Femi Falana, SAN, Heads to Ijebu-Ode as NBA Law Week Rekindles National Conversation on Rule of Law, Justice and Democratic Governance

 

-Professor Fassy Yusuf Raises Alarm Over Executive Recklessness, Public Silence and Disrespect for Law; New Bar Centre, CSR Projects, Annual Lecture and New Leadership to Highlight Week-long Activities

By Femi Mebude
Ijebu Today / Igboro Lawa
08053044503 | 07066675577
infosdelighttv@gmail.com

The ancient city of Ijebu-Ode is set to become the focal point of national legal discourse as renowned human rights advocate and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, leads discussions on strengthening democracy and the rule of law during the 28th Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ijebu-Ode Branch.

The week-long event, themed "Strengthening the Rule of Law in a Democratic Nigeria," was officially unveiled during a press conference held at the Bamofin Ade Adedeji Bar Centre within the Ogun State High Court, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division.

Addressing journalists, Chairman of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch, Professor Fassy Adetokunboh O. Yusuf, described the Annual Law Week as a statutory programme of the association designed to review the state of the nation, interrogate contemporary legal issues, promote professional excellence and reinforce the administration of justice.

Professor Yusuf said the theme was deliberately chosen to stimulate meaningful national conversations on constitutional governance, accountability, justice and democratic consolidation at a time Nigeria continues to confront complex governance and institutional challenges.

The highlight of the celebration will be the Annual Bar Lecture on Thursday, July 9, 2026, where Femi Falana, SAN, will deliver the keynote address. The lecture will be followed by a high-level panel discussion involving members of the Bench, the Bar and academia, including Justice Omoniyi of the Ijebu-Ode High Court.

Rule of Law Under Threat
Fielding questions from journalists, Professor Yusuf identified three critical challenges undermining the rule of law in Nigeria—executive recklessness, citizens' indifference to injustice and persistent disrespect for law enforcement agencies and judicial institutions.

He lamented the increasing culture of silence among Nigerians, observing that many people deliberately ignore wrongdoing whenever they are not directly affected.

According to him, democracy can only flourish where citizens possess the courage to speak against injustice and actively defend the principles of accountability and constitutional order.

He also criticised the growing tendency of some citizens to undermine law enforcement officers, violate traffic regulations, evade taxes and attempt to resolve legal issues through bribery rather than lawful processes.

While acknowledging the shortcomings of political leadership, Professor Yusuf insisted that followers equally share responsibility for Nigeria's present challenges.

He stressed that sustainable national development requires responsible citizenship, obedience to the law and unwavering commitment to civic responsibilities.
"The Nigerian State remains a work in progress," he said, expressing optimism that continued democratic stability over the next five to ten years would strengthen national institutions and governance.

Week-long Activities
Activities commenced on Friday, July 3, with the official press conference and Jumat Service at the Ijebu-Ode Central Mosque.

The programme continues with a fitness walk and exercise session at the Dipo Dina Stadium on Saturday, July 4, followed by a Thanksgiving Service at the Cathedral Church of Our Saviour, Italowajoda-Ijasi, on Sunday, July 5.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, the branch will visit Nigeria Police Force Area Commands in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ogbere on Monday, July 6, alongside other community development engagements.

One of the landmark events of the Law Week will be the commissioning and dedication of the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch Bar Centre on Tuesday, July 7. The facility was generously donated by the Bamofin of Ijebu, Chief Aderibigbe Adedeji.

Expected at the commissioning are Dapo Abiodun, members of the Ogun State Executive Council, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, judges, magistrates, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other distinguished legal practitioners.

A novelty football match between the NBA Ijebu-Ode All Stars and the NBA Abeokuta Branch Football Team will hold on Wednesday, July 8, promoting friendship and unity within the legal profession.

The celebration will conclude on Friday, July 10, with the Annual Bar Dinner, Awards Night and the inauguration of the newly elected Executive Committee that will pilot the affairs of the branch for the 2026–2028 administrative term.

Leadership Scorecard and New Vision
Reviewing his administration, Professor Yusuf highlighted the successful completion of the Bar Centre project, sustained peace within the branch and the expansion of public enlightenment activities through the branch's Human Rights Committee.

He noted that disagreements among members were resolved through dialogue and established institutional mechanisms, strengthening unity within the branch.

On behalf of the incoming executive, Chairman-elect, Gbenga Tajudeen Adeiye, pledged to prioritise members' welfare, deepen professional development and build on the achievements of the outgoing administration.

Among senior members present at the press conference were incoming Vice Chairman Mrs. Elsie Olaniyi, incoming Financial Secretary Mrs. Abiola Ogundipe, Publicity Secretary Mrs. Atinuke Ibidapo-Adebajo and other principal officers of the branch.

As anticipation builds ahead of the Annual Law Week, the NBA Ijebu-Ode Branch has called on members of the public, the media and stakeholders across the justice sector to support the activities and join the collective effort to strengthen the rule of law, uphold justice and consolidate Nigeria's democratic institutions.