The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Future of law lies in ethics, technology, not just legal knowledge — Prof Yusuf Ali

    Future of law lies in ethics, technology, not just legal knowledge — Prof Yusuf Ali

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and legal luminary, Professor Yusuf Ali, has warned that the future of the legal profession will not belong to lawyers who merely know the law, but to those who combine sound legal knowledge with technological awareness and unwavering ethical discipline.

    Professor Ali said the legal profession is currently at a crossroads, with innovation advancing faster than regulation and technology increasingly testing ethical boundaries.

    He made the remarks in a keynote address delivered at the opening of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan Branch 2025 Law Week, held on Monday at the Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

    The event, themed “Law, Ethics and Innovation: Sustaining the Future of Legal Practice,”* attracted members of the bench and bar, legal scholars, and other stakeholders.

    Speaking through Mutalubi Ojo, SAN, Professor Ali noted that the law, traditionally conservative and grounded in precedent and procedural rigidity, must now respond to the demands of a rapidly changing world. He described the theme of the Law Week as timely, urgent, and highly consequential.

    “The legal profession stands today at a crossroads. Innovation is accelerating faster than regulation. Technology is testing the borders of ethics, and the expectations of clients, institutions, and society are evolving at a breathtaking pace,” he said.

    He raised concerns about how the profession can preserve dignity, trust, and professionalism while embracing tools and technologies that will define the future of legal practice, stressing the need for deliberate, ethical, and visionary leadership.

    Professor Ali observed that legal systems worldwide are undergoing transformation, with artificial intelligence now deployed in document review, risk analysis, and due diligence, while courts increasingly adopt virtual hearings and electronic filing systems.

    He cautioned, however, that innovation in legal practice must be guided by ethics, warning that innovation without ethical discipline could erode trust, undermine fairness, and weaken the soul of the profession.

    “Technology can accelerate justice, but it can also entrench inequality. AI can analyse data, but it can also encode bias. Digital platforms can reduce delays but may weaken procedural fairness. Automated tools can simplify work but undermine critical reasoning,” he said.

    According to him, the future belongs not to lawyers who merely know the law, but to those who effectively integrate legal expertise, technological competence, and strong ethical values.

    He added that the future of legal practice in Nigeria will not emerge by chance but through deliberate action, ethical leadership, and courageous innovation, urging lawyers to embrace relevance, ethics, competence, and progress.

    In his goodwill message, the Oyo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, emphasised the importance of professionalism, maturity, and values in the legal profession, especially amid technological disruption.

    He recalled a recent Supreme Court proceeding involving the 36 states, where some lawyers displayed conduct below the expected standards, stressing that ethics and decorum must not be compromised.

    Aikomo urged legal practitioners to take discussions on ethics, innovation, and information technology seriously, noting that the future of the profession depends on it.

    In her goodwill message, Nigeria’s first female lawyer, Folake Solanke, expressed her deep affection for the legal profession, describing it as the “one and only learned profession in the world”.

    However, she lamented that allegations of misconduct by some lawyers tarnish the profession’s reputation, affecting all its members. She emphasized the importance of eliminating corruption and misconduct, noting that it would be easy if every lawyer were committed to being corruption-free.

    Mama Solanke reminisced about the golden age of the legal profession, when lawyers prepared cases diligently and presented them confidently, knowing that judgments would be based on the law and facts. She prayed for a return to that era, when confidence and trust were extended to Nigerian lawyers and judges.

    She thanked the Nigerian Bar Association for lifting the ban on women wearing trousers and expressed gratitude for the recognition she has received from the legal community. 

  • Edo Assembly warns contractors against delay

    Edo Assembly warns contractors against delay

    Edo State House of Assembly Special Ad-hoc Committee on Project Inspection has warned contractors handling road projects across the state not to delay completion of the projects.

    It urged the contractors to accelerate work on the projects, especially during the dry season, to enable residents enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    Committee Chairman Addeh Isibor gave the warning during an inspection of projects in Ovia North East, Uhunmwonde and Ikpoba-Okha local governments.

    He said residents must begin to enjoy the dividends of democracy as promised by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

    Addeh said the inspection was part of the House’s continuous assessment of projects executed by the Governor Okpebholo administration.

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    He said the committee was impressed that the contractor remained on site despite the adverse weather conditions.

