The Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 67th Annual General Conference (AGC) in Enugu concluded with resounding success, but a heated debate over the recognition of “junior” lawyers in prominent roles has sparked widespread discussion among legal practitioners. The controversy, centered on figures like Senator Dino Melaye, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Deji Adeyanju, divided opinions on the balance between seniority, competence, and prior accomplishments, with reactions pouring in on social media and reverberating across the legal community.
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During the AGC, which drew over 20,000 lawyers, the decision to allow junior lawyers—some called to the Bar less than a year ago to take prominent roles, such as seconding motions and speaking on panels, ignited uproar. A notable flashpoint occurred on August 28, when Senator Dino Melaye, a former lawmaker called to the Bar in 2024, was recognized by Ananaba SAN at the SPIDEL session and later by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to second motions. Both instances prompted vehement objections from delegates, who argued that such roles should be reserved for senior lawyers. Despite the dissent, Osigwe overruled objections, allowing Melaye to speak, a move that fueled further debate.
Other junior lawyers, including Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo and activist Deji Adeyanju, both recent Bar entrants, were also given platforms to address legal topics, prompting accusations of favoritism due to their celebrity status. Critics like Cadillac Osigbemeh Olakunle called it “an insult to the years of sacrifice, dedication, and intellectual rigor” of senior lawyers, arguing that law is not a field for “shortcuts” or “popularity contests.” Longs Lungnan Takdok emphasized that the NBA is a professional body governed by seniority, not a political platform, warning that prioritizing social status over bar experience risks eroding the profession’s dignity.
On the other side, lawyers like Stella John and George Ufot defended the inclusion of juniors, arguing that competence and prior expertise should not be overshadowed by years at the Bar. John, reflecting on her own experience as a young lawyer speaking at AGMs under past presidents like Wali SAN, argued that no lawyer should be silenced due to their “age” at the Bar. “Dino Melaye, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and Deji Adeyanju are qualified lawyers who paid their BPF and branch dues. Their prior achievements in politics or entertainment don’t disqualify them,” she stated, praising Osigwe for upholding their right to speak. John further noted that celebrities like Davido or Mercy Chinwo would naturally leverage their fame if they joined the profession, citing the inevitability of recognition for public figures.
Ufot challenged the “over-flogged” emphasis on seniority, suggesting it borders on “slavery” and stifles competent juniors. He argued that seniors could learn from younger colleagues and criticized entrenched practices that prioritize older lawyers at the expense of progress. Another lawyer on WhatsApp pointed out that non-lawyers like Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and journalist Seun Akinbaloye spoke at the AGC, questioning why junior lawyers with relevant expertise, like Kanayo’s experience in entertainment, should be barred. “If the Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission speaks on collective management organizations, Kanayo’s decades in Nollywood make him a seasoned voice, not a novice,” the user argued.
Critics highlighted specific incidents that underscored the tension. One lawyer recounted an encounter at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Kanayo O. Kanayo, then a law student, failed to yield a seat to a senior lawyer, citing his entourage’s resistance and a lack of respect for court traditions. “The court is not a Nollywood scene,” the lawyer fumed, emphasizing that seniority is a hallmark of the Bar’s discipline. Similarly, Andrew Bello criticized the decision to assign Deji Adeyanju a topic on legal practice, calling it an “error” and “insult” to seasoned practitioners. Bello suggested that while public figures can speak on their areas of expertise, legal topics should be reserved for those with at least 10 years of consistent practice.
Takdok reinforced this, arguing that achievements outside the Bar, whether in politics, entertainment, or activism, do not confer professional seniority. He cited historical figures like Chief Alex Ekwueme and General Oladipo Diya, who, despite entering law after notable careers, respected Bar hierarchy. Another lawyer lamented the declining quality of legal discourse, pointing out that entertainers often sign unfavorable contracts due to a lack of legal knowledge, undermining claims of expertise in fields like entertainment law.
Some lawyers advocated for a middle ground. A lawyer highlighted that top Nigerian law firms, with young managing partners leading teams that include multiple SANs, thrive on mutual respect rather than rigid hierarchies. “Lagos Branch, with its mix of young chairs and senior lawyers, shows progress comes from balancing competence and seniority,” they noted. The user argued that the legal profession globally prioritizes merit, citing firms that pay living wages and plan for succession by empowering younger lawyers while respecting elders.
Others pointed out that young lawyers, including those with 4-5 years at the Bar, also spoke at the AGC without controversy, suggesting the backlash was amplified by the celebrity status of Melaye and Kanayo. “The issue isn’t juniors speaking; it’s the perception of favoritism toward famous newcomers,” one lawyer clarified. They urged the NBA to clarify roles, perhaps introducing celebrities as experts in their prior fields rather than as legal authorities.
Meanwhile, other lawyer reactions were polarized. One user wrote, “Dino and Kanayo have every right to speak, but NBA must respect seniority to maintain dignity. #NBAAGC2025.” Another countered, “If we silence juniors with expertise, we stagnate. Let’s evolve like global bars do.” The debate has sparked calls for clearer NBA guidelines on roles at conferences, ensuring respect for tradition while embracing diverse contributions.
As the NBA prepares for the 2026 AGC in Rivers State, the Enugu conference’s legacy will partly depend on addressing this tension. The profession stands at a crossroads, balancing its storied traditions with the need for inclusivity and progress in a dynamic legal.
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