The Nation Newspaper

Category: Law

  • Court declares family owner of Itedo land

    A Lagos High Court in Igbosere has declared the Elegushi royal family the owners of a land in Itedo.

    The land in dispute is ‘edged’ pink in Plan No. BAASS.096/LAG/97, dated January 6, 1998, which formed a portion of their land under native law and custom.

    Justice Abdullai Oyekan gave the verdict in a 20-year-old suit filed by the Itedo Community village in Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

    The family had prayed the court to declare that they were entitled to a customary and statutory right of occupancy on the land.

    The court dismissed the claimants’ claims. They are: Apostle Seblon Ikuegbowo, Emmanuel Ogunsade, Prince Jibowu Megba, Sanmi Jethro Harrison and Topia Oroale.

    The first to seventh defendants/counter claimants are: Attorney-General of Lagos State, Elegushi Property Investment Company Limited, Bela Vista Property Development Company Limited, Odofin of Ikateland, Chief Kehinde Elegushi, the Eletu of Ikateland, Chief Lamidi Elegushi, the Aro of Ikateland, Chief Karimu Bakare and the Olisa of Ikateland, Chief Morufu Adisa Elegushi for themselves and on behalf of Elegushi royal family.

    Justice Oyekan also declared that the challenge by the claimants and the individual occupants of the land amounts to a challenge of ownership of Elegushi royal family over the land under Yoruba native law and custom.

    The court, therefore, ordered the  royal family to take possession against the claimants and other individuals who are occupying the land as deriving title from the claimants or their predecessors of the area edged black on the plan no. BAASS/096/LAG/97 dated January 6, 1998 drawn by a licensed surveyor, Biodun Akinyemi.

    Justice Oyekan granted the defendants/counter claimants’ prayer for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the claimants from committing further acts of trespass on the land.

    The court awarded N250,000 as damages for trespass against the claimants.

     

  • Lagos seeks peace through mediation

    One of the priorities of the Akinwunmi Ambode administration is to ensure peaceful and harmonious co-existence among all Lagos residents and easy access to justice, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem has said.

    According to him, a conducive atmosphere is needed for human and infrastructural development.

    Kazeem spoke while inaugurating three units of Citizens Mediation Centres (CMC) in Eredo, Ikosi-Ejinrin and Epe Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Epe would serve as the base station for the three centres.

    He said part of the policy thrust of the state government is to ensure that, a unit of the centre is established in all local government areas and LCDAs in the state in line with Section 16 of the Citizens’ Mediation Centre Law of 2007 and to bring mediation services closer to the people, especially the indigent and at no cost to them.

    With the inauguration of the three new centres, he said the state now has 18 units of CMC centres spread across the state, with the head office at Motorways, Alausa.

    He expressed conviction that the presence of the three centres would encourage the people of Epe to take advantage of the free legal services offered by the centre in amicably resolving all disputes particularly land matters, family and inheritance disputes, marital and child custody disputes, monetary and commercial disputes among others.

    CMC Director, Mrs Oluwatoyin Odusanya, said the aim of creation of CMC centres across the state is to ensure that every citizen has direct access to justice in a less cumbersome and effective manner.

    She explained that the initiative became imperative in view of the understanding that many cases taken to court are cases that should ordinarily be settled in a way that both parties would get justice without any cost and still maintain peace and harmonious relationship at home.

    Making reference to a Yoruba adage, she said: “we don’t come back from court and retain friendship. But in our case, we not only settle disputes, but also ensure that cordial relationships that have been existing, or lacking are retained and provided.”

  • Young lawyers tackle seniors over assault

    The Young Lawyers’ Forum (YLF) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch has faulted senior lawyers who allegedly assault their younger colleagues.

    Its Chairman  Mr. Charles Ajiboye, at a briefing, referred to an incident between a junior lawyer, Mr. Issam  Adedokun and his senior colleague, Mr. Bartholomew Aguegbodo.

    The forum said it felt “let down” by what it called “a show of emotional weakness often exhibited by senior lawyers at the Bar.”