    He said harsh weather should not be used as an excuse for delay in project completion.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects Monitoring and Inspection, Phoebe Williams-Bello, an engineer, said about 850 metres of earthworks of the Upper Ekehuan road had been completed.

    He said persistent rainfalls had been a major constraint to completion of the projects.

    Other projects inspected were Catholic Charismatic Renewal Road, Ugbihoko Quarters, Palace Road along Upper Mission Road, Ekiuwa-UNIBEN Road and Temboga Road.

  • Lagos gives final warning on layout plans

    Lagos gives final warning on layout plans

    Lagos State Government has given final warning to estate developers operating without approved layout plans.

    Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who led an on-the-spot warning and sensitisation exercise across parts of Eti-Osa corridor, said the final warning was sequel to the expiration of the grace period earlier granted to flagged estates to regularise their planning documents.

    He said the state government had emphasised the need for estate promoters to obtain proper approvals before engaging in land subdivision, sale or construction.

    Olumide said the affected estates had continued to operate in violation of planning regulations despite earlier notices, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate developments that compromised orderly and sustainable urban growth.

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    The commissioner reiterated that the final one-week warning issued to the erring estates was the last opportunity for them to submit their layout plans and obtain approvals.

    He said after the deadline, government would apply appropriate sanctions, ranging from heavy fines to demolition, depending on the magnitude of each infraction.

    Olumide urged the public, especially prospective home buyers, to verify the planning status of any estate before committing funds, noting that due diligence remained essential, to avoid losses.

    ‘’Lagos State Government reaffirms its commitment to enforcing planning laws, to safeguard the environment and ensure orderly development across the state.’’

    The enforcement team visited, among others, Whiteoak Estate 2, behind VGC and Elite Garden Estate, developed by Bosmark Haven Properties Limited, also behind VGC.

  • Govt, institute seal pact

    Govt, institute seal pact

    Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), to enhance procurement capability and institutional practices.

    The agreement, signed through Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA), is aimed at promoting efficient, transparent and ethical procurement systems that will improve service delivery across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

    CIPS Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Chukwudi Uche, said the partnership aligned with CIPS’ mission to strengthen procurement capacity at all levels of government.

    He said the collaboration would support Lagos State’s ambitious infrastructure development and expanded social services, economic growth and inclusive welfare agenda through globally-accepted procurement standards.

    Uche said the MoU provided a framework for capacity building and professional development of procurement officers, trusted advisory support on global best practices and policy reforms, joint training initiatives to strengthen ethics and transparency, and the continuous alignment of procurement competency and accreditation framework.

    ‘’The agreement also allows for joint projects, including donor-funded initiatives beneficial to procurement professionals and communities in Lagos.’’

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    Director-General of Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Onafowote, described the signing of the MoU as a boost to the state’s procurement reforms.

    He said the collaboration with CIPS would help Lagos align with global standards, while equipping procurement personnel with the skills and tools needed for accountability, cost optimisation and effective public-sector performance.

    ‘’The MoU reinforces Lagos State’s commitment to procurement reform and complements broader national efforts to strengthen governance, transparency and value-for-money in public expenditure.’’

    CIPS is the world’s largest professional body for procurement and supply professionals and a strategic partner to Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Procurement. Lagos State Public Procurement Agency is mandated to ensure probity, accountability and transparency in public procurement.

  • LASEMA releases report on Ikorodu Road accident

    LASEMA releases report on Ikorodu Road accident

    Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has released a preliminary report on the accident that occurred at Obanikoro, Ikorodu Road, Lagos.

    A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the accident involved two commercial vehicles.

    Further investigations on the accident that happened yesterday, according to LASEMA, showed that the driver of a red commercial bus with registration number AKD-376-YJ lost control while driving inward Ikorodu.

    It was further revealed that the accident occurred when the driver changed lanes and collided with an oncoming commercial bus with number plate LSR-145-XA, thereby resulting in the accident, which left several passengers injured.

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    Ten victims were involved in the accident, with a woman and a baby boy dying.

    LASEMA said eight other persons were injured.

    “The victims were promptly attended to by LASAMBUS and FRSC ambulances before being taken to the nearest hospital for further medical attention,” Oke-Osanyintolu said.

    He said the LASEMA Response Team conducted an appropriate Risk Assessment of the accident scene and activated necessary safety and control measures to curtail secondary incident.

