency powers by the executive has often disrupted this balance, with professionals bearing significant risks and restrictions.
“Professionals not only deliver essential services but also safeguard the pillars of democracy. Their autonomy and rights must be respected, even in the face of national emergencies. Strengthening institutional checks, refining legal standards, and enhancing professional solidarity are essential to ensuring that Nigeria’s emergency governance remains democratic, lawful, and just.”
In his remarks, the NIS Chairman, Oyo State Branch, Alhaji Waheed Lamidi, described the late Ali as a great and outstanding leader.
He said although Ali has passed on, the legacy he left behind and his contributions to the profession remain indelible.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Adekunle Ali, described the late Ali as a man of honour who elevated surveying as a noble profession.
“Late Baba Ali was a father to all because of his integrity while alive. Nigerians always complain about many things in the country, but we need the right people to execute them properly. That is what Baba Ali exemplified,” he said.
Also speaking, the Royal Father of the Day, Gbonka Balogun of Ibadanland, Chief Monsur Arulogun, described the lecture as a gathering to celebrate a life of excellence, service, and legacy.
“Late Baba Ali was not only a giant in the surveying profession but also a proud son of Ibadan, the Mogaji of the Oroye family of Oka-Ola, Ibadan. His life reminds us that true greatness lies in combining professional excellence with community leadership and service to humanity,” Arulogun stated.
In this authoritative work, Basil Momodu Esq., titled Police Investigations in Nigeria Through the Cases 📖 Available now Call 07051822705 or any of the recommended independent booksellers listed hereunder. ______________________________________________________________________ 
“History of Rivers State Judiciary: A Compendium of Personalities on the Bench.” Authored by Ampim Gogo Blankson, Esq., Deputy Director at the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Rivers State Judiciary 💰 Cover Price: ₦20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) Bukky Law Books, Rivers State High Court Complex, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt – 📞 08034868754📞 08034729738📞 Enquiries ______________________________________________________________________ Law Practice Kit (Second Edition) And Legal Luminaries Series 2 Unveiled 
Authored by Abdulrasheed Ibrahim, LL.M, Notary Public Law Practice Kit (Second Edition) and Legal Luminaries Series 2 📚 For Enquiries and Orders, Contact: 📞 08055476823, 📞 08164683735, 📞 08033855230 _____________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials 