    Ajiboye said: “ On December 19,  an ugly incident occurred as the incumbent Assistant Secretary of NBA Ikeja Branch, Adedokun, who is also the immediate past Chairman of YLF was physically assaulted by Mr. Aguegbodo, a former Chairmanship candidate of NBA Ikeja branch, after a minor argument ensued between them.

    “Seniority at the Bar used to mean nobility, wisdom and in turn earn huge respect, but it is unfortunate that a few of those who are being looked up to as role models, have allowed their weaker and ugly selves take the better part of them

    “Upon investigations and meeting with the victim and other eye witnesses, the YLF made several resolutions. While we would have been persuaded to hear from Mr. Bartholomew Aguegbodo, his open admission of guilt on his page on facebook and his complete abandonment of any form of remorse over the matter aggravated the situation.”

    Factional chairman of NBA  Ikeja branch, Mr. Dele Oloke, described the  disagreement between Aguegbodo and Adedokun as a family affair which wwould be resolved amicably.

    “We will address this issue very soon to the satisfaction of all parties,” he said.

     

  • More funds, higher scrutiny

    More funds, higher scrutiny

    The Federal Government has voted N100 billion for the Judiciary in the 2017 Budget. Is this enough to address the Judiciary’s challenges? What are some of the challenges and how should the allocation be applied? Amid the trial of some judicial officers, including two Supreme Court justices for alleged corruption, is there a need for greater accountability on how the judiciary utilises its funds? ROBERT EGBE sought lawyers’ views.

    WITH a N100 billion vote for the judiciary in the 2017 Budget, the Federal Government may be making a statement with that allocation. And that statement may  also dispel claims that the judiciary, which got N70 billion in this year’s budget, is under funed.

    While lawyers have hailed the increase, they have also wondered how far the cash will go to aid justice delivery.There are doubts over whether the judiciary can manage the funds.

    Senate spokeman Senator Sabi Abdullahi hinted that the Upper House would ensure that the judiciary is kept on its toes.

    He said: “One area that interests me is the increase in budget for the judiciary. They have added N30 billion. We want to see the judiciary improve. We will do the needful and ensure that things are done right this time around, unlike in previous years.”

     

    Reasons for concern

     

    The planned scrutiny of the judiciary may have arisen because of the alleged orruption in the third arm of government. In October, the homes of some judicial officers including justices of the Supreme Court, Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta, were raided by the Department of State Services (DSS) in what it called a “sting operation’’.

    The DSS said it recovered millions in local and foreign currencies from the judges’ homes, adding that it is probing seven judges for alleged corruption

    Besides, 11 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) are either being investigated or prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged corruption.

    Some of the judges either being probed or prosecuted are Justices Agbadu James Fishim; Uwani Abba Aji; Mohammed Nasir Yunusa; Hyeladzira Ajiya Nganjiwa; Musa Haruna Kurya and Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia.

     

    Should Judiciary publish yearly expenditure

    account?

     

    One way the judiciary can show accountability is by publishing a  yearly expenditure account on how it spends its money. Lawyers agree that there is a need for greater transparency.

    Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Executive Secretary Prof Bolaji Owasanoye believes the judiciary should be more accountable.

    He said: “We support improving the welfare of judges and increasing the judiciary’s financial allocation based on verifiable needs. But it is also important that all the arms of government, including the legislature, must account for the money they collect. These are public funds.

    “If the executive can account for its expenditure, why can’t the judiciary and the legislature? It will simply help the advocacy for more funding, because if there are gaps in the resourcing, it is easier to make the case.

    “Accountability does not remove from the independence of the judiciary. They develop their budget and decide how it is going to be spent, but they should account to the public as to how the monies were spent. This also applies to the legislature.”

    He explained that the Auditor-General of the Federation has the constitutional responsibility to audit the accounts of all arms of government and should be encouraged to do so.

    “There’s nothing wrong with the judiciary publishing a detailed annual account that shows how much was spent on remuneration of judicial officers, the number of judicial officers, how much it spent on infrastructure, how much it spent on resourcing the courts.

    “It is then easier to scrutinise such reports. It is helpful to the image and integrity of the judiciary for it to, on its own volition, audit itself and publish the report so that it can be interrogated.”