  • Awori communities celebrate heritage

    Awori communities celebrate heritage

    It was a vibrant fusion of colours, rhythm and cultural pride as Awori communities from Lagos and Ogun states converged on Nigeria Police College Ground, Ikeja, Lagos, for the second edition of Awori Day 2025, with the theme: “Showcasing Our Culture and Heritage: Inspiring the Future.”

    Organised by the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN), the festival drew traditional rulers, cultural troupes, community leaders, youths and guests from within and outside Nigeria.

    AWAN National Publicity Secretary, Prince Adeniyi Jafojo, said the event was designed to promote unity and preserve the fast-eroding cultural values of Awori people.

    From the opening moments, the arena came alive with the Awori national song, colourful parades and a rich display of indigenous performances, including Egungun, Gelede, Idanku dance, Ajogbo, Ofe, Biriko, Elegba, Oko Aje and other traditional expressions that reflect the spiritual and social identity of the people.

    The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Agbabiaka Adesegun, delivered what many described as the moral anchor of the festival, calling on Awori sons and daughters to set aside divisions and work together for the growth of their communities.

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    “The future of Aworiland depends on our ability to stand together as one people,” Agbabiaka said. “A community without unity is like a tree without roots. Without unity, development in education, infrastructure and economic empowerment will remain a mirage.”

    He stressed that the festival was more than an entertainment gathering, describing it as a moral and cultural moment of reflection on identity, resilience and shared destiny.

    According to him, true celebration should not be measured by the beauty of costumes or dances alone, but by tangible progress in the lives of the people.

    He urged stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, government and the private sector, saying every part of Aworiland deserved peace, education, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

    Agbabiaka also placed strong emphasis on intergenerational responsibility, advising youths to embrace innovation and leadership, calling on elders to continue offering guidance and praising women as the backbone of homes and communities.

    He challenged Awori sons and daughters, wherever they lived, to act as ambassadors of peace, unity and development.

    In his keynote address titled: “Awori Traditional Values and Culture: Veritable Exportable Tourism Products,” the National President of AWAN, Asiwaju Muhammed Olagbaye, described culture as a powerful tool for unity and economic growth.

    Quoting French philosopher Albert Camus, he said society without culture “is but a jungle.”

    Olagbaye said Awori cultural heritage had the potential to become a major tourism export, capable of attracting foreign exchange and boosting local economies in Lagos and Ogun states.

    He noted that cultural troupes from over 200 Awori communities participated in the event, showcasing the depth of the people’s traditions.

    He highlighted the global cultural projection of Awori heritage by Prof. Jelili Atiku, a laureate and cultural ambassador, who has taken Yoruba and Awori culture to international platforms.

    He revealed plans to take the Gelede cultural performance on international tours under the theme: “The Eyes That Have Seen Gelede: Stories of Aworiland’s Heritage.”

    According to him, ‘’Gelede is a sacred Awori practice that honours the power of women, fertility and social harmony, while reinforcing the spiritual and communal bonds of the people.

    He said the proposed global seminar on Gelede would bring together scholars and cultural devotees to deepen understanding of Awori identity through oral traditions, folklore and performance.

    Olagbaye also drew attention to the popularity of Egungun festivals in Ota and other Awori communities, describing them as growing attractions for domestic and international tourists.

    He highlighted the annual Ejiwa Festival in the riverine communities of Lagos, known for its elegant white costumes, stylised dances and strong appeal to visitors.

    Beyond culture, Olagbaye says sport is also a tool of unity, citing the successful debut of the Awori Unity Cup football competition earlier in the year, which featured 32 clubs from across Aworiland and was hosted at the Lagos State University Sports Centre, Ojo.

    He said the competition had created a platform for discovering future football stars.

    Olagbaye hailed the support of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, as well as several local government chairmen and traditional rulers, for their contributions to the success of the festival.

    Deputy Chairman, Ogun State House Committee on Alternative Education, Olatunji Akinosi, described the festival as a reaffirmation of Awori identity and a testament to what a united people could achieve.

    “This is more than a celebration. It is a reaffirmation of our collective identity and cultural pride. I commend AWAN for its steadfast commitment to preserving our traditions and projecting Awori name with dignity,” he said.

    The Oba of Ado and Olofin Admiral Oodua of Aworiland, Oba Olusola Adebowale, said the festival was a sacred reminder of the resilience and wisdom of Awori ancestors.

    He called for greater collaboration between monarchs, leaders and youths to promote education, economic empowerment and sustainable development in Lagos and Ogun states.

    The festival attracted a large turnout of traditional rulers from both states, including the Olota of Ota, Prof. Abdulkabir Obalanlege; the Olofin of Isheri-Mole,  Sulaimon Bamgbade, an engineer; the Olofin of Ado-Odo, Oba Olusola Adebowale; the Onijanikin of Ijanikin, Oba Mohmodu Ashafa; the Onigando of Igando, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi; the Alakesan of Akesanland, Oba Nojeemdeen Aberejo, among others.

    There are 64 Awori Obas in Lagos State and 46 in Ogun State, a reflection of the widespread influence and deep-rooted traditional structure of Awori people.

    As the drums faded and the masqueraders retreated, the central message of Awori Day 2025 resonated clearly across the ground: that unity remains the strongest foundation for development, and that culture is not only a heritage to be celebrated, but also a resource to be harnessed for future.

  • Ladoja: I want to manage challenges

    Ladoja: I want to manage challenges

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has said his area of jurisdiction does not extend beyond the 11 local government areas of Oyo State, adding that about four million people live there, as stated in Oyo State Chiefs Law and Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    Speaking yesterday at the coronation luncheon organised to celebrate his ascension to the throne by Ibadan Foundation, at Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan, Oba Ladoja said he had a lot of work in his hands to bother himself about what he was not.

    The first-class monarch told an impressive crowd of Ibadan heavy weights, including Asiwaju Bode Amao, Chief Bayo Oyero, Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola and the Iyalode group that he had a clear-cut idea of how he wanted to manage the challenges facing Ibadan.

    He said: “When people were protesting about the Circular Road, my house was their first port of call. And I briefed Governor Seyi Makinde on it. We are confronted with land grabbing challenges. That was why we set up an anti-land grabbing committee. We are awaiting their report.

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    “But I want to hint you that land reform is underway. When we notice security breaches anywhere within our area of jurisdiction we know who to call. We know who to hold responsible. We set up Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee to recommend to us how to revive so many industries that have been closed down for years in Ibadan.

    “We want them to re-open for business to generate employment opportunities for our able-bodied youths.

    “We have inherited legacies of bravery, nobility, hard work, enviable record from our forefathers. This doesn’t mean we should resign ourselves to fate.”

    Oba Ladoja said: ‘’When the Ooni of Ife conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo Odua on our illustrious son, Dotun Sanusi, many monarchs, not just from Ibadan, but from Oyo State attended in solidarity. We didn’t know that one of our illustrious daughters, Chief Latinwo, was going to be installed Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua.’’

  • Socio-economic expert Oyedele retires from Oyo TESCOM

    Socio-economic expert Oyedele retires from Oyo TESCOM

    A socio-economic expert and Geography teacher at the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Stephen Oyedele will retire on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

    Oyedele’s retirement is expected to hold at Community Secondary School, Adegbayi, Ibadan.

    The retiree will also celebrate his 60th birthday same day.

    Speaking with journalists, Oyedele said his 35 years of meritorious service was full of giving back to the next generation.

    Oyedele, fondly called “The Law”, studied Law, Geography, Economics and Government and taught in over five schools in Oyo State with many of his students now leading administrators in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

    Oyedele described teaching as a blessed profession to him, adding that the profession gave him everything he desired including wife, godly children raising, academic excellence, respect, dignity, and societal influence.

    He said: “Teaching is a blessing to me. Let me tell you the profession has given me every good thing you can see around me. Children, good wife, higher education and certificates, respect, dignity, and even societal influence.”

    He thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for prompt payment of salaries and pensions with improved bonuses and promotions to due workers.

    He urged successive government in the state to prioritize citizens’ welfare, particularly the teachers who plan future of every generation.

    The socio-economic expert who had featured on various radio and television stations in Ibadan including IBR 92.5FM, King 103.9FM, Prince 89.7FM, Agidigbo 88.7FM among others emphasised on need to digitalise pension and gratuity payment as practised in other countries around the world.

    According to him, this will enable retiring worker get their benefits immediately, condemning years of waiting for gratuity after retirement of workers which some of them might not eventually get till they passed on.

    “It is a concern that Nigeria has not outgrown payment of gratuity within short time of retirement as other countries in the world. Many end up not getting their gratuity till they die. Let benefits payment be digitalized.

    “Countries like India, parts of the Middle East (like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE), and some Commonwealth nations often providing substantial immediate payouts (like pension commutation or gratuity) upon leaving service, why Nigeria failing systemic progress? Pay all entitlements once. There should not be any delay anymore. The hands that worked must eat it in good health.”

    Oyedele, whose voice was recognised as a staunch caller on local and national broadcast mediums in Nigeria, thanked his wife, children and family for co-operation and prayers all through the service.

    He vowed to continue to contribute to the growth and development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

    Oyedele won Best Socio- Commentator of the Year Award at the 1st Edition of Journalist Olawale Ogunbusola School Competition & Awards in 2022.

  • Tinubu hails commencement of commercial flights at Ekiti airport

    Tinubu hails commencement of commercial flights at Ekiti airport

    Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, Ibrahim Olarewaju, has hailed Ekiti Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on the commencement of commercial flight operations at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport.

    Olarewaju described the development as a major milestone and a clear testament to visionary leadership, policy consistency and continuity in governance.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Ex-House of Representatives member said the inauguration of commercial flights at the airport represents a defining moment in Ekiti State’s developmental journey.

    He noted that the facility has continued to attract commendations from aviation experts and prominent business leaders who have already made use of the airport.

    According to him, stakeholders who have visited the airport have affirmed that it meets world-class standards, citing its robust design, modern infrastructure and high level of operational excellence.

    Olarewaju stressed that the airport is strategically positioned to significantly transform Ekiti’s economic landscape by opening the state to fresh opportunities in commerce, investment, tourism and the hospitality sector.

    He further underscored the strategic importance of the airport’s location, pointing to its proximity to key academic and research institutions such as Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State University (EKSU), as well as the emerging Ekiti Knowledge Zone in Ado-Ekiti. 

    Olarewaju also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support for Ekiti State’s development agenda, particularly his support for Governor Oyebanji’s administration and the successful completion of the airport project.

    He lauded previous administrations for laying the groundwork for the project, with appreciation to former Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi for the bold and decisive steps taken during his tenure to advance the airport initiative.

    He also lauded the contributions of legal luminary and educationist, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, for his significant role in ensuring the realisation of the project.

    Olarewaju urged the people of Ekiti State to continue to support Governor Oyebanji beyond 2026 and up to 2030, noting that sustained support would guarantee stability and enable the administration to consolidate its achievements while delivering more transformative projects across the State. 

  • Ekiti community dismisses group’s claim on Obaship tussle

    Ekiti community dismisses group’s claim on Obaship tussle

    People of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti have dismissed claims by a group  Ijesa-Isu Ekiti Development Collective (IIEDC) over the lingering tussle surrounding the appointment of a new monarch for the community. 

    The community elders described IIEDC as faceless and its assertions that three

    ruling houses agreed to adhere to  the 1957 Chieftaincy declaration and adopt a rotational arrangement for the selection of the vacant Obanla stool,as misleading and ploy to distort facts surrounding the ongoing process. 

    Speaking on behalf of the community, Elder Omoyele Ajobiewe said the claim does not represent the position of the community, stressing that the group is unknown to Ijesa-Isu Ekiti and lacks both structure and legitimacy.

    Ajobiewe explained that the claim was allegedly fabricated  to justify alleged irregularities in the process of selecting a new traditional ruler, which he said had generated tension and concern in the community.

    According to the elder, the Obaship crisis arose from the handling of the selection process by the Head of Princes, Chief Odofin of Oke-Osa, Sunday Babalola who was mandated to coordinate the exercise.

    Ajobiewe explained that 12 contestants from the three ruling houses paid a sum of N500,000 each, in addition to N20,000 earlier paid for the letters of interest, but despite a screening exercise, no official result has been released.

    He added that the process, instead was trailed by allegation of signature forgery,, attempts to secure a consent judgment and other alleged underground dealings that undermined its credibility.

    He further alleged that Chief Babalola who coordinated the exercise,  single-handedly picked a preferred candidate without consulting other chiefs and the committee constituted for the selection process, in violation of the established customs.

    He also dismissed claims that the three ruling houses including Akoko, Omotere and Omotoyo had agreed to a rotational arrangement under the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, insisting that no such agreement was reached or documented.

    He maintained that for centuries, the Obanla stool has been filled strictly in accordance with established customs, lineage rules and divination through Ifa, warning that any attempt to rewrite tradition through faceless groups or sponsored narratives would be resisted.