    The professor of law said there was the need to develop the infrastructure so as to the make judges’ work lighter.

    His words: “In the Anti-Corruption Action Plan that we have developed, we have very robust chapters or sections on not only improving infrastructure for the Judiciary, but also welfare. We recognise that hardworking judges need to be well remunerated. The work environment must be conducive.

    “The introduction of electronic recorders is just one of the things that have been suggested. In today’s world, we don’t think it is salutary for judges to be taking record of proceedings in long hand.

    “It delays the trial, and it has a deleterious impact on the health of the judge. It has been said that some judges suffer arthritis due to a long career of writing in longhand.

    “We have recommended significant improvement in the infrastructure that supports the work of judges.”

    Chief Gani Adetola-Kaseem (SAN) backed the call for the Judiciary to be more transparent but noted that this should not affect the need for better funding for the sector.

    He said: “I’m not disputing the fact that transparency is required for how public funds are expended, that’s a given. There’s no argument about that. In all facets of the public service there is  need for transparency. That is not limited to the judiciary.

    Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu Branch Chairman, Levi Adikwaone, agreed that accountability was good but noted that there was the more pressing issue of judicial independence.

    He said: “The publication of statement of account, be it quarterly or annually, is really not the issue. The issue is about democracy, separation of powers, division of labour, specialisation. There are three arms of government and by virtue of the type of government we are practising the judicial arm deserves to be independent and you cannot exercise real independence if you don’t have financial autonomy.

    “Because of the lack of financial autonomy, the appointment and management of judges is not being properly done. The administration of justice is being hampered. If judges are appointed and they know that their appointment and tenure in office is not tied to the whims and caprices of the governor or president, they will be able to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

    “So, we shouldn’t put the cart before the horse. Let’s have independence, financial autonomy before the issue of accountability. I do not think accountability or rendering of account is the reason why the judiciary should not enjoy the benefit of what the Constitution has provided.

    “In Nigeria, we get distracted by a lot of factors.You can’t say you’re practicing separation of powers when the judiciary, the third arm of government is being emasculated, it cannot do anything and as a defence it should be rendering statement of account. Yes! Statement of account is  sine qua non when you give somebody money.

    “When money is allocated to any department of government there must be accountability, but that is not the issue now, the issue is, separate these three arms financially.

    Constitutional lawyer Ike Ofuokwu said another way of enforcing propriety is for law enforcement agencies to step up their monitoring of judicial expenditure.

    He said: “The relevant anti-graft agencies need to closely monitor how the allotted funds are spent. It must ensure that the increased budgetary allocation should not only ensure speedy dispensation of justice but also make justice accessible to all and sundry.

    “They must ensure that gone are the days when some Chief Judges just convert a large chunk of their monthly allocation into foreign currencies and jet out of the country.

    “All lawyers on their part as ministers in the temple of justice must join hands to ensure that the lost glory of the judiciary is restored.To whom much is given much is expected.”

     

    Where should the

    N100 billion go?

     

    Adetola-Kaseem, Seyi Sowemimo (SAN) and Ofuokwu identified some areas of need for the judiciary.

    Adetola-Kaseem noted that the inadequate number of judicial officers has led to overworked judges and court congestion.

    He said: “The judiciary requires a lot of funding in order to function properly. Look at the issue of congestion of courts. The existing number of judges are being overworked at all levels including trial and appellate courts. So, if you want to address this and make them work efficiently, there is  need to increase the number of judges in several of the courts.

    “The judiciary needs more funds to recruit more judges and this involves more than just paying their salaries. They need facilities to enable them function such as housing, courtrooms, etc. It is a huge chunk of money that is required to do this.

    “An average judge has on his docket over 200 cases and no matter how hardworking he is, it is not likely that in a month he will be able to finish trying a case and write judgment in more than five, six cases. That is for the most hardworking of them all, at the trial court.The same applies in the appellate court.

    “So, if someone has over 200 cases right now and more are coming as the years go by and he cannot finish more than five in a month, it means that in a year with all his best intentions, the most hardworking judge will probably be able to finish about 60 cases and deliver judgment in them. So, if he has 200, what happens to the rest? The solution is to assign more judges so that cases can be distributed more evenly and tried without much delay.”

    Sowemimo said judiciary should be given financial autonomy to enable it take care of basic things, like buying of stationery. Then you find that even maintenance of courts, you reach some of our courts and there is hardly decent furniture for people to sit on.

    “It should also be noted that the judiciary has a large number of courts and judges. What judicial officers earn is a very small fraction of what senators or members of the House of Representatives take home. So, left to me anything that can be done to improve the income of the judiciary whether in terms of expenses, allowances, e.t.c. would be a welcome development,” Sowemimo said.

    Ofuokwu said: “The increase in their allocation as proposed in the 2017 Budget is indeed laudable and a step in the right direction. More courtrooms, well furnished with modern information technology tools needs to be provided. There should be appointment of more Judges (impartial sound minds devoid of political, ethnic and religious considerations) and judicial aides for quick dispensation of justice.”

  • How to improve prosecution, by experts

    How to improve prosecution, by experts

    Participants at a workshop have identified ways of improving prosecutorial processes to enhance the administration of criminal justice in the country.

    They examined the role of the prosecutor in women and child trafficking across the globe, urging prosecutors to adopt international best practices.

    The workshop, attended by Directors of Public Prosecution (DPP) and prosecutors from around Nigeria, held at the Lagos Business School (LBS).

    It had as theme: Effective public prosecution and defence: Essentials for success.

    The workshop was organised by the LBS and Conference of Western Attorneys-General. It had Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Director of Research, LBS, Prof OlawaleAjai, former Lagos State Solicitor-General, Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey, Chief Federal Deputy and General Counsel, United States, Parker Douglas and Attorney-General of the State of Utah, United States, Sean Reyes as facilitator and principal resource persons.

    Arthur Worrey spoke on areas that could boost prosecution. He said:  ”The major challenge is how to manage the process and recommended a reward system for good and honest prosecutions, motivation, proper investigation, dignity of the prosecutors, deployment of technology, acceptable leadership, welfare scheme for prosecutors, addressing ethical issues and also recommended that a percentage of recovered proceeds from crime should be retained by the prosecution agencies to help improve their infrastructure.”

    The event targeted attorneys-general from the 36 states, directors of public prosecution and prosecutors in the ministries of justice and investigative agencies, the participants had opportunity to interact with seasoned prosecutors from different jurisdictions, to share experiences and compare notes.

    The course content took participants through themes in prosecution, including The role of attorneys-general in public prosecution and criminal justice system, Case preparation,  effective and ethical practice as DPP and Attorney-general, ethical criminal justice practice: How possible, how true? Prosecuting a corruption case: From ‘Honest graft’ to conflict of interest.

    Idigbe  said:  ‘’It’s not unusual for convicts to forfeit proceeds of the crime of the object of the crime, like drugs and the challenge most times is, to whom do your forfeit those proceeds?

    “Another challenge is the relationship between the DPP and the Police, where we hear often ‘DPP’s advice is being awaited and this should be so. We need both the DPP and the police, in other countries, the police actually report to the DPP who is totally in charge of investigations, and I hope we’ll get there someday in Nigeria.

    “Also, we have the worrisome issue of Holding Charge, and my personal view is that we should try to strengthen the presumption of innocence before conviction and enshrined in the Constitution. The investigating agencies should step up their act and ensure that they conclude investigation before arraignment before a court. Then, when there is absolute need to seek for extension of time, they should go to the proper court which has proper jurisdiction to get such extension to properly detain a crime suspect.’’

    Idigbe continued: “I am strongly of the view that the office of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, where the Attorney-General deals strictly purely legal matters and don’t get distracted with the politics associated with the office. For instance, the Minister of Justice can deal issues of policy, funding and attending Council of State meetings, while the Attorney-General should be at the implementation side, handling cases on behalf of the government, prosecuting and other purely legal issues.”

  • Law School Class ‘91 honours Ekwueme, Lalong, others

    Law School Class ‘91 honours Ekwueme, Lalong, others

    The Nigerian Law School set of 91 has in Lagos honoured members of the class who have excelled in public and private life.This was part of the activities marking the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the class.

    Honoured are former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, who received award for Excellence and consistency in national politics, Mr Simon Bako Lalong, received award of Excellence as Plateau State Governor, and John Olatunde Ayeni received award for Excellence and Achievements in the corporate world.

    Other awardees include: Mr Gabriel Toruwua Suswam, Justice Aishat Opesanwo, Mohammed Abdullahi, Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN), Mr. Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), Mr. Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN) Prof. Bem Angwe of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Mrs. Adenike Laoye.

    The celebrations started with a mentoring and interactive session for students of  the Lagos campus of the Nigerian Law School, moderated by the Secretary of the forum, Mr. Alex Muoka.This was followed by a cocktail with the Law School students in the afternoon, while the main event of the day, the Dinner and Awards, held at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

    The theme for the event was Nigerian Law School Class 91, Our talking beginnings: 25 years on…History meets the future”.

    Chairman of the class, Mr. J. S. Okutepa (SAN)  said: ‘The success of our class is dedication to the practice of law. I have never wavered into other fields of endeavour.

    On his advice to the law students, Okutepa said: “The students who spoke to today should remain focused, eliminate fear, even in the face of the obstacles. The road may be tough and rough, but with determination and dedicatio, they will get there and this is my message to them.

    He said: “Take a closer look at our theme, and after 25 years, look at what we have done and where we are. This class has over 20 Senior Advocates, two governors, judges and justices at the various hierarchies of courts, captains of industry, successful politicians and businessmen.

    “We intend to make this a yearly event and, possibly, take it to other campuses of the Nigerian Law School. In addition to this, we are planning many projects to give back to society, especially the Law School. We are thinking of a borehole, and we are coming back to meet with Director-General of the Nigerian Law School to discuss and agree on what we should do to help our Alma mata”

    “The class has the rare privilege of having in its fold, very distinguished Nigerians, including the former Vice- President, Dr. Alex Ekweme who graduated and was called to the Bar alongside his son, Dr. Khrushchev Ekweme in 1991.

    Also, in the class were Lalong,   Suswan, Lagos Attorney-General Adeniji Kazeem, Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN), Norrison Quakers (SAN), Mr. Kemi Balogun (SAN),  ThisDay Lawyer Editor, Mrs. Onikepo Braithwaite and many other distinguished legal practitioners, including 27 Senior Advocates of Nigeria.  The dinner rounded up with the presentation of Special and pioneering awards to members of the class.’’

  • Celebrating Olanipekun at 65

    Celebrating Olanipekun at 65

    Lagos lawyer, Ayo Adesanya, in this article, eulogises Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN) who has turned 65

    Hearty congratulations to a distinguished jurisprudential pontiff and rare legal icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun, OFR,  SAN, on  his 65th birthday which held on November 18.

    History has taught us that certain men are created, though out of the dust like others, but with sterling and exceptional features that make them stand tall and above all in their generation. The manner and place of their birth would give little or no indication about their task and mission or the assignment they have been commissioned to undertake; their ancestral lineage would in some cases be devoid of any modicum of royalty. It is this class of people that William Shakespeare had in mind in Twelth Night when he said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, while some have greatness thrust upon them”.

    Shakespeare had the ilk of people like Chief  Olanipekun in mind in his evergreen Twelfth Night. Yet, for this legal potentate, his  is a rare combination   – he is  born great, he achieves greatness, and he also has greatness thrust upon him. Today, I celebrate Chief Olanipekun, a generalissimo of Nigerian courts and, arguably, the finest legal mind to come out of the Commonwealth.

    It is incontrovertible that Chief Olanipekun is an accomplished, nationally acclaimed and versatile legal luminary. He is an elder statesman, frontline national figure, role model, patriot and mentor of lawyers. He has worked relentlessly to build an imperishable legacy of irresistible virtues, standard and lasting ethos for the legal profession.  He is a jurist of all times and a genius in a dauntless and exclusive class of his own. He stands shoulder-high among his contemporaries because his standard is infinitely high. Legal commentators and chroniclers of history will continue to applaud this legal octopus for his tremendous contributions to the advancement of the legal profession in Nigeria.

    The Chief inspires young lawyers to high heavens. He is a voracious reader and goes through every literature that comes his way.

    Chief Olanipekun is a quintessential and irrepressible advocate. Watching him in action in court reveals a lawyer very deep in thought, and ardent in learning. He exhibits a unique skill for presentation of arguments, a powerful delivery and a dazzling ability to carry the court along with him. He has a stunningly clear and analytical mind. He deconstructs cases with ease and backs them up with decided authorities without winking. His voice is his asset in the court room, as he holds the court and lawyers spellbound; he is indeed a courtroom General. To him, a good mastery of the English Language and knowledge of the law are the weapons needed by a lawyer for the successful prosecution of a client’s cause.

    Even when he loses a case, his client goes home satisfied that he could not have had a better lawyer. His advocacy is Brief writing  is enchanting. Even his archrivals and adversaries often agree that Chief Olanipekun pays attention to minutest details. He often has his way with words.

    Chief Olanipekun’s unrivalled passion for education and the development of the human mind is possibly birthed by his acute intolerance for mediocrity and ignorance and all its attendant characteristics. His capacity for giving is unassailable, his penchant for philanthropic activities is impeccable and his proclivity for humanitarianism is unmistakable. His many scholarships and philanthropic gestures are matters of public knowledge. He has one of the most organised and consistent scholarship schemes in the country – the Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme which he established in 1996 to give scholarships to indigent students at the primary, secondary, university and Law School levels. Today, the scheme has produced several lawyers, doctors, engineers, pharmacists, etc.

    It is commendable to note that Chief Olanipekun has carried out many philanthropic activities in his home town, Ikere,  the University of Ibadan where he held sway as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, the Ajayi Crowther University where he is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, the Nigerian Bar Association at both local and national levels etc. To him, all these philanthropic deeds are the constituents of his existence, for a man’s life consists not of the material things that he possesses. Each time I reflect on the person of Chief Olanipekun, my mind is always drawn to the immortal words of Stephen Grellet (1773-1855), while when thinking on the purpose of life said: “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”

    I can say without any fear of contradiction that Chief Olanipekun has, more than any other lawyer alive today contributed to the sustenance of our fledging democracy and the Rule of Law through his  pontifications and the legion of cases he has handled in various superior courts of record. Many of these cases litter our law reports. This year’s birthday also coincides with his 40th anniversary that he has been called to the Nigerian Bar. He has given so much to the legal profession and humanity.

    I join millions of people in Nigeria and the world at large to congratulate, celebrate and honour this outstanding Jurist, doyen of the Bar, quintessential, well informed, much gifted and exceptionally brilliant Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN.  Many happy returns of the day, sir.

  • Okwusogu: Resignation to fate or call to duty?

    Okwusogu: Resignation to fate or call to duty?

    Lagos lawyer Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho pays tribute to former General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the late Mr. Clement Obi Okwusogu (SAN).

    For me, this is a painful task. Painful, not because of death itself, but because, it ought not to be the death of Sir Obi, (as I fondly call him) at this time.

    How can I break the news of the demise of the erudite Mr. Clement Obi Okwusogu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), (I am yet to know what the initial ‘I’ in his names stands for), to our dear grand mother, Chief Christiana Ayodele Morohundiya, the 90-year-old widow of Chief Samuel Olasupo Morohundiya, the first Chairman and later, first Patron of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch and Bencher, to whom Sir Obi was a dancing partner.

    My two last meetings with Sir Obi were at the 90th Birthday  of Deanconess Morohundiya on April 4, at Ikeja, Lagos and the swearing-in of this year’s Senior Advocates of Nigeria on September 19, at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Abuja.

    As usual, Sir Obi attended the birthday in company of his amiable wife, ‘Auntie’ Uju Okwusogu, a friend of one of the Morohundiya daughters, Dr. Morenike Adebusuyi. On the occasion, not only did he fulfill his ‘duty’ to dance with the nonagenarian celebrator, but he also made Mrs. Funso Adegbola (nee Ige) laugh when he paid glowing tributes to her father, Chief Bola Ige, SAN and her mother, the Hon. Justice Atinuke Ige, Justice of the Court of Appeal (both of blessed memory) and made several references of his encounters with them, especially her mother, who was fond of him. How was one to know that he would be joining the saints triumphant some seven months later?

    Sir Obi started dancing with Mrs. Morohundiya during the life time of her husband, Chief Morohundiya in 1990 when the Morohundiyas hosted the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) at their ‘Mesiogo’ Lodge residence at Ikeja, Lagos to a party. He succeeded in getting her to the dancing floor on a few other happy occasions, the last of which was on her 90th Birthday on 4th April, 2016. So how do I tell grand mother, that her dancing partner, Sir Obi is dead! How?

    At the swearing-in of Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the Supreme Court on September 19, 2016, Sir Obi, addressed me and said ‘Baba Richio’ (as he calls me), you must not stop applying for the Silk O; so ti gbo (have you heard). He said, do you know how many times I applied before I became the 282nd Senior Advocate of Nigeria? Please, do not give up.

    That was not the first time Sir Obi would be looking out for my interest.

    I became active early in the activities of the Nigerian Bar Association at Ikeja Branch and also at the National level. I was called to the Bar in 1987. By 1990, I was active in the campaign of Mr. Charles Idehen for the office of President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with Kunle Uthman as my partner in that regard. I recall that Sir Obi had served as Assistant Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, I believe under both Chief Segun Onakoya and Mr. Festus Ihekweba and wanted to be Secretary-General at the Port Harcourt 1992 Conference of the NBA. I was a candidate for the office as Assistant Secretary at the said Port Harcourt 1992 Conference of the NBA, hoping to take over from Sir Obi. Though the Port Harcourt 1992 Conference, as we all know, was aborted, we stayed together having the same vision for a vibrant Bar Association.

    In 1995, I instituted the suit Richard Oma Ahonaruogho Versus Chief F.R.A. Williams, SAN & other members of the Nigerian Bar Association Committee appointed by the then Head of State, General Sani Abacha following the lingering crises after Port Harcourt 1992. After that suit, I was in 1996 elected Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja Branch and with my Branch Chairman, Mr. Oladosu Ogunniyi started was later metamorphosed into the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association, with Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) as Chairman of the Committee and my humble self as Secretary. Sir, Obi was a vibrant member of the Committee that traversed the length and breadth of this Country.

    The NBA was not the only body which was beset with crises at that time. The African Bar Association (ABA) also had her problems. So, it was that the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association began moves to resuscitate the African Bar Association (ABA). The last election of the ABA was in Abuja in 1991. A meeting of the ABA was called for Abidjan, Cote D’ Ivoire  from October 17-18, 1997 and the delegates from Nigeria included Chief Emmanuel Ofule, Mr. Akinola Aina, Mr. Clement I. Obi Okwusogu, Mr. Rafiu A. Lawal-Rabana, Mr. Kunle Uthman, Blessing Emonena Ukiri and Richard Ahonaruogho. Even though we were unable to hold election, a strong foundation was laid for the revival of the ABA at the Abidjan meeting.

    The Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigerian Bar Association in 1998, was able without any government funding, (but with the financial help of Chief Fredrick Rotimi Alade Williams (SAN), the only financial donor of the princely N500,000, which was used to pay for the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja venue of the Conference), was able to hold a conference at which Mr. Thompson J. O. Okpoko (SAN) emerged as President and Mr. Clement I. Obi Okwusogu emerged as Secretary-General.

    In August, 2000, I contested for the office of Secretary-General of the NBA, with the hope of once again taking over from Mr. Clement I. Obi Okwusogu, but lost. Mr. Okwusogu had since then continued to encourage me to re-contest for that office.

    I have in my short stay on earth come to realise that old age is a gift from God, hence, it will be foolish (for indeed, I have been foolish as set out in my opening paragraph above), to question why Sir Obi at the age of 64, when he had so much, in my earthly view, to offer mankind and humanity.

    As touched as I was when ‘Auntie’ Uju asked – “why me – a widow at 58”; I know that she would be console by the inner peace and understanding that her beloved Obi is resting in God’s bosom where there is no pain or sickness, for death is in itself a cure to pain and sickness.

    To the lovely children, I know that God will strengthen you and prosper you beyond human imaginations. You can only build on the good and solid foundation so ably laid by your dear hard working father.

    I am sure that I am not the only person who has failed to take the advice so freely and lovingly given by Sir Obi. Even though he is no more here to have my answers, I thanked him for his interest in me and my family, particularly Mojisola Asake and I promised that I will do my best to make his memory a happy one. I will persevere as he did persevere, knowing that someday we shall meet to part no more and then I will be able to report, Sir Obi, I heeded your advice so freely and loving given.

    So, for me my choice is easy. I say NO to resignation to fate. I say YES to a call to duty.

    Adieu Sir Clement I. Obi Okwusogu (SAN).

    Adieu the 282nd SAN.

    Adieu Life Bencher.

    Adieu Past Secretary-General of the NBA.

    Adieu ‘Auntie’ Uju’s heartthrob.

    Adieu loving father.

    Adieu my Big Brother.

    God bless your soul.

  • Lagos to enforce youths’right to education

    THE Lagos State Government will push for recognition of the importance of education for the youth,  Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Adeniji Kazeem has said.

    Kazeem spoke at a symposium organised by his ministry to mark this year’s Human Rights Day held at the Chapel of Christ The Light Hall, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

    He stressed that youth education “is not just a right but also a toll for achieving sustainable development, improving the nation’s human capital and increasing national economic development and social growth because in every Nigerian youth lies the seed of greatness, extraordinary qualities and excellence”.

    The attorney-general,  represented by the Solicitor-General, Mrs Funlola Odunlami, stressed that aside education, which he described as an effective way to reduce poverty, youths are also entitled to basic human rights such as food, health care,  safe home and protection from abuse.

    “These special set of rights is to cater for their vulnerability and to ensure that adults take responsibility for their protection and development,” he added.

    He insisted on recognising youths as  key player in human rights’issues and policy formulation to equip them with knowledge and skills for participating in the development process.

    In a key note address, Mrs. Funke Agbor, (SAN) said  youths were experiencing discrimination in gender, immigration status, disability and social status.

    She suggested what she called   youth-based policies that would enable them enjoy their rights.

    According to her, such an approach would ensure that their rights represent the legal basis for any youth-related policy to reduce the increasing violation of the right of young people.

    Mrs Agbor, who was represented by a lawyer, Mr. Folahan Ajayi, pointed out that though youths constitute identifiable group,  they also have important contributions to make to  the society.

    She said there was need to place the right of the youth in the front burner and involve them in policy formulation on youths.

  • Minister, Ambode greet firm at 20

    A leading law firm, Jackson, Etti & Edu, has marked its 20th Anniversary with a charity walk and fund raiser for cancer treatment and support for victims.

    It also marked the event with a clients’ dinner at Claridges Mayfair, London, and a dinner dance for  staff and alumni in Lagos.

    Managing Partner, Koye Edu, said: “Our fundraising Charity Walk had great meaning to us, as we lost one of our partners to cancer, so we had a walk in her honour and to also create awareness on the benefit of early detection. We also raised money from our Walk and made a donation to a reputable Cancer Support Organisation.”

    Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Geoffrey Onyeama and Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode congratulated the firm.

    Onyeama, who delivered the keynote address at the London dinner, recognised the firm’s commitment to demonstrating the capability of Nigerian institutions and projecting a positive image of the country to the rest of the world.

    He also congratulated the firm’s partners and staff on the landmark celebration.

    Ambode, who was a special guest at the Lagos dinner dance, said: “Jackson, Etti & Edu is one of the firms Lagos State remains proud of.”

    The firm’s staff members who have worked for over 10 years got awards; alumni who have also played a role in its 20-year history were also recognised.

    Edu said: “This celebration is dedicated to the people who have supported us throughout our remarkable 20-year journey.  We are thrilled to be celebrating this momentous occasion with our clients, colleagues and friends and eagerly anticipate the journey ahead for our legal practice.

    “Jackson, Etti & Edu remains committed to providing excellent legal services to our local and international clients for the next 20 years and beyond.”

    Among guests at the clients’ dinner was the Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr Adah Simon Ogah